M1002 GROUND AIRDROP ~1.0 hours

Simulated Airdrop Procedures

Module 2: Simulated Airdrops - Ground Instruction (C-17/C-130 Style)

OBJECTIVE

Build proficiency in C-17/C-130 style simulated airdrop procedures, including low-level route navigation, the SLOW-POP-IP-DROP-ESCAPE sequence, drop zone (DZ) approach, CARP calculations, and level delivery profiles for cargo and personnel drops, while ensuring tactical awareness, timing accuracy, and safe virtual operations.

AIRDROP PROFILE - SIDE VIEW

Low Level (300-500 ft)

Slowdown

Pop-up (S-Curve)

Drop Run

Escape

1. SLOW

Decelerate to drop speed

2. POP

S-curve to drop altitude

3. IP

Level, start timing

4. DROP

Green light, release

5. ESCAPE

Accelerate, egress

CONTENT

Airdrop Fundamentals

• Mission types: Heavy Equipment (HE), Container Delivery System (CDS), and Personnel drops.
• Level delivery: All drops executed from level flight - no dive profiles unlike fighter A/G.
• Drop altitudes: Typically 1,000-1,500 ft AGL depending on load type and tactical situation.
• Airspeed requirements: 130-150 KIAS for C-130, 140-160 KIAS for C-17 (varies by load).

AIRDROP PARAMETERS

Personnel Drop: 800-1,000 ft AGL

CDS Drop: 600-1,500 ft AGL

Heavy Equipment: 1,000-1,500 ft AGL

Drop Airspeed: 130-160 KIAS

Low-Level Ingress

Low-level flight is conducted below drop altitude to minimize radar detection and threat exposure. The aircraft remains at terrain-following altitudes until initiating the pop-up maneuver.

• Low-level altitude: 750-1,000 ft AGL - significantly below the 1,000-1,500 ft drop altitude.
• Terrain following: Continuous altitude adjustments to maintain consistent AGL clearance.
• Ingress speed: 300-360 KIAS typical, faster than drop speed for survivability.
• Navigation: GPS waypoints, terrain features, and timing checkpoints.

⚠️ KEY CONCEPT

Low-level altitude (750-1,000 ft) is NOT the drop altitude. The aircraft must POP UP to drop altitude (1,000-1,500 ft) before executing the airdrop.

SLOW-POP-IP-DROP-ESCAPE Sequence

The airdrop sequence follows a precise five-phase flow. Each phase has specific parameters and crew coordination requirements.

1. SLOW Slowdown Point

• Begin 2-3 minutes prior to DZ
• Reduce from ingress speed (250-280 KIAS) to drop speed (130-160 KIAS)
• Configure aircraft: flaps as required
• Crew call: "SLOWDOWN"

2. POP Pop-Up Maneuver (S-Curve)

• Execute S-curve climb from low-level (300-500 ft) to drop altitude (750-1,500 ft)
• Smooth pull-up, brief level, then continue climb - not an abrupt pitch change
• Level off at drop altitude before IP
• Crew call: "POP UP"

3. IP Initial Point

• Cross IP level at drop altitude and drop airspeed
• Start timing - typically 3-5 minutes to DZ
• Final drop checklist complete
• Crew call: "IP INBOUND"

4. DROP Airdrop Execution

• Execute at CARP (Computed Air Release Point)
• Wings level, stabilized altitude and airspeed
• Hold parameters until load clear
• Crew calls: "1 MINUTE" → "30 SECONDS" → "GREEN LIGHT" → "LOAD CLEAR"

5. ESCAPE Egress Maneuver

• Immediate acceleration post-drop
• Maintain drop altitude or climb as tactical situation dictates
• Clean up configuration: flaps, close ramp/door (simulated)
• Proceed to Exit Point (EP) and continue mission
• Crew call: "EGRESSING"

CARP & Drop Zone Procedures

• CARP: Computed Air Release Point - calculated position to release load accounting for wind, altitude, and airspeed.
• PI (Point of Impact): Designated ground location where load should land.
• Wind drift: Higher altitudes and lighter loads = greater wind effect on drop accuracy.
• DZ markings: PI marker, approach/departure headings, and wind indicator (ground personnel).

CARP CALCULATION FACTORS

Altitude

Higher = more drift time

Airspeed

Faster = further forward throw

Wind

Affects drift direction/distance

Load Type

Weight affects descent rate

Route Structure

• Slowdown Point: 2-3 min before DZ - begin deceleration to drop speed.
• Pop-Up Point: S-curve climb from low-level to drop altitude - must be level before IP.
• IP (Initial Point): Start timing, final stabilization at drop parameters.
• DZ (Drop Zone): Execute airdrop at CARP.
• EP (Exit Point): Escape complete, resume enroute altitude/speed.

TIMING REFERENCE

Slowdown to Pop: ~1-2 min

Pop to IP: ~30-60 sec

IP to DZ: 3-5 min

DZ to EP: ~1-2 min

Contingencies & Abort Criteria

• Red Light (Abort): Parameters not met - go around for another pass.
• Off-DZ conditions: Weather, obstacles, or ground situation may require abort.
• Go-around: If drop aborted, escape, climb, reposition for another run.
• Communication: Report drop status to controlling agency.

ABORT CRITERIA

• Altitude deviation > ±50 ft at CARP

• Airspeed deviation > ±5 kts at CARP

• DZ not visual / DZ signals abort

• Aircraft not stabilized wings level

Planning & Crew Coordination

• Mission planning: Route study, DZ survey data, weather analysis, TOT requirements.
• Timing calculations: Slowdown point, pop-up point, IP-to-DZ time, speed adjustments.
• Crew coordination: Pilot, copilot, navigator, loadmaster responsibilities.
• Communications: DZ controller, AWACS/controlling agency, formation (if applicable).

KEY TIMING CALLS

SLOWDOWN Begin decel

POPPING S-curve initiated

IP INBOUND Crossing IP

1 MINUTE 60 sec to drop

GREEN LIGHT Execute drop

ESCAPE Egress maneuver

COMPLETION STANDARDS

Trainees will demonstrate understanding through oral quizzing. Must be able to:

• Explain airdrop parameters including altitudes, airspeeds, and load types
• Describe the SLOW-POP-IP-DROP-ESCAPE sequence with timing and crew calls
• Explain why low-level altitude differs from drop altitude
• Explain CARP concept and factors affecting drop accuracy
• Describe drop sequence timing calls and crew coordination
• Explain escape procedures and abort/go-around criteria

Completion: Demonstrate understanding via oral quizzing per vTAC vAETC standards

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