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A C-130J from the Rhode Island Air National Guard's 143rd Airlift Wing flying at 2,000 feet pops the drogue
chute over the Atlantic in April of 2004. |
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The drag of the chute begins to pull the 11-meter RHIB out the back of the C-130, starting it on its journey to
the ocean below. |
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The weight of the RHIB is pulling the nose of the C-130 up as it slides back. For this reason it is important that the craft exit the airframe as quickly as possible. |
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Once clear of the aircraft, the RHIB separates from the pallet used to hold it and launch it from the plane.
The pallet, with a separate parachute, falls to the ocean with a sailor following to secure it for further
use. This is not something that would necessarily happen in wartime. |
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The RHIB nears the water and two craft from SBT-20 approach the splash-down area. |
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Splashdown! The RHIB has successfully landed in the water and is awaiting the arrival of Navy SWCC's to prepare
it for use. |
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Navy SWCC's (Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewma) have boarded the 11-meter RHIB and are setting it up for
use. |
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Another RHIB heads over to the floating pallet to help prepare it for retrieval. |
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Two Navy Sailors prepare the pallet |
