Special Operations.Com

U.S. Navy SEALs

Air Operations

U.S. Navy SEALs use a variety of air operations equipment, combined with fixed/rotary wing aircraft to perform clandestine insertions.

Static Line Capability

Static line capability allows the parachutist exiting the aircraft to have the static-line (attached inside the aircraft) deploy his main canopy.  The MC1-1B is the standard "round" parachute system used by SEALs for low altitude (600 - 1,500 feet) insertion.  The MC1-1B employs a 35 foot diameter main and 24 foot reserve (emergency) parachute.  Equipment rings on the system allow backpacks and other operational gear to by "jumped in".  SEALs use the static line capability for day and night landing in water or on land.

Free Fall Capability

Free fall capability is a method in which the parachutist "free falls" from the aircraft to a designated altitude, then deploys the main canopy.  The MT1-XS is the standard "free fall" parachute system used by SEALs for high (25,000 feet) and low (2,500 feet) tactical insertions.  The MT1-XS system contains a 370 square foot main and 270 square foot reserve canopies.  These canopies, called "Ram-Air" canopies, are rectangular in design and resemble the wing of an airplane in shape and gliding characteristics.  These high performance "gliding systems" are highly maneuverable, with airspeeds of 15 to 22 mph.  Given a tailwind of 40 mph at 20,000 feet, the parachutist can reach ground speeds of 60 to 70 mph.  Like the MC1-1B, the MT1-XS has equipment rings to allow backpacks and other operational gear to by "jumped in".  SEALs use the free fall capability for day and night landing in water or on land.  The MT1-XS is equipped with an Automatic Opening Device (AOD).  The AOD automatically deploys the main canopy at a pre-designated altitude in the event the jumper fails to manually deploy his parachute.

Air Dropping Cargo

SEALs use cargo air drop techniques to deliver small re-supply bundles to ground forces, or inserting Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC).  The inflated CRRC is lashed down to a platform, with all necessary operational equipment inside the CRRC.  This equipment includes outboard engines, gasoline, weapons, radios and individuals' gear.  A G-12 cargo parachute is then rigged on top of the load.  The CRRC is released from the aircraft and rolls off the ramp, followed by the jumpers (either static line or free fall).  The cargo parachute brings the CRRC safely down in the water, and the SEALs land close to the CRRC.  After the CRRC is derigged the outboard engine is installed and the SEALs start the transit.

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