Drop Zone Selection

Terminal Learning Objective: In a class room environment, be able to explain what types of drop zones (DZs) there are, what they are used for, and how to select different DZs IAW FM 3-21.38 (FM 57-38)

Safety Requirements

Environmental Considerations Certified Loads: Those items of equipment and their associated rigging procedures which have completed the evaluation and testing required by the US Army Natick Soldier Center (NSC) for sling load certification. Note: Only certified loads are authorized for the USMC. Suitable Loads: Are those items of equipment and their associated rigging procedures that have not been certified but have demonstrated acceptable static lift and flight characteristics during a flight test. Loads having been flown for years without incident and considered safe by NSCGeneral Area for Airborne Operation: Ground Commander responsible for the decision to accept the recommended DZ and obstacles Eight Factors in Drop Zone Selection: Airdrop airspeeds Drop altitude Estimation of DZ time requirements (# and types of loads or personnel to be dropped) Access Avoid major obstacles to personnel and equipment between DZ and the objective Ensure adequate routes are available for equipment recovery Size of Drop Zone (Formulas) There are several formulas used to measure drop zones. Specific formulas can be found in FM 57-38 Approach and departure routes Enemy situation and location Terrain higher than the DZ No-Fly areas Obstacles to the aircraft Obstacles Trees, Water, Wires, Populated Areas Others – Barbed wire fences, swamps, rocks, ditches, gullies, and steep inclines

Size and Selection: Determined by Commander of Airlifted Forces, Air Component Commander and by Supported Force Commander

General Area for Airborne Operation: Ground Commander responsible for the decision to accept the recommended DZ and obstacles

Eight Factors in Drop Zone Selection: Airdrop airspeeds Drop altitude Estimation of DZ time requirements (# and types of loads or personnel to be dropped)

Eight Factors in Drop Zone Selection (cont): Access Avoid major obstacles to personnel and equipment between DZ and the objective Ensure adequate routes are available for equipment recovery

Eight Factors in Drop Zone Selection (cont): Size of Drop Zone (Formulas) There are several formulas used to measure drop zones. Specific formulas can be found in FM 57-38

Eight Factors in Drop Zone Selection (cont): Approach and departure routes Enemy situation and location Terrain higher than the DZ No-Fly areas Obstacles to the aircraft

Method of delivery (Low/High Velocity and Free Drop): Obstacles Trees, Water, Wires, Populated Areas Others – Barbed wire fences, swamps, rocks, ditches, gullies, and steep inclines

Drop Zone Survey (3 types): Complete Survey Primarily done in Peace Time, not in combat Used by any airborne force Done well in advance Ingress and egress routes Physical inspection

Drop Zone Survey (cont): Tactical Survey Used during exercises or contingencies Restricted to resupply or single ship airdrops Physical inspection Chart showing flight route

Drop Zone Survey (cont): Safety-of-Flight Review Survey Requested by SOF Restricted to special operations Chart showing approach and escape corridors Commanders accept responsibilities for injuries and damage to equipment

Drop Zone Survey (cont): Drop Zone Markings Minimum standard Point of Impact (PI) through use of Raised Angle Marker (RAM) Additional markers increase accuracy Limited visibility RAM must be illuminated Drop airspeeds: Published in appropriate manuals FM 3-21.38 (FM 57-220)

Types of Drop Zones: Circular Drop Zone Random Drop Zone Area Drop Zone Circular Drop Zone Random Drop Zone

Types of Drop Zones (cont): Area Drop Zone (draw a diagram) (cont) Changes in ground elevation of 300 feet or 90 meters Distance of drop sites from line of flight should not exceed ½ nautical mile or 1 kilometer

Types of Drop Zones (cont): Circular Drop Zone (draw a diagram) Radius of a circular drop zone corresponds with/to minimum required distance from the PI to one of the trailing edge corners Drop zone box must fit in circle

Types of Drop Zones (cont): Random Drop Zone Random approached DZs are square or rectangular and large enough to permit multiple run in headings Any axis may be used PI is in the center of the drop zone

Types of Release Systems Computed Aerial Release Point (CARP) Ground Marking Release Point (GRMS) Verbal Initiated Release System (VIRS) Computed Aerial Release Point (CARP) Air Force Only Requires DZ marking (RAM) Radar system identifies load release point Ground Marking Release Point (GRMS) Army marking system Requires DZ marking (VS-17 Panel) Spotter in air craft spots marker and orders release Verbal Initiated Release System (VIRS) Army VIRS Air Force VIRS Verbal commands guides pilot Does not requires DZ marking

Types of Release Systems: Computed Aerial Release Point (CARP) Air Force Only Requires DZ marking (RAM) Radar system identifies load release point

Types of Release Systems (cont): Ground Marking Release Point (GRMS) Army marking system Requires DZ marking (VS-17 Panel) Spotter in air craft spots marker and orders release

Types of Release Systems (cont): Verbal Initiated Release System (VIRS) Army VIRS Air Force VIRS Verbal commands guides pilot Does not requires DZ marking

DZ Markings: Raised Angle Marker (RAM) Used for CARP

DZ Markings (cont): VS-17 Panels Inverted L (4 panels) Approach panel (50 meters in front of corner panel) Corner panel (100 meters left of release point)

DZ Markings (cont): VS-17 Panels (cont) Inverted L (4 panels) Alignment panel (50 meters left of corner panel) Flanker panel (150 meters left of alignment panel) Visible lighting systems

DZ Markings (cont): Rotating beacons if required Smoke Mirror B2 light gun, flares, fire pots and flashlights

Check on Learning

Summary

Questions?