1. Drop Zone Selection

2. 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 (FM 57-38)

3. Safety Requirements

4. 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

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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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 (FM )

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

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

22. 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

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

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

25. 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)

26. 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

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

28. Check on Learning

29. Summary

30. Questions?