Development of the Multiple Bundle Sling Load System

Airdrop is a process where a payload is released from an aircraft and allowed to fall to the ground, typically suspended under one or more parachutes. A challenge with conventional airdrop is the inability to maneuver payloads within the aircraft easily to be more flexible to mission needs. Rotary wing aircraft provide an additional challenge since they tend to fill the cargo compartment before they utilize the lift capacity of the helicopter. This paper documents the steps taken by the US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center to create a materiel solution. The tests conducted at the Aberdeen Test Center demonstrated the feasibility of conducting multiple bundle airdrops from the cargo hook of a helicopter. Over 100 payloads of varying size, weight, parachute system, altitude, and drop configuration were demonstrated from rotary wing aircraft.