Paratroopers from 3RAR gear up for trials of the C130J’s parachute capability in a joint exercise with the RAAF. Photo by Bill Cunneen

Paras jump into trial
By Pte John Wellfare

SOLDIERS from 3RAR leapt into RAAF trials of the newly commissioned C130-J Hercules by taking part in recent tests of the aircraft’s capabilities in parachute operations.

About 200 paratroopers were involved in what was described by commanders as a mutually beneficial trial, which saw soldiers descending onto a drop zone near Richmond RAAF Base in Western Sydney.

Air Operations Officer 3RAR Capt Kahlil Fegan said the trials provided the parachute battalion group (PBG) with the opportunity to maintain a high tempo of parachute training for the beginning of the year.

“The main aim for us is to provide basic continuation training for all members of the PBG,” he said.

“The secondary aim was to provide currency for those people whose currency had lapsed, we wanted to practice individual parachuting skills, establish parachuting skills with the C130-J and help practice PJMSL’s and DZ safety officers.

“All of the 3RAR companies were involved, there were also members from 1HSB, 176 AD Sqn and 4RAR (Cdo).”

Six days of parachute descents took place over a two-week period, in which 570 jumps took place and RAAF pilots from 37 Sqn were trained and practiced in inserting paratroopers.

Tactical Development Flight Commander 37 Sqn, Sqn-Ldr Paul Long said the new Hercules’ reduced crew, from six in an H-Model down to four in the J-Model had not reduced the aircraft’s effectiveness.

“It’s had some untrue rumours spread about it, but it’s proven to be as capable, if not more capable, than previous models,” he said.

“I actually find the J-Model better than the older models, with reduced crew and computer-generated air-release-point, [which has] proven to be more consistently accurate.”

In addition to testing the new aircraft, Sqn-Ldr Long said the trials had also identified deficiencies in current parachute insertion techniques and problems in the existing parachute retrieval procedures had been rectified as a result.
“We are now probably the world leaders in the parachute retrieval system.”
3RAR Air Operations staff were also impressed with the enhanced capabilities of the new aircraft, particularly it’s capacity to accurately insert paratroopers onto a designated area.
Capt Fegan said it had a marked improvement in regards to putting paratroopers on the drop zone.
“In many cases they were putting the first paratrooper within 10m of the alpha, which is obviously very good.
“The rate of injuries during this particular period of training was also very light.”
The inclusion of 37 Sqn’s J-Model Hercules in the PBG gives airborne planners a higher capacity for inserting paratroopers, providing more planes for large-scale, aircraft-intensive parachute drops.
Capt Fegan said the J-Models would be essential in 3RAR’s attempt to re-establish it’s airborne role.
“The main advantage for us as far as the PBG is concerned is that we now have more aircraft to conduct training with.”
“It’s a good aircraft, it’s a viable aircraft and it’s a safe aircraft to jump from so it offers us another squadron, with another capability that we can utilise very effectively.”