They're Jumping the T-11

JJ_BPK · 03-19-2010, 18:35

Someone give us some feedback on these puppies??

Quote:

Airborne School students on Fort Benning, Ga., completed the first jump March 16 using the Army's new T-11 parachute, which is replacing the decades old T-10

Airborne

03-19-2010, 18:56

Dang! So that is what happened to that missing bedsheet last laundry day.

**Kyobanim** · 03-19-2010, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by armymom1228

Dang! So that is what happened to that missing bedsheet last laundry day.

That's not your bedsheet, that's some fat ladies underwear

Quote:

http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/10/15...-11-parachute/
FORT LEE, Va. (Oct. 14, 2009) -- The airborne operation at McLaney Drop Zone Friday was just like any other.

Forty or so rigger students and cadre were gathered on the tarmac - some fully geared up and ready to board the aircraft - others undergoing inspections before being cleared to jump.

But this operation was different in that several of the participants were equipped with the Army's newest parachute.

The Advanced Tactical Parachute System T-11 made its debut at Fort Lee as six cadre members of the Quartermaster School's Aerial Delivery and Field Services Department logged a successful jump from a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter.

Maj. Samuel Burns, ADFSD deputy director, said his department is participating in the T-11 operational testing and fielding phase which aims to work out any kinks in the system.

"The fielding is ongoing," he said, noting many operational units are already equipped with the new parachute. "We have them here because the T-11 will become part of the parachute rigger AIT program of instruction."

In fact, the T-11 will be phased in over the next three years and become the Army's main parachute system, replacing the T-10, which has been in service more than 50 years. ADFSD has already received roughly 250 T-11s and will begin teaching the new parachute system to students within "the next 60 days," said Burns.

Additionally, ADFSD rigger instructors and staff will play a critical role in the Army-wide phase-in period, traveling to units worldwide to provide instruction and guidance on the use of the system.

"We'll send the first teams out in November," said Burns.

Judging from the sentiment Friday, the T-11 will likely be warmly received.

"I think they'll be happy to get one," said Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Vogt, one of the six Soldiers who logged a jump in the new parachute.

The T-11 differs from its predecessor in that the canopy deployment is smoother, oscillation is minimized and it is designed to carry a heavier load, about 100 pounds more and closer to current load requirements. Additionally, it has a canopy that is larger and square-shaped, contributing to a slower descent rate.

"Comparing the rate of descent to other parachutes that I jumped, it's relatively slower," said Master Sgt. Tonika Scott-Morris, the ADFSD sergeant major who has had more than a 100 jumps using a variety of parachutes. "If the descent is slower the landing is softer."

A softer landing is critical to preventing injuries, said Scott-Morris. The T-11's rate of descent is roughly four seconds slower than the T-10.

Scott-Morris said that although the test went well and most of the jumpers were impressed with the new equipment, the results are not conclusive.

"With any new piece of equipment, you will have deficiencies that are not discovered until actual (large-scale) operation of (that equipment)," she said.

Scott-Morris said there were reports of deficiencies with the T-11, but they have been addressed. She said her cadre will perform more jumps to further validate the modifications.

"We'll do five to 10 more jumps just to get good concurrent data," she said
Some of those tests will include jumps from high-performance aircrafts such as the Air Force C-130.

The 75th Ranger Regiment and the U.S. Army Airborne School have also received the new T-11. Fort Bragg's 82nd Airborne Division is still in the fielding process, and the rest of the Army will field the T-11 by 2014.

Richard · 03-20-2010, 04:51

That would be A Co 1-507th - when I was there a couple of weeks ago they were prepping for it - they were only planning to do one jump per BAC class for familiarization as it takes a lot more time to repack them vs the T-10.

Cadre opinions on the T-11 were mixed - there are some peculiarities - one of the cadre nearly lost an ear the day I was out on the DZ due to riser capewell placement which seems to be an issue to watch when chuting up.

The thing is huge compared to a T-10 - sure glad I didn't have to run off of the DZ with that kit bag full of parachute and harness.

Richard

**The Reaper** · 03-20-2010, 09:18

Story is that the T-11 takesd two riggers 90 minutes to pack.

I wonder if they are going to add riggers to the TDA, or reduce the number of jumps required?

TR

03-20-2010, 10:52

LongWire · 03-20-2010, 10:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Reaper

Story is that the T-11 takesd two riggers 90 minutes to pack.

I wonder if they are going to add riggers to the TDA, or reduce the number of jumps required?

TR

How will they get their 25 a day?

Richard · 03-20-2010, 10:57

Quote:

So the Army is using a new canopy. WHY? what is the difference between the new one and the old umbrella shaped parachute and why the change. How does it affect mmm, floating down..

You might wanna reread post #3 in this thread.

Richard

greenberetTFS · 03-20-2010, 11:06

Well,since it's a completely "soft" landing,they won't have to train PLF's anymore....

It was feet,ass and head,right?

Big Teddy

mojaveman · 03-20-2010, 11:09

The T-11's rate of descent is roughly four seconds slower than the T-10.

Would that fact create a hinderance during a live combat jump where jumpers would be fired on as they were floating down?

Richard · 03-20-2010, 11:20

Quote:

The T-11's rate of descent is roughly four seconds slower than the T-10. Would that fact create a hinderance during a live combat jump?

Slower in reference to what altitude?

Normal training jumps for s/l is 1250' AGL (Above Ground Level) for Basic Airborne Course students and night jumps for experienced jumpers - 800' AGL for day jumps for experienced jumpers - 450' AGL for a combat jump.

I would think the rate of descent offers no issues for a successful combat jump.

Richard's $.02

longrange1947 · 03-20-2010, 18:58

The guys just finished training in the parachute. Opening time is longer hence higher opening altitude. Yes, longer under canopy. BUT, softer landing for your shot up body.

alright4u · 03-20-2010, 20:02

Will this chute, in the opinions of those in the know, help our wounded troops in SF and those on other airborne asssignments until they recover? I am asking as I do not know?

We used to use Lake McArthur for water jumps to keep some on jump status. I had a great NCO help me in the Army .

Anyone recall a D license number 007? Great SF trooper.

Stras · 03-20-2010, 20:56

I kinda prefer my MC-4.... y'all can keep the non-steerable parachutes.

Stras · 03-20-2010, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by alright4u

Will this chute, in the opinions of those in the know, help our wounded troops in SF and those on other airborne asssignments until they recover? I am asking as I do not know?

We used to use Lake McArthur for water jumps to keep some on jump status. I had a great NCO help me in the Army .

Anyone recall a D license number 007? Great SF trooper.

Nope, but I do know an SF SGM(RET) who could be confused with the 3rd Bond.

We are taking care of our wounded troops in SF. Though we are not scheduled for fielding of the T-11. We've been known to send guys to Key West for water jumps.