'Not an easy feat': How does the SAF drop critical supplies from the sky?

Personnel on a C-130 transport aircraft performing final checks on supplies, minutes before an airdrop operation. SHOALWATER BAY, Queensland: A call for help from soldiers on the ground makes its way to a"processing headquarters" of sorts:"We need more supplies but the roads are blocked."

These supplies, outfitted with parachutes, can be dropped from as low as 600 feet in the air to as high as 25,000 feet.Another form of aerial resupply is vertical replenishment, where supplies are dropped from a CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter to seamen on Navy vessels. Cargo can also be transferred from the ship to land.

Personnel from the Republic of Air Force ’s 122 Squadron then load the supplies onto the C-130 aircraft, before Army load inspectors and RSAF loadmasters conduct a joint airdrop inspection. The greatest challenge faced in airdrop operations during Exercise Wallaby, said Captain Tan, is that the Air Terminal Company is in Australia for six weeks – about twice as long as the whole exercise, which runs from Sep 26 to Oct 15.

The aircraft started to pick up speed on the runway to take off, and an aircrew specialist on board signaled to hold on tight. As it lifted off the ground, I could feel the whole cabin vibrate aggressively and tilt upwards, causing all of us to slide sideways in our seats. By the time we got there, the load had already landed on the ground - to our disappointment. But at least I eventually landed without vomiting, though one of my colleagues sitting across from me was not as lucky.Large, awkward cargoes that would have been difficult to transport via airdrops or other transportation methods can be transported via a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, which can take up to 11 tonnes of weight.

Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Almost vomiting in a Chinook: SAF holds largest edition of Exercise Wallaby in 7 yearsCNA visits the Singapore Armed Forces' biggest unilateral overseas exercise being held in Australia. It will feature the first motorised battalion live-firing since 2012.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Dads are equal parents, not assistants to mumsSingapore’s extended paternity leave can reshape social norms around parenting. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Source: STForeignDesk - 🏆 4. / 71 Read more »

China's Country Garden says it might not be able to meet all offshore payment obligationsChina's Country Garden Holdings said on Tuesday it might not be able to meet all of its offshore payment obligations when due or within the relevant grace periods, as the country's largest private property developer grapples with debt restructuring.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Iran's Khamenei says Tehran was not behind Hamas attack on IsraelIn his first televised speech since the Hamas attack, Iran's top authority Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hailed Israel's "irreparable" military and intelligence defeat.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Over 50% S’poreans surveyed say mental health issues not discussed enoughPeople hesitate to seek professional help, deterred by cost of treatment and reluctance to share personal difficulties with strangers
Source: IndependentSG - 🏆 2. / 72 Read more »

Porsche in parking space meant for electric vehicles at Suntec City gets note: 'Don't be selfish'It was not supposed to be there.
Source: stompsingapore - 🏆 11. / 53 Read more »