Strange pic

[Barrakooda]

Having done many PLF's landings, agree that the jumper has been dragged back by the wind on landing. Due to whatever the photo taken has captured a "moment in time" that we see, that is out of the ordinary and no more.

Must of hurt though

 

[Airframes]

Valengo, the 'square' airfoil section parachutes were originally developed for military use, but not for mass drops. They are used mainly for specialist insertions, by small teams, for example the S.A.S., where accuracy and range are required. They may be used for HALO jumps, where the parachutist exits at high altitude, but deploys the canopy at perhaps 1,500 feet (450 m), or perhaps HAHO, high altitude, high opening, where a team may leave an aircraft at, say, 30,000 feet (9,000 m), and then 'fly' for up to perhaps 25 - 30 miles (40 - 48 km) to land on or near their objective. This might involve exiting the aircraft in 'friendly' airspace, allowing incursion into enemy territory without detection, most probably at night.
The main reason these canopies are not used for normal, static-line mass drops is the level of training required, and the low altitudes used in this type of drop, possibly as low as 500 feet (150 m) where the risk of collision and injuries is quite high, therefore negating part of the assault force.
I doubt if the para in the B&W pic even felt any discomfort, as that DZ looks very good, compared to some I've 'arrived' on !

 

[VALENGO]

Well, gentlemen, I´ve learned alot. Thanks to all, especially Airframes for clarifying the last point.

 

[mikewint]

OK, the white stuff could be the reserve, seems to be coming from the right spot. now look at that right hand riser. does not seem to be attached to him. if it is his head should be between them. all i see is some thin grayish stuff i'm taking for dust.
i'm para qualified but just did my 5 plus 2 combat jumps in vietnam mostly into trees

 

[hawkeye2an]

Terry, You're an aviation GOD !!! Your posts have so much knowlegable information. I appreciate your willingness to share it with us.

This lowly human stands in awe.

 

[Colin1]

The main reason these canopies are not used for normal, static-line mass drops is the level of training required, and the low altitudes used in this type of drop, possibly as low as 500 feet (150 m) where the risk of collision and injuries is quite high, therefore negating part of the assault force.

Another
equally good reason is that there has never been a fatality in British forces using the PX4 and its predecessors(s) for static line deployment, or at least there wasn't up until the time I went through. The same cannot be said of the GQ360 in its own method of deployment; used for static line, there'd probably be one every stick...