Mycroft
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How much weight did WWII paratroopers (American) carry, including their parachutes? Addtionally, how much did their parachute packs (with parachutes) weigh?
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Question on WWII Paratroopers
- Thread starter Mycroft
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Mycroft
One Too Many
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Sure, do not answer my posts...just kidding.
Mycroft
One Too Many
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Thanks for the link.
Harp
I'll Lock Up
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Interesting thread/question. Paras today typically carry minimum ninety pounds of gear and for an equipment jump
replicating combat conditions, tied down to an A frame, and exit aircraft at a minimum 650-725feet.
Any lower altitude is dangerous; ditto higher sky as more harness time makes more hang time, more enemy target time.
Main and reserve chute. Personal gear, ammo typically 250 rifle rounds; 16 pistol, knife, entrench tool; ammo belt
for crew served weapon; explosives, demolition tools. Water, two canteens hold two quarts water. C rations. medical.
Weapons.
Screwups happen, like the Invasion of Grenada where the brass opted for an antiseptic less-killing enemy approach
which resulted in heavy anti-aircraft fire, forced altitude reduction, and unpacking some gear; including reserve
chute for a lower altitude exit at five hundred feet; inexplicable for a combat jump. Contested drop zone enemy held.
Ranger lead element suffered injuries: snapped ankles, broken legs, spine injury.
Had the brass decided to take out host nation garrison and anti-aircraft batteries prior to air drop these consequences
could have been avoided.
replicating combat conditions, tied down to an A frame, and exit aircraft at a minimum 650-725feet.
Any lower altitude is dangerous; ditto higher sky as more harness time makes more hang time, more enemy target time.
Main and reserve chute. Personal gear, ammo typically 250 rifle rounds; 16 pistol, knife, entrench tool; ammo belt
for crew served weapon; explosives, demolition tools. Water, two canteens hold two quarts water. C rations. medical.
Weapons.
Screwups happen, like the Invasion of Grenada where the brass opted for an antiseptic less-killing enemy approach
which resulted in heavy anti-aircraft fire, forced altitude reduction, and unpacking some gear; including reserve
chute for a lower altitude exit at five hundred feet; inexplicable for a combat jump. Contested drop zone enemy held.
Ranger lead element suffered injuries: snapped ankles, broken legs, spine injury.
Had the brass decided to take out host nation garrison and anti-aircraft batteries prior to air drop these consequences
could have been avoided.
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