Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES)

TM 55-3805-261-14

able substitute, and tape.

NOTE

(2) Remove throttle handle and secure in

This external lift method has been

toolbox.

tested and certified. A 20-ton crane

(3) Pad instrument panel with cellulose

was used to check and adjust the

wadding and tape.

slings before actual helicopter lift.

(4) Secure the air cleaner, muffler, and

Large weight changes due to various

exhaust stack to the top rail with nylon cord.

configurations of the model 130G

(5) Secure the 4- x 4- x 48-inch wooden posts

Type II (sectionalized) grader may

vertically to the inside of the handrails located on the

require a test lift with a crane before

sides of the outer engine compartment.

actual lift with a helicopter.

(6) Pad and tape rear worklights and tail-

lights.

(7) Secure engine cowling doors with one

h. Connection and Operation. The rear section of

loop of nylon cord placed horizontally around the body

the grader is driven from a remote position to the

of the unit.

location of the front section, for connection and

(8) Place apex fitting on top of section, and

operation.

route sling legs 1 and 2 through front lift fittings and

i. Tandem-Hook External Lift. Except for the

sling legs 3 and 4 through rear lift fittings.

following procedures, tandem-hook external lift is

(9) Place link 46 of sling legs 1 and 3 in the

identical to single-hook lift.

grabhook.

(1) Front slings legs (two legs) are connected

(10) Place link 56 of sling legs 3 and 4 in the

to the apex fitting.

grabhook.

(2) Rear sling legs (two legs) are connected

(11) Secure excess chain with 2-inch tape.

to the second apex fitting.

(12) Pull sling legs on top of load and tie with

(3) Two hookup persons position themselves

cotton webbing. Be sure the rear sling legs are located

on opposite ends of the item.

outside the 4- x 4- x 48-inch wooden posts.

(4) The front person hooks up to the

(13) Cluster and tape all sling legs together in

helicopter first.

a breakaway technique to prevent fouling during initial

(5) The rear person hooks up to the rear,

lift.

helicopter hook last.

f. Hook up. The hookup person stands on top of

j. Hookup to CH-54 Flying Crane Helicopter. Two

the item of equipment for hook up.

hookup men are required because the CH-54 is a single-

g. Derigging. Derigging is the reverse of these

hook helicopter with a free-swinging hook that weighs

procedures.

about 75 pounds. After the hook has been grounded to

bleed off static electricity, one person holds the hook

CAUTION

steady while the other person makes the hookup.

Helicopter rotors cause in excess of

100-knot winds. Loose items and

NOTE

unnecessary personnel should be

Rigging and hookup personnel

out of the hookup area. Prolonged

should be trained in accordance with

hovering may cause equipment to be

55-450-1,

Army

Helicopter

moved about by the downdraft. The

External Load Operations.

helicopter will come to a hover;

approach

the

load

from

the

4-9. Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System

downwind, heading into the wind;

(LAPES)

hook up; and depart as expeditiously

The model 130G Types I and II graders are in the

as possible.

process of being certified for LAPES and low velocity

air-drop (LVAD) operations. These procedures will be

carried out in accordance with instructions published by

the US Airborne Special Operations Test Board, Fort

Bragg, North Carolina 28307-5000, telephone-

AUTOVON 236-5985.

4-12