Story about the British Special Forces (SAS) training to do jumps from over 25,000 ft, free-falling to a low altitude and opening their parachutes with their dogs strapped to them.
The picture is photoshopped but it gets the point across. The dog probably needs some Doggles.
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
Posts: 5983
Loc: Idaho
Offline
I'm not thinking that this will go very far.
You could not stay stable in free fall with a dog.
Plus the weight of the dog alone means the operator will be landing without needed gear. Special Ops guys already carry huge loads, what misson-essential gear will they leave behind to make room for the canine?
( I was HALO qualified on active duty and have several hundred jumps, believe me, I know this well ).
The 82nd Airborne jumped a few dogs via static line jumps, but that's a whole other type of jump, much easier.
The article said that US Delta Force instructors were doing the training. So, I guess the Army found a way to make it work if the need arises.
Re-reading the article, they are doing High-Altitude, High-Opening rather that HALO. Apparently they use the paraglide chutes to sail towards the targeted landing site.
As will noted, it probably wasn't very easy to make work and they probably have to make choices on what to take with -- the dog has to be pretty essential to that specific mission. Just getting the dog's O2 mask set up would be a big pita.
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
Posts: 5983
Loc: Idaho
Offline
Charlie,
I saw that it was HAHO, but you still need to exit the plane and get stable in freefall - it's difficult at altitude ( almost always a night jump if it's a tactical insertion....you're busy making sure that you don't run into your team mates at the same time. ) with an oxygen mask and your rucksack & weapon, while watching your altimeter.....I'm just not seeing how this is worth the risk.
But the Brits may see a need for this and I guess the risks are worth it to them.......I hope it doesn't become the Brit version of our "Fulton Recovery System " fiasco - that sounded like a great idea at the time also.
I could see Air Assault with a dog making sense...
But HAHO???
There can't possibly be enough of a demand for dogs in this capacity, to justify the cost of training and equipment for this sort of thing.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
British SAS Paratroop Dog
Top
Re: British SAS Paratroop Dog
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
