An Overview Of Helicopter Fast Rope Equipment And The Way It Functions

By Deborah Harris


Modern air crafts have a roping system that can allow people to land in a remote area where a plane cannot reach the ground. Fast roping is a technique that these machines adopt. A thick rope is used to descend people from a plane. An example of such a machine is the helicopter fast rope equipment that has a variety of uses such as military operations.

This device was developed several decades ago as a tool to be used for defense when countries are at war. Thick nylon ropes were used to its invention. Nowadays, a series of braided cables are used. They are made of different high tensile materials. They also have a rough texture hence providing a firm grip for a person descending from a plane.

Ancient nylon cables that were used to facilitate landing have several limitations. For example, these cables could not support more than one individual simultaneously. Nowadays, it is easier for several individuals to alight at once because modern cables are stronger and durable. These individuals are, however, required to be experienced because of the dangers involved in quick roping.

Alighting from the chopper using a cable can be dangerous at times. This is because most planes fly several feet above the ground. A person is therefore required to hold the cable tightly using the feet and hands at the same time for stability. These cords can also be unstable when an individual alights with a load that weighs heavily.

Multiple individuals can descend a similar cable at the same time only if a gap exists between them. The gap should also be approximately three meters for others to have an adequate time of getting out and reaching the ground safely. People can also slide down from the chopper when it is both in motion or static.

The diameter of a cable used in quick roping is usually forty millimeters. This diameter ensures that cables are stronger and durable. Furthermore, a cable with forty millimeters width can sustain the weight of more than two people at a time when attached to a chopper. Protective gloves should also be worn by people who want to land using a cord several feet above the ground. These gloves are normally made of friction resistant material. They safeguard the hands against any mechanical injury that may arise.

The military is an example of a government institution that uses fast roping systems for defense and peacekeeping missions. Army men are normally trained to use both their legs and feet to control their speed when alighting from a chopper that is in motion. They are also trained on how to cope up with hot gloves that may have been heated by friction. It takes about thirty seconds for a trained military individual to slide down a chopper using a cable.

Protective wear such as helmets and eye protectors can be used when handling this device. Helmets are used to shield the head from mechanical injury when someone lands while eye protectors enable a person to see clearly when alighting from the helicopter. A safety belt is also attached to the cable to maintain the position of a person.




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