Fast-roping

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Fast-roping is a technique for descending down a thick rope. It is useful for deploying troops from a helicopter in places where the helicopter itself is unable or unwilling to touch down.

It is quicker than abseiling/rapelling, although more dangerous particularly if the person is carrying a heavy load because the rope is not attached to them with a descender. The person simply holds onto the rope with his or her hands and feet and slides down it. Several people can slide down the same rope simultaneously provided that there is a gap of 3 metres or so between them, so that each one has time to get out of the way when they reach the ground before the next person lands on them. The rope has to be thick, typically 40 mm diameter, to prevent the rope from being wildly jerked about from the rotor blast of the helicopter. It is essential to wear gloves, as sliding down a rope generates great heat from friction.