Fast-roping

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Fast-roping is a technique for descending 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. First developed by the British with UK rope manufacturer Marlow Ropes, its first combat use was during the Falklands War. The original rope was a thick nylon that could be used in a manner akin to a fireman's pole. Originally, the first man would hold the rope for the next man, who then replaced him, however this has been phased out.

It is quicker than abseiling/rappelling, 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, although the British method advises not to use the feet as this can make the descent for following personnel more dangerous because boot polish or the leather of the boot can make the rope extremely slippery and increase the rate of descent to a dangerous speed causing injury when touching down. 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.

One example of fast roping can be found in the movie Black Hawk Down, when a young United States Army Ranger fell from a helicopter due to fast roping accident.