Static line

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Military static line jump, from the rear of a C-130 Hercules
Military static line jump, from the rear of a C-130 Hercules
Deployment bag and permanently sewn 15-foot (4.6 m) static line assembly from military field manual for static line parachuting
Deployment bag and permanently sewn 15-foot (4.6 m) static line assembly from military field manual for static line parachuting

A static line is a fixed cord attached to a large, stable object. It is used for safety in construction and for low jumps and training in parachuting.

Contents

[edit] Use in parachuting

Static lines are used in order to make sure that a parachute is deployed immediately after leaving the plane, regardless of any actions taken by the parachutist, however the parachutist must adopt and maintain a suitable body position throughout deployment to minimise the chances of a parachute malfunction. This method of parachute deployment is commonly used in several ways:

Static line jumping carries risk of injury [3], which according to one study doubles when performed in combat. [4]

For training students in civilian operations, modifications to existing static line equipment may be made to simplify operations. One such modification is to attach the deployment bag to the parachute instead of the static line, which also requires some modification to allow the static line to detach, typically a Velcro fastener. This leaves much less material "in the wind" behind the plane after the jumper has left; this isn't a problem for larger cargo aircraft used in military jumping, but presents a major issue for smaller aircraft used in civilian operations. This modification also results in a somewhat slower opening, which softens the opening shock at the cost of altitude, a minor concern for jumpers exiting at 2,800 ft (850 m).

[edit] Use in construction

In construction, a static line is a safety measure consisting of a cable race fixed to a roof at intervals to which a safety harness may be tethered.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Poynter, Dan (1993). Parachuting Manual With Log for the Static Line Course. Para Publishing, ISBN 978-0915516841
  2. ^ United States Army (2003). U.S. Army FM 3-21.220 Static Line Parachuting Techniques And Tactics: Training Handbook On Parachute Jumping, Jumpmaster, Drop Zone, Airborne Operations, Military Team, Aircraft, and Combat Equipment Loads: Field Manual Reference Guide. ASIN B0006FHA5W
  3. ^ Craig SC, Lee T. Attention to detail: injuries at altitude among U.S. Army Military static line parachutists. Mil Med. 2000 Apr;165(4):268-71.
  4. ^ Farrow GB. Military static line parachute injuries. Aust N Z J Surg. 1992 Mar;62(3):209-14.

[edit] External links

  • Static Line Monthly publication since 1947 for, by and about paratroopers, glidertroopers, air assault troopers.
  • Core Photography Specialising in static line and freefall skydive photography
  • ArmyParatrooper.org Unofficial headquarters of military Paratroopers, past and present.