What is the manual for Basic Operations and Equipment?
TM 4-48.09
What is the manual for Single Point Load Rigging Procedures?
TM 4-48.10
What is the manual for Dual Point Load Rigging Procedures?
TM 4-48.11
What is the manual for Air Assault Operations?
ATTP 3-18.12
Helicopters will move cargo by external sling load when:
- Cargo compartment cannot hold the load
- Load exceeds the helicopter’s internal load limitations
- Ground crew must load or unload the cargo at once
- Landing zone conditions prevent the A/C from touching down
What are the advantages of sling load?
- Allows rapid movement of heavy, over-sized, or emergency equipment
- Rapid relocation of supplies and equipment
- Ability to bypass surface obstacles
- Use of multiple flight routes and landing sites to enhance sustainability and security of ground units
- Establishment of multiple landing sites to support the maneuvering unit requirements
- Greater movement flexibility for the ground commander to accomplish the tactical mission
What are the limitations of sling load?
- Weight of load is restricted to the A/C’s operating capability
- Load instability during flight may restrict A/C’s airspeed or maneuvering capabilities
- Adverse weather and low visibility may limit sling load operations
- Atmospheric conditions (HAT and winds) affect the A/C’s lift capacity
- Limited number of A/C are available for sling load missions
- Landing site surface conditions may restrict A/C operations. Loose debris,dust, and snow are safety hazards that also limit pilot visibility
- Landing site size must be increased during darkness or during reduced visibility to allow the pilot more room to maneuver
What is the ACL for external loads of the UH-60A?
8,000 lbs.
What is the ACL for external loads of the UH-60L/M?
9,000 lbs.
What is the ACL for external loads of the fore and aft cargo hooks (individually) on the CH-47?
17,000 lbs.
What is the ACL for external loads of the center cargo hook on the CH-47?
26,000 lbs.
What is the ACL for external loads of the fore and aft cargo hooks together on the CH-47?
25,000 lbs.
How can the cargo hook be released on the UH-60?
- The pilot or crew chief can release the hook electronically
- The manual release lever is on the right side of the hook
How can the cargo hooks be released on the CH-47?
- The pilot or crew chief can release all hooks electronically
- The crew can release all hooks manually from inside the A/C
- The fore and aft hooks have manual release knobs
- The center hook has no release lever for ground crew
What are the three units involved in a sling load operation?
- Supported unit
- Aviation unit
- Receiving unit
