758th Airlift Squadron is first in Reserve Command to test the Joint Precision Airdrop System

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott Pryor
  • 911 AW/PA
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  Airdropping supplies to forward-deployed units in a timely manner is vital during wartime. Unfortunately, these airdrops can be dangerous to aircrew members and to ground personnel trying to retrieve the supplies, if dropped off target.

The 758th Airlift Squadron tried to reduce this risk by recently conducting airdrops at low altitudes to train aircrews and Army riggers on a system that uses Global Positioning System technology.
The squadron became the first Air Force Reserve unit to test the Joint Precision Airdrop System from a low altitude. On the morning of Sept. 24 at Drove Drop Zone near Fort Pickett, Va., a one-time waiver was granted to airdrop a JPADS Firefly during Joint Airborne Air Transportability Training. The airdrop was requested by headquarters Air Mobility Command.

"The JPADS gives the ability to deliver supplies to fielded units without putting the aircraft or ground personnel who would have to recover a bad drop at risk," said Capt. James H. Linscott Jr., 911th Operations Support Flight chief of weapons and tactics.
Two airdrops were executed at 4,000 feet. The first was scored at just 100 yards from its intended target; the second landed within 25 yards. The second drop scored a "Point of Impact," considered to be a bull's eye.

"Conventional drops need very big drop zones. Using JPADS we only need about half an acre," the captain said.
The airdrops were conducted at lower altitudes so Army riggers completing initial training at Ft. Lee, Va., could gain valuable knowledge at a location previously denied until this test drop. The riggers are responsible in the field for packing the Firefly's parachute and preparing the system for the next airdrop. The only location previously authorized to drop JPADS was Yuma, Ariz., which was to distance to allow for effective training of the new Army riggers.

With the success of the drops the one-time waiver is now permanent and the procedure will be included in the newest publication release. The squadron continues to lead the way with continued Firefly drops in October and November, the captain said.
Crewmembers who flew the mission were Capt. Steven Bear and Capt. Austin Schlech, pilots; Captain Linscott, JPADS instructor; Lt. Col. John DeMaye, JPADS operator; Capt. Craig Watkins, navigator, flight engineer Tech. Sgt. Jeffery Bright; and Senior Master Sgt. James Ferrebee, Master Sgt. David Caldwell, Master Sgt. Jaime Carter and Staff Sgt. Brian Taylor, loadmasters.