Photo By Sgt. Carlos Jimenez | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Max Massa, a crewmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport...... read more read more
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U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, or “Sumos,” conducted air-delivery training with the Joint Precision Airdrop System, or JPADS, over Yuma, Ariz., Dec. 11, 2017, as part of El Centro Horizon.
The Sumos dropped container delivery systems using JPADS from 18,000 feet for initial pilot training and to support Yuma Proving Grounds, or YPG, in testing new parachutes and equipment before they are released to the fleet.
“We trained some of our air delivery instructors to become proficient in JPADS, so they can bring that knowledge back and train other people as JPADS comes online further with the Marine Corps and we see more of it in the future,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Brian Kursawe, a KC-130J pilot with VMGR-152. “Some of our crewmasters received initial training as well, knowing how to rig these systems and what to look for as they prep the airplane.”
JPADS utilizes a combination of an external Global Positioning System, steerable parachutes and an onboard computer to steer loads to a designated point of impact. They allow cargo to be dropped from high altitudes, maximizing distance from a ground threat.
The crewmasters rigged eight bundles and worked closely alongside personnel from YPG. U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Max Massa, a crewmaster with VMGR-152, said the personnel they worked with provided valuable knowledge of the material and equipment used, and in return, they helped with their testing.
“This helps us stay current on our training, because we don’t get to do this kind of stuff every day,” said Massa. “It was a good refresher. I learned a lot about how to actually rig bundles and the different methods we use for dropping CDS bundles. It was a learning experience for everybody involved, especially me.”
All pieces of equipment dropped from the aircraft hit their designated points of impact, resulting in a successful training run for the aircrew and pilots, as well as for YPG.
As El Centro Horizon nears its conclusion, VMGR-152 continues to execute multiple training missions on a daily basis that are unique to the diverse training ranges available in the area.
| Date Taken: | 12.11.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.17.2017 21:42 |
| Story ID: | 259247 |
| Location: | YUMA, AZ, US |
| Web Views: | 124 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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