Can a Round or Cruciform Parachute Be Used for HAHO or HALO Jumps?

High-altitude military parachuting, also known as Military Free Fall (MFF), is a critical method for delivering military personnel, equipment, and supplies from transport aircraft at high altitudes. This technique involves two primary insertion methods: High Altitude - Low Opening (HALO) and High Altitude - High Opening (HAHO).

High-Altitude Military Parachuting Techniques

In the HALO technique, parachutists free-fall for a period before opening their parachutes at a low altitude, typically around 15,000 to 35,000 feet (4,600 to 11,000 meters). In contrast, the HAHO technique involves opening the parachute immediately after jumping from the aircraft, often at even higher altitudes.

History and Development

HALO techniques were first developed in the 1960s for military purposes. However, in recent years, HALO parachute designs have found broader use in non-military applications, such as skydiving. In military operations, HALO is commonly used for delivering equipment and supplies, while HAHO is primarily used for personnel insertion. Standard HALO/HAHO deployments typically occur between 15,000 to 35,000 feet (4,600 to 11,000 meters).

Parachute Types for Military Jumps

In military operations, the primary parachute types used are round parachutes and krat-style/ram-air parachutes. While these conventional parachutes can indeed bring a jumper back to the ground safely, their design and performance characteristics differ significantly from those of ram-air parachutes.

Steering Capabilities and Control

The primary reason for not using round or cruciform parachutes for military jumps is their lack of steering capabilities. Ram-air parachutes offer significantly better control over the rate of descent, steerability, and glide capabilities. These traits are essential for precise troop deployment and landing in a small formation.

For clandestine special forces insertions, the ability to land precisely and ensure that the entire unit lands together is crucial. While round parachutes may be used in certain circumstances, such as the historic first parachute jump from space by Joseph Kittinger in 1960, the primary design preference in military operations is ram-air/parafoil parachutes due to their enhanced control and precision.

Aerodynamic Considerations

Aerodynamically, there is no inherent reason why a round parachute cannot be used for high-altitude jumps. In fact, the first high-altitude jump from space was achieved using a round parachute. However, HALO jumps are designed for military use, and ram-air parachutes offer several advantageous features: better rate of descent control, increased steerability, and extended glide capabilities. These features are highly beneficial for ensuring precise and safe insertion.

Conclusion

In summary, while round or cruciform parachutes can be used for high-altitude jumps, the primary reason they are not commonly used in modern military operations is due to their inferior steering and control features. Ram-air parachutes, with their enhanced control and precision, are the preferred choice for ensuring safe and effective military jumps.