Mechanized Parachute Training System
Singapore with a tiny land area of 704 sq km is massively handicapped in providing good training facilities for its Armed Forces. This inherent disadvantage has compelled it to be innovative in the application of technology to optimise the use of this scarce resource. The development of the world’s first Mechanised Parachute Training System is a practical innovation to meet the demands for commandos to undergo intensive simulated training in basic responses and drills encountered during a parachute descend. This is a prerequisite before they go for their first real parachute jump.
Working with the Specialists, SP Megatec was given the training parameters, drills and routines which each parachutist has to be trained and practise to qualify for their first jump. The simulation of the each critical phase of the parachute jump was divided into 3 modules:
- Twist & Rotational Trainer (TRT)
- Landing Training Simulator (LTS)
- Airborne Training Simulator (ATS)
Video source taken from www.todayonline.com
Essentially each training simulation module was housed in 3 covered structures, sheltered from inclement weather and be able to accommodate the large intake of trainees. Safety features have been incorporated and batch training is managed under the command and watchful eyes of Trainers at the control stations.
Twist & Rotational Trainer (TRT)
The parachutist’s leap out of the aircraft into space is fraught with many challenges, the battering of the wind and the possible twist and entanglement of the cords suspending the jumper. At this module, these twists and turns are simulated and the parachutist is trained to correct and untwine themselves. The built in toggle responds to the jumpers tugs to right the rotational force. These drills are practised repeatedly until it becomes a reflex response for the trainees. The machine driving this particular phenomenon uses a Mechanical Hoist and Turntable that simulates this motion.
Landing Training Simulator (LTS)
Knowing how to break your fall upon landing is a very important part of a parachutist’s training to minimise possible leg injuries.
The simulator uses a conveyer method of deploying the batch of trainees to the drop point where a synchronised Quad Belt Winch releases the 4 perfectly synchronised belts suspending the trainee at a fall rate of 5metre/sec to reach the ground.
The trainees have to tuck and roll upon touching the ground to soften the impact of the fall. With this system repeated drills can be arranged for the trainees in batches.
Airborne Training Simulator (ATS)
This final training module (ATS) completes the parachutist’s training regime by simulating the fall sequence from the moment the trainee leaps out of the aircraft start his parachute descend to the final landing drill including dragging of the parachutist over the ground.This last phase simulates the parachute carried by the wind until the trainee frees his body and harness from the parachute by a quick release action.
This elaborate conveyer system monitored by a bar code system takes the trainees over a predetermined course similar to the descend passage as if floating down to the ground.
This is the most complex of the 3 training modules and comprises a conveyer guided series of manoeuvres for the parachutists’ final training practise. This is the last qualifying training drill before the trainees are allowed to make their parachute leap from an aircraft.
Acknowledgement
The initiative has been an entirely Singapore lead initiative integrating the original engineering design concepts and solutions by integrating the use of reliable and proven conveyor, mechanical and electronic components into the design. It is another first among the many first and unique Singapore developed engineering solutions. In this quest, leading edge technology has been used in this unique engineering assignment.
The Mechanised Parachute Training System has also been showcased to foreign friendly high ranking military officers and has received complimentary commendation for Singapore’s achievement.
SP Megatec is proud to be the key engineering designer, integrator and project leader for the world’s first Mechanised Parachute Training System.
Our Little Red Dot has indeed earned its wings!
