Monday, May 23, 2016

An Overview Of Helicopter Fast Rope Equipment And The Way It Functions

By Deborah Harris


Choppers have a roping mechanism that allows people to alight in remote places. This mechanism is known as fast roping. The technique uses long and thick ropes. A person is required to hold the cables firmly when alighting from a plane. Modern helicopter fast rope equipment can be used in military operations when army men want to land in remote areas.

This device was developed several decades ago as a tool to be used for defense when countries are at war. Thick nylon ropes were used to its invention. Nowadays, a series of braided cables are used. They are made of different high tensile materials. They also have a rough texture hence providing a firm grip for a person descending from a plane.

Ancient nylon cables that were used to facilitate landing have several limitations. For example, these cables could not support more than one individual simultaneously. Nowadays, it is easier for several individuals to alight at once because modern cables are stronger and durable. These individuals are, however, required to be experienced because of the dangers involved in quick roping.

The process of descending from a moving craft using a high tensile strength cable is, however, dangerous. This happens when an individual who comes out of an aircraft has a heavy load. The cords are designed to hold a certain weight limit. Adding more weight may cause them to break or be inefficient. One is therefore required to grasp the cable with both hands and feet.

Several people are also able to alight from the chopper using a cable simultaneously. This is possible when there is a gap between them as they alight. To be precise, these individuals should be three meters apart from each other to prevent the collision. This also increases the chances of landing safely. The plane is supposed to be in motion but traveling at a slower speed when people descend.

The diameter of a cable used in quick roping is usually forty millimeters. This diameter ensures that cables are stronger and durable. Furthermore, a cable with forty millimeters width can sustain the weight of more than two people at a time when attached to a chopper. Protective gloves should also be worn by people who want to land using a cord several feet above the ground. These gloves are normally made of friction resistant material. They safeguard the hands against any mechanical injury that may arise.

The military is an example of a government institution that uses fast roping systems for defense and peacekeeping missions. Army men are normally trained to use both their legs and feet to control their speed when alighting from a chopper that is in motion. They are also trained on how to cope up with hot gloves that may have been heated by friction. It takes about thirty seconds for a trained military individual to slide down a chopper using a cable.

Safety gadgets like eye protectors, heat resistant gloves, and helmets come in handy during the roping operations. Eye protectors are used to safeguarding the retina while heat resistant gloves shield hands from mechanical injury. Helmets are additionally worn to protect the head when someone falls from a cable tied on a chopper. It is important for people to have experienced before indulging in roping operations.




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