TM 10-1670-298-20&P
SECTION III. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
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GENERAL.
The Container Delivery System consists of aerial delivery equipment designed to airdrop cargo Different configurations
of this equipment may be used to meet changing operational commitments. These configuration functions can be met by
referring to the appropriate field manuals which describe the various methods of equipment assembly. The function of
each item contained in this system is described below.
a. A-7A Cargo Sling. The cargo sling is used to connect cargo to a parachute assembly using the fixed quick-fit
parachute harness adapter attached to each strap and four dee rings It also functions as a static line anchor in
Army aircraft. When used in this configuration, the strap must be constructed of cotton Type X webbing to
prevent slipping of the webbing through the adapter, as prescribed in TM 57-220
b. A-21 Aerial Delivery Cargo Bag. The A-21 cargo bag is used to airdrop supplies and equipment It is an
adjustable, bag-type container and consists of a sling, two straps with ring, a quick release, and a cover. The sling
assembly is used to enclose and support the load. Each of the two straps with ring consists of a ring with a short
and a long strap attached. The short strap is fitted with a dee ring to provide a means for attaching the parachute
assembly. The long strap Is fitted with a quick-fit adapter for attachment to the main strap of the sling assembly
The quick release provides a means of disconnecting the load from the parachute assembly
c. A-22 Aerial Delivery Cargo Bag. The A-22 cargo bag provides the same functions as the A-21 cargo bag
described above; however, a plywood skid may also be included as part of the container when directed by the
applicable TM 10-500-Series publication. The skid functions as a base for the container load and provides a
smooth surface for use with roller conveyer loading systems
d. A-23 Aerial Delivery Cargo Bag. The A-23 cargo bag serves the same functions as the A-21 and A-22 cargo bags
described above.
e. Capsule. Cargo. CTU-2/A. When commanded by the aircraft pilot, the container is released from the bomb rack
and the connected cable assemblies effect detonation of the M5 cartridge-actuated release assembly. Three-
tenths of a second after detonation, and at a safe distance from the aircraft, the release explosively ejects the tail
cone, initiating deployment of the pilot parachute. The pilot parachute maintains tension on the man parachute
suspension lines while stripping the deployment bag from the main canopy by progressively failing the cords
which secure the suspension lines to the bag. Controlled failure of these cords, or hesitator ties, ensures an
orderly deployment of the main parachute to the reefed diameter (approximately 36-inches (91.440 cm)). Two
seconds after deployment to the reefed diameter, explosive cutters part a reefing line and initiate blossoming of
the main canopy to full diameter. Subsequent container descent is controlled to a vertical impact velocity of 30-
feet (3.355 m) per second at an angle of oscillation within a few degrees of vertical. After impact, the container
may be rapidly opened to expose the cargo by removing the parachute compartment assembly (pulling out the
four hinge pins at the base of each fin).
f. Connector Straps. 60- and 120-inches (152.400 and 304.800 cm) Long. One extraction connector strap with a
Type IV quick-fit link assembly is installed on each modular or combat expendable airdrop platform load to
provide a means of attaching the extraction parachute The 60-inch (152.400 cm) extraction connector strap is
used with loads requiring a 1 5-foot (45.75 m) extraction parachute The 120-inch (304.800) extraction connector
strap Is used with loads requiring an extraction parachute larger than 15-feet (45.75 m) in diameter.
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