AAR
ok did the jump today here at bragg.
C-160... 2 less engines than a C-130 and a little shorter in length. Looks a lot like a C-130.
Jump commands were simple, straightforward and similar to ours. The German aircraft had a horn to audibly let you know when you had greenlight. They waited to open the doors until after stand up hook up and equipment check... about 3 minutes before the green light. This is a lot different to our jumps where I have rode around with the doors open for awhile before even leaving our seats, felt kinda surreal and different standing there with your static line over your shoulder ready to exit and yet no door to exit from and no noise. Once the door opened we knew it was on though.
There was a fold out wind deflector on the downwind side of each door which helped keep the massive prop from blasting us and throwing us in twists. There also was no step or ramp outside the door like with the c130, just a small lip. This all made for a smooth and controlled exit without the usual blast from the side like you had just stepped into a hurricane. Felt equal to or better than a c17.
Jumpmasters were professional and looked like what a Paratrooper should look like. They held a high standard. Nice, friendly, not condescending or negative to our troops.
No wind on Sicily, others chutes collapsed on their heads after they PLF'd. Don't see that much. I pulled a very gently forward slip which I prefer for a good PLF's, I like a little drift.
Anyway at the ceremony we received the completely bronze wings i pictured in the upper pic. No certificate though. I'll have to chase that down thru S3 air.
Good times and one of my better and favorite jumps.
Ach...tung.........