Infiltration of Patrols by Means of Ram-Air Parachutes

This thesis evaluates current parachute infiltration doctrine aimed at achieving secrecy during the insertion. It also presents a new concept which uses the new ram-air, high performance type parachute. The study initially undertakes an examination of historical precedents that have been established using the airborne concept of static line deployed parachutes and the HALO (high altitude, low opening) technique. These examples point out the advantages and disadvantages of current doctrine relative to achieving secrecy during the infiltration. The new concept is called STOTPINS (stand-off technique for parachute insertion). STOTPINS, using a ram-air, high performance parachute called the STRATO-CLOUD, allows for personnel to exit from high altitudes, immediately deploy their parachutes, assemble in formation, and glide over long distances to the predetermined drop zone. The increased capability of the STRATO-CLOUD and use of modern navigational aids provide the capability to secretly infiltrate a unit, while assuring pin-point accuracy, over distances greater than fifty kilometers. It was concluded that the STOTPINS concept can provide an additional dimension to current doctrine. The highly maneuverable, off-setting descent trajectory of the STRATO-CLOUD parachute is a demonstrable capability for achieving secrecy during infiltration. This concept is waiting for operational application for special missions such as raids, ambushes, sabotage, or intelligence acquisition.