IAF trials Heavy Drop System in move to enhance military logistics - what is it?

The Indian Air Force recently conducted successful trials of the Heavy Drop System from a cargo aircraft, according to officials on August 19, 2023. The Heavy Drop System was designed and developed by the Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE). 

What is Heavy Drop System?

The Heavy Drop System (HDS) is a specialised military technology used for the precise para-dropping of various military supplies, equipment, and vehicles. According to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), some of the advanced paradrop techniques developed by ADRDE are comparable to those attempted by only a few advanced countries.

ADRDE has engineered different variants of the Heavy Drop System to accommodate transport aircraft like the AN-32 , IL-76, and C-17 as well catering to varying weight classes of three tonnes, seven tonnes, and 16 tonnes of military cargo, respectively. The systems for three-ton and seven-ton capacities have been integrated into the Indian Army and Indian Navy, while the naval version has also been developed and delivered to the Navy, as per officials.

During the trials of the Aerial Drop Systems conducted by the IAF. | Image: IAF 

HDS in service with the Indian armed forces

The Heavy Drop System-P7  for the IL-76 aircraft consists of a platform and parachute assembly. This parachute system includes five primary canopies, five brake chutes, two auxiliary chutes, and an extractor parachute. The platform itself, as per DRDO, is a robust metallic structure fabricated from aluminium and steel alloys, weighing approximately 1,110 kg.

The parachute system, weighing around 500 kg, ensures secure delivery of heavy cargo. With an all-up mass capacity of 8,500 kg and a payload limit of 7,000 kg, the system operates at drop speeds of 260-400 kph. Its compact dimensions of 4216 x 2602 x 193 mm facilitate integration onto the aircraft. The system, manufactured by L&T and utilising parachutes from the Ordnance Factory, aligns with the Make in India program.

A P7 HDS. | Image: DRDO

The Heavy Drop System-16T is purpose-built for the IL-76 heavy lift aircraft and, according to officials, enables the safe and accurate paradrop of military cargo weighing up to 16 tons. This includes BMP vehicles, supplies, and ammunition. The system is indigenous and has demonstrated its all-terrain capability in previous tests. It can land in plains, deserts, and high-altitude areas (HAA). The system can hold a payload of 15,000 kg.

With dimensions of 7210 x 3210 x 220 mm, it can be fitted on the IL-76 or a similar aircraft platform. The platform itself weighs 2,700 kg and is constructed with a high-strength steel alloy. The incorporated parachute weighs 2,000 kg and its drop altitude ranges from 1000 m to 4000 m. The drop process occurs at a flight speed of 320–400 kph, and the system is designed for five drops per 10-year lifespan.

A 16 T HDS. | Image: DRDO

ADRDE has also designed and developed a naval variant of the Heavy Drop System. This system has been customised for maritime operations and successfully delivered to the Indian Navy, as per DRDO officials. The naval version incorporates similar features and capabilities as its counterparts in the Army and Air Force.

A  C17 cargo aircraft of the IAF para-dropping the HDS. | Image: Indian Airforce

Previous developments 

In December 2021, the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra showcased the Controlled Aerial Delivery System of 500 kg capacity (CADS-500) as part of India's 75th Independence celebrations. This system employs a Ram Air Parachute (RAP) for the precise delivery of payloads up to 500 kg at predetermined locations.

Using GPS coordinates and altitude and heading sensors, CADS-500 autonomously manoeuvred its flight path using waypoint navigation. The successful demonstration took place at the Malpura Drop Zone, where the system was para-dropped from an AN32 aircraft at an altitude of 5000 m. Eleven paratroopers from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force simultaneously landed after tracking the CADS-500 in flight.

The P7 HDS during its initial trial phase in 2018. | Image: DRDO

Furthermore, DRDO in 2020 demonstrated an enhanced version of the P7 HDS. Validation trials were conducted in 2020 just after the Galwan conflict, with two systems dropped from an IL76 aircraft at an altitude of 600 m and a speed of 280 kmph. The cargo was safely landed using a cluster of five large parachutes (each 750 sqm).

The P7, as per officials, enhances the armed forces' capabilities, enabling the delivery of combat stores even to remote and inaccessible regions. Manufactured using indigenous materials, including advanced engineering textiles for improved water and oil repellency.