Among the many capabilities of the SAC Programme, one key element is the ability to deliver equipment and personnel to target areas without landing. This crucial skill is mastered by the multinational team through regular training, ensuring readiness whenever a member nation requires this type of support. In autumn 2024, the team successfully completed several airdrop exercises in different countries, further sharpening their expertise.
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On a clear autumn day, a C-17 aircraft, flying at low altitude, gently approaches the drop zone—a green field surrounded by forest near Kenyeri, a small village close to the home base of the SAC C-17 fleet in Hungary. The aircraft's rear ramp is open, and a small parachute trails behind it. Within seconds, the parachute pulls out another one that is attached to a pallet, which then begins its descent, swaying gently as it approaches the ground. It lands just right next to the targeted orange triangle placed in the center of the field—a perfect drop. Though it looks simple, this successful airdrop is the result of hours of planning, training and teamwork.
Even though the C-17 is capable of landing on unpaved runways, there are times when reaching a target zone is impossible due to security or infrastructure challenges. In these situations, airdrop missions become essential, ensuring that ground forces receive supplies or that humanitarian aid can be delivered in times of crisis. The success of these missions depends on the coordinated efforts of pilots, loadmasters and air cargo handlers. Careful planning and precise execution are critical for every team member.
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The airdrop process begins well before the aircraft takes off. Pilots -who are specially trained for airdrop missions- receive the coordinates of the drop zone and use this information to plan the route and to programme the mission computer, which assists in navigation and timing. Meanwhile, the cargo handlers pack the pallets with care, ensuring everything is secured and ready for the drop. They also fold the parachutes and attach the harnesses, a process that requires focus and precision—any mistake could result in a failed mission.
Once the cargo is packed and the pallets are ready, they are loaded into the C-17's spacious cargo hold under the supervision of the Loadmasters, who are responsible for the cargo during the loading and flight. The Loadmasters rig the mechanisms that will release the cargo during the drop. Once everything is in place, the mission can begin, and the aircraft takes off.
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As the aircraft approaches the drop zone, radio communication between the pilots and Loadmasters becomes more frequent. The cargo ramp opens, and a red light illuminates, signaling the beginning of the drop sequence. The pilot initiates the deployment of the drogue parachute 20 seconds before the drop, the first small parachute is deployed. When the mission computer confirms the exact moment, the pilot activates the green light, releasing the extraction parachute(s) that pull the heavy pallets out of the aircraft.
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During training, the crew tries to maximize the number of drops, releasing the pallets one by one or in pairs to practice as many procedures as possible. On actual missions, however, the cargo bay can be emptied in a single pass. Smaller pallets, collectively known as CDS (Container Delivery System) -used for carrying smaller cargo- are deployed by gravity thanks to the utilized roller channels, while larger ones –like vehicles- are pulled out by parachute.
Precision is everything during an airdrop—every inch matters. To reduce the effect of wind, the pallets are dropped from the lowest possible altitude. Once the cargo has safely landed in the designated drop zone, the loadmasters still have work to do. They retrieve the parachute deployment bags of the heavy pallets from the aircraft’s ramp, ensuring everything is secured before closing the rear door. It’s not your typical office job—Loadmasters must work near the open ramp while the aircraft is still in flight. Even they are safely harnessed to the aircraft, or have parachutes, it remains a unique and demanding task.
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There’s a tradition within the team: if a pallet hits the orange triangle marking the center of the drop zone, the mission commander must offer a round of beers to the crew. While such accuracy is rare, the team consistently lands their cargo within the target area, a testament to their skill and professionalism.
As the SAC team continues to master its airdrop capability, recent developments have further improved efficiency. The newly completed Combined Aerial Port Facility now includes a 33-meter-high parachute drying tower, allowing the team to dry and reuse parachutes even in wet conditions, ensuring that training and missions can proceed without delays.
Over the years, a large number of airdrop-trained Pilots and Loadmasters have rotated through the SAC Programme, bringing valuable experience back to their home countries. At the same time, new members join the team in Pápa, eager to contribute to the ongoing success of the programme.
The SAC Programme’s airdrop capability is an essential tool for delivering supplies and personnel in both military and humanitarian missions. With each successful training and mission, the team strengthens their skills and remains ready to assist whenever needed. Through careful planning, precise execution, and strong teamwork, the SAC team continues to excel in every airdrop mission they undertake.