What is a sling load in air assault operations?

What is a sling load in air assault operations?

• A. A load suspended beneath a helicopter by lines or cables for transport.
• B. A helicopter technique to fly in formation.
• C. A device used to anchor loads to the ground.
• D. A method of signaling between crews on the ground.

Answer: (A)

A sling load is a load suspended beneath a helicopter by lines or cables for transport. In air assault operations, bulky equipment, vehicles, or supplies are rigged with slings and hooked to the helicopter so it can lift and carry them to a location where landing isn’t possible or practical. The rigging is managed by the pilot and a ground crew member (often a load master) to keep the load balanced, clear of the rotor wash, and secure until it’s released at the destination. This approach is specifically about moving an external load under the helicopter, not about formation flying, ground anchoring, or signaling between crews.

A sling load is a load suspended beneath a helicopter by lines or cables for transport. In air assault operations, bulky equipment, vehicles, or supplies are rigged with slings and hooked to the helicopter so it can lift and carry them to a location where landing isn’t possible or practical. The rigging is managed by the pilot and a ground crew member (often a load master) to keep the load balanced, clear of the rotor wash, and secure until it’s released at the destination. This approach is specifically about moving an external load under the helicopter, not about formation flying, ground anchoring, or signaling between crews.