ably self-deploy, i.e., come apart. This means 

 that the number of bands and straps must be 

 kept to a minimum. 



(4) The package must, to the maximum 

 extent possible, use standard, off-the-shelf 

 components. 



IIP recognized that the main problem 

 with air-deploying a WOCE drifterfrom an HC- 

 130 would be the dangerof striking the aircraft's 

 tail with this large but light package. There are 

 two ways to minimize this danger. First, the 

 USCG HC-130 Standardization Unit (STAN 

 Team) which is based in Elizabeth City, NC 

 chose the deployment speed of 140 knots to 

 minimize the nose-up attitude of the aircraft 

 during the launch. The intent was to give a 

 clear path to the package as it departs the 

 cargo ramp. Second, weight was added to the 



package. This was simply a matter of placing 

 the double-walled cardboard box (the WOCE/ 

 TOGA shipboard deployment box) inside a 

 half inch plywood shipping/deployment box. 

 This made the package about 200 pounds. 

 Before launch, the screws that hold the ply- 

 wood box together (they are marked with 

 orange paint) are removed, allowing the sides 

 to fall away after the straps are cut. Complete 

 fabrication specifications for the container are 

 given in Taylor and Murphy, 1992. 



Figure 2 is a schematic representation 

 of the air-deployment package. Two reefing 

 line cutters, both with 10-second timers, are 

 used to cut the parachute and straps from the 

 plywood box. 



Ice Patrol chose a drop altitude of 300 

 ft. The first 10-second cutter is armed when 



PARACHUTE 



Figure 2. 



Air Deployment Schematic 



SHROUDS CINCHED 

 MIDWAY 



STAINLESS 

 STEEL CABLE 



AIMLESS STEEL CABLE 

 CUnER 



RISER ASSEMBLY 



STRAP #1 



STRAP #2 



SALT 

 TABLET 



SALT 

 TABLET 



83 



