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From: drn@pinet.aip.org (donald_newcomb)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Fixed wing extraction
Message-ID: <1991Feb21.031546.12654@cbnews.att.com>
Date: 21 Feb 91 03:15:46 GMT
Sender: military@cbnews.att.com (William B. Thacker)
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 21
Approved: military@att.att.com



From: drn@pinet.aip.org (donald_newcomb)

Some time back I heard or read about a technique for extracting someone
(e.g. downed pilot) behind enemy lines using a fixed-wing aircraft. As
I remember, and it sounds bizare, a plane like a C130 lets a _long_
cable out the back. The plane then makes a tight circle over the person
to be extracted. The cable, rather than becoming entangled in the props,
drops to the ground where the extractee gets into the harness provided.
The plane then slowly exits the tight loop it has been flying and lifts
(I have no idea how gently) the individual into the air. He is reeled
into the plane when convenient.

I know this sounds crazy but has anyone else ever heard of anything
remotely like this?

Donald R. Newcomb      | I will punish Bel in Babylon
(601) 863-2235         | and take from his mouth what he has swallowed.
drn@pinet.aip.org      |                              -- Jeremiah 51:44