The Army's 3rd Special Forces Group was the first unit to field the new Military Free Fall Advanced Ram-Air Parachute System, RA-1, which is built for static line or free fall operations.
The RA-1 replaces the MC-4 system. The RA-1 allows soldiers to exit at altitudes between 3,500 feet to 35,000 feet Mean Sea Level. It also increases the total jumper exit weight to 450 pounds.
Riggers with the 3rd Special Forces Group conducted the rigger and jumper new equipment training. Two soldiers with the 3rd Special Forces Group will head to Yuma, Arizona, to work with the 1st Special Warfare Training Group to help them field the new system.
"The RA-1 is an impressive piece of equipment due to its versatility," the 3rd Group's airdrop technician said in a statement. "The capability to be configured as a static line parachute or a free fall parachute increases our adaptability to mission requirements."
