MT-10: Equivalent MC-6

Personnel parachute, main; Troop back, 32-foot diameter, static line, steerable

The MT-10 parachute system (equivalent to the MC-6) provides the maneuverability needed to safely deploy airborne soldiers and their individual equipment from an in-flight aircraft for vertical assaults on enemy positions.

As a highly portable main system, the MT-10 includes a main canopy assembly, a deployment bag, a pack tray, a harness assembly, risers, and a universal static line. Because the MT-10 utilizes the same harness, pack, deployment bag, risers, and static line as the standard MC1-1D, upgrading to the MT-10 ensures a seamless transition for personnel. It can support up to 400 pounds but is limited to operations with surface winds of 13 knots or less. Additionally, the system is fully compatible with ancillary equipment and all current military aircraft used for airborne missions.

The MT-10 parachute system was developed to satisfy a high-priority airdrop requirement: reducing injuries during parachuting operations. In a typical combat mission, troops deploy from altitudes as low as 500 feet AGL at aircraft speeds between 130 and 150 KIAS. In such operational profiles, the rate of descent is highly critical. The MT-10 features a rate of descent between 14-1/2 and 18-1/2 feet per second, depending on the jumper’s total weight and drop altitude. This yields a 40 percent reduction in impact energy, which is expected to significantly lower landing-related injuries. Injuries upon landing compromise the combat effectiveness of the assaulting element by requiring able-bodied soldiers to assist the injured.