MT-10: Equivalent MC-6

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

The MT-10, equivalent MC-6, parachute provides maneuverable capability to safely deliver an airborne soldier and individual equipment from an aircraft in flight for a vertical assault on an enemy.

The MT-10 is a highly portable main system, which includes the main canopy assembly, a deployment bag, a pack tray, a harness assembly, risers, and a universal static line.  The MT-10 uses the same harness, pack, deployment bag, risers and static line that the standard MC1-1D use, to upgrading to the MT-10 means a seamless transition for personnel.  It is capable of supporting 400 pounds. The MT-10 is limited to operation in winds of 13 knots at surface. The MT-10 is compatible with all current military aircraft used for airborne missions and compatible with ancillary items.

The MT-10 parachute system was developed to satisfy the high priority airdrop requirement to reduce parachutist injuries in parachuting operations. In a typical combat mission, troops drop from as low as 500 feet AGL, and at aircraft speeds between 130 to 150 KIAS. In this operational profile, rate of descent is highly critical. The MT-10 parachute has a rate of decent of 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 and is expected to reduce landing injuries significantly. Injuries upon landing reduce the combat effectiveness of the assaulting element and require otherwise combat effective soldiers to assist those injured.