M113 Gavin Low-Velocity AirDrop Part 1: How It's Done

[BlacktailDefense]

If I had a nickel for every time I heard someone say, "The M113 can NOT be airdropped", I'd be pretty wealthy now.

The next time I make a reply to such drivel, I'll insert a link to this video.

[dynmicpara]

Exactly. This video is an IN-YOUR-FACE to all those idiots I grew sick of telling them (in private--no face loss) to download the M113 Gavin airdrop PDF manual--but wouldn't because they'd have to admit they were wrong.

[gosciu555]

@dynmicpara

Were M113 airdropped in Panama? Also is there any difference to how an M113 would perform in an airdrop when compared so a BMD1 lets say? As in the percentage of vehicles damaged etc? Has any other force airdropped M113? Usually the naysayers will try to challenge you on these points.

[dynmicpara]

@gosciu555 AFAIK, no, M113 Gavins from the 5th ID were airlanded by C-141Bs to Panama. They could have been LVADed since 3/73rd Armor owned a few; I need the exact drop manifests or to see the detailed AAR. Several Airborne drop Gavins, when I was in Israel I saw the IDF drop one. Sam Katz's book has a pic I'll post on the m113combat web page soon. Gavins airdrop well; simple rigging procedure, doesn't even crunch the honeycomb much; the VDV is now using air bags for their BMDs.

[DemonHide]

I'm savin' a PDF of that manual.

[barccy]

not a surprise package you want to find behind your lines

[BlacktailDefense]

As it happens, the Soviet Army thought the same thing; thier air-drop of VDV Light Armor behind the Germans, during the Battle of Moscow, turned the tide of the war.

That's also what drove them to later develop the BMD-1 Airborne Fighting Vehicle, which Dynmicpara can probably tell you more about than I could.

[dynmicpara]

Light tanks saved Moscow, saved the Russians from near defeat. A Light tank that can get to the fight--beats a heavier one that cannot show up.