Posted on Mar 2, 2022
Has the Army ever used hang gliders in airborne or special forces operations?
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43E: Parachute Rigger
1A3X1: Airborne Mission Systems
82nd ABN
Military Freefall School (HALO/HAHO)
Posted 2 y ago
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No, hang gliders are not very mobile. You've got to carry a bunch of equipment up a mountain and then you have to ditch or carry all that equipment. So now you have two limitations. You need a mountain and hang gliders are not exactly discrete.
You can accomplish the same thing with something in our inventory already. We have HAHO operations, you can be dropped from a high altitude in an ordinary plane and glide under a parachute a good dozen kilometers in something with a smaller radar signature
You can accomplish the same thing with something in our inventory already. We have HAHO operations, you can be dropped from a high altitude in an ordinary plane and glide under a parachute a good dozen kilometers in something with a smaller radar signature
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SPC Bob Ridley
When I read this individual’s assertion, I thought it was far-fetched. I was wondering if any one out there had, by chance, any real-life experience, or knowledge of the Army using hang gliders . Thank you for your answer.
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SFC (Join to see)
SPC Bob Ridley that's pretty funny. You'd have to find a mountain conveniently located on the border of where you're flying into. A mountain with a cleared area on the top with a glider runway and drop-off. Then you'd have to figure out how to strap your ruck, weapon and ammo on there. You wouldn't be able to carry too much because you wouldn't glide far enough to make the effort worthwhile.
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SPC Bob Ridley
You are absolutely correct sir. There is a huge amount of garbage on Quora! SFC (Join to see)
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If you thought it was a stupid question …. why would you answer it ? Specifically, I asked about hang gliders, not WW2 Troop Carriers. Also, history students love primary sources.
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SPC Bob Ridley
PFC Shawn West
I agree. I was skeptical when I was told this by someone I thought was a poser, Thanks for your answer.
I agree. I was skeptical when I was told this by someone I thought was a poser, Thanks for your answer.
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PFC Shawn West
SPC Bob Ridley Someone told you that the Army uses hang gliders? Now I'm definitely curious. Lol During WWII both the Allies and the axis used gliders that were towed by bombers but the gliders were essentially full size aircraft, as a somewhat inexpensive way to transport cargo, equipment and/or troops but they still required a pilot and an improvised landing strip at the very least.
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SPC Bob Ridley
PFC Shawn West
Exactly right! I saw this assertion by an individual on another site, & as I wrote earlier, I was skeptical to say the least. However, the military has experimented with odd weapons & equipment in the past, so I thought I would ask. I found nothing when I googled the subject, except the large military troop transport gliders you referred to.
Just more BS on the internet. Sounded like a James Bond movie to me.
Exactly right! I saw this assertion by an individual on another site, & as I wrote earlier, I was skeptical to say the least. However, the military has experimented with odd weapons & equipment in the past, so I thought I would ask. I found nothing when I googled the subject, except the large military troop transport gliders you referred to.
Just more BS on the internet. Sounded like a James Bond movie to me.
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