The Philippine Air Force (PAF), United States Air Force (USAF), Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara (TNI-AU), Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Airlifters exchanged best practices on Low-Cost, Low-Altitude (LCLA) airdrop on August 15, 2023, in Sta Rosa, Nueva Ecija.
According to Col Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF Spokesperson , this activity is one of the Flying Training Exercises of the Pacific Airlift Rally 2023 which aims to expand the participants’ capability in delivering bundle cargoes for humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, increase participating air forces’ interoperability, and improve logistics capabilities.
“An LCLA airdrop is a method of delivering supplies from an aircraft. The term “low cost” is used since the pre-packed expendable parachutes being utilized for the airdrop is relatively cheaper. While the term “low altitude” refers to the height of the aircraft during the actual drop. Dropping from a lower altitude has been proven to be more accurate,” Col Castillo explained.
The LCLA serves as an opportunity for the PAF and other international counterparts to share knowledge and expertise on critical airdrop techniques. The exchange of best practices will help contingent air forces to improve their capabilities and be better prepared to respond to natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies.
“For the PAF, this LCLA capability will enable our Airlifters to quickly deliver resupply to ground operating troops and provide relief goods to areas inaccessible by land after the onslaught of calamities and disasters,” Castillo added.
