Airdrop of Supplies and Equipment

This manual, "Airdrop of Supplies and Equipment: Rigging Containers (FM 4-20.103)," provides the latest approved doctrine for rigging airdrop containers. It is written for use by a parachute rigger or jumpmaster. Container loads are loads that are rigged for airdrop in airdrop containers such as the A-7A airdrop cargo sling assembly, the A-21 cargo bag assembly, and the A-22 cargo bag assembly. These containers are packed with supplies, disassembled equipment, or small items of ready-to-use equipment prepared for airdrop. Loads may be required to be cushioned with energy dissipating material (honeycomb), felt, or cellulose wadding depending on the load requirements and the method of airdrop. The number and types of parachutes required to stabilize the load and slow its descent depend on the type of container used, the weight of the load, and the type of airdrop. This manual consists of six parts. a. Part one contains general information for container loads and aircraft. b. Part two contains procedures for rigging A-7A container loads. c. Part three contains procedures for rigging A-21 container loads. d. Part four contains procedures for rigging A-22 container loads. e. Part five contains procedures for rigging low-cost aerial delivery systems. f. Part six contains procedures for rigging specialized loads and equipment.