Airdrop crews deliver double the cargo in 2008

[unhappycamper]

Airdrop crews deliver double the cargo in 2008
By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jan 5, 2009 18:16:55 EST

Air Force crews on C-130 and C-17s airdropped more than twice as much cargo into Iraq and Afghanistan in 2008 as the previous year, according to Central Air Forces.

As the year ended, transports had released 16.6 million pounds of supplies, compared to 8.2 million pounds in 2007. In fact, more supplies were parachuted during 2008 than in the previous three years combined.

Prompting the jump in airdrops was the need to supply troops in remote outposts and the increased accuracy of cargo pallets that use Global Positioning System satellite signals to steer parachutes. Aircrews also got the call to deliver emergency supplies to communities isolated by floods and snow.


Article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/01/airforce_afghan_airdrops_010509w/%2e