C-130 dumps tank on runway - GIF

**Peter Fabricius** · Nov 23, 2019, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by IAMSatisfied

I'm not for certain, but that appears to be ~8' drop, which if one was riding inside when it was dropped would risk loosening one's fillings, if not rattle the kidneys.

That is a tank being dropped by LAPES, the tank is on a skid and there are no passengers. I have 9 jumps from the C130 in 1970. Fantastic view from the first in line on the ramp. Disliked the last couple of night jumps with full combat gear. The ground comes up fast and you cannot really tell when your boots are going to hit. Good memories!

**Peter Fabricius** · Nov 23, 2019, 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by Peter Fabricius

That is a tank being dropped by LAPES, the tank is on a skid and there are no passengers. I have 9 jumps from the C130 in 1970. Fantastic view from the first in line on the ramp. Disliked the last couple of night jumps with full combat gear. The ground comes up fast and you cannot really tell when your boots are going to hit. Good memories!

P.S. there is a real risk with LAPES. If the load hangs up on the ramp the C of G shifts too far back for the Captain to hold the aircraft level and it will nose up and crash.
If you look closely as the load leaves the ramp the aircraft immediately climbs dramatically due to dumping the load.

**Frank S** · Nov 23, 2019, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by Peter Fabricius

P.S. there is a real risk with LAPES. If the load hangs up on the ramp the C of G shifts too far back for the Captain to hold the aircraft level and it will nose up and crash.
If you look closely as the load leaves the ramp the aircraft immediately climbs dramatically due to dumping the load.

Yes you can also see the effects of the change in the CG as the load is pulled off the ramp once it is gone the plane lightened of the cargo takes off almost like a pair of 1000 lb thrust jatos were ignited