Pag. 3 Pag. 5 Pag. 9
News Events Reports Informations Courses Articles & Press Release & Operations & Abstracts
Airborne History The Canadian Paratroopers
Weapons & Equipments The SCP 70/90 The Folgore’s rifle
Aircrafts & Vehicles The Antonov AN-2 Code Name “Colt”
Wings & Badges The US Army Parachutist Badge The European Paratroopers Association's Magazine
New Edition
Issue N.10 - Winter 2010 ear Comrades, We are glad to introduce our new edition of “ParatrooperNews”, the magazine of European Para- D troopers Association, which should reflect an essential EDITORS AND STAFF synthesis and expression of EPA’s activities and a convenient medium to comunicate with our members as well. Editor-in-Chief “ParatrooperNews” is designed to keep you informed of the Giulio Festa developments within our Association, as well as to provide key information on our events. Deputy Editor Like you can see from this issue “ParatrooperNews”, changed Dean Hutson from a newsletter to a magazine with a new graphic design, a
larger number of pages and greater number of articles and re- Editorial Assistant ports. It will be published quarterly in both the printed and onli- Edyta Wilowska ne versions. The online version, in pdf file format, can be easy
Editorial Staff downloaded from on our web site and printed. Inside this issue & you can find articles, reports on our activities in this firsth Collaborators months of 2010 and news about our planned events and opera-
Richard Low tions. We are sure that you will appreciate our work and we look Casey Anderson forward to receiving your feedback. Chris Goodall Giulio Festa Tiziano La Mura Georgios Tsatsaros Paulo Fernandes
Graphic Design
WNS88
Website
www.europeanparatroopers.org
Copyright
Here and abroad of all editorial material is held by the publishers. No reproduction is permitted whatsoever without prior consent in writing. News 3 Planned Events 2010 Mobile Training Team European Wings Press Release SWAT Advanced Course Assault Rifle Course Training Centers
Events 5 Upcoming Events Membership 2010 Custom courses
Reports 6 EPA’s SWAT Corse EPA’s Combat Pistol Course US Army Marksman Test
Airborne History 10 The Canadian Paratroopers
Weapons & Equipments 12 The SCP 70/90
Aircrafts & Vehicles 13 The Antonov AN-2
Wings & Badges 14 Cover Image: The US Army Parachutist Badge Greek Police Commando Team during the SWAT Course Airborne Soldiers 15 The British Paratrooper 2010
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hrough our excellent contacts, also this year the EPA’s CTC Director European Paratroopers Association is organizing T basic and advanced airborne courses and e are several military parachuting, tactical and marksmanship W proud training events in various European Countries. to welcome All active, reserve and retired soldiers can join us as LTC Dean members and take part in our events. With us you will Hutson to get the opportunities to train and jump with our elite airborne units and paratrooper reserve training associations to earn their parachute cadre as the wings and much more... Director of the EPA’s Combat For further information go on: Training Center. Dean has a www.europeanparatroopers.org 20 year career with a Nationally Certified Police Force as a Command Level Officer and he is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Class 217) - Quantico, or those, units and groups, who can’t joined our courses Virginia. POST Certified (airborne and tactical) at our Centers, we have designed specific Advanced Police Instructor F Teams. If you can't make it to us, we'll come to you! All EPA and NTOA Tactical Team curriculums can be exported to any location via the EPA Mobile Training Member for over 15 years. Team (MTT). All EPA curriculums can be amended or specifically He is also a US Army Reserve developed for a particular unit. Contact us to discuss the specific needs Officer, and as an Army of your law enforcement or Lieutenant Colonel he is the military unit. EPA MTT Commander of a Special classes will have a special Marksmanship Unit of the pricing plan based on the United States Army with course and number of several years of combat duty students. EPA can modify in Iraq and Afghanistan. any of our current curriculum to design custom classes for their members that can't find what they EPA’s ATC Director need within our normal curriculum. e are W proud For answers to specific questions concerning the EPA Mobile Training to welcome Team please do not hesitate to contact us at: SGT Roman [email protected] Štengl to our elite training cadre as the Director of the EPA’s Airborne Training Center. With 4 years of ll members of the European Paratroopers Association can earn military parachuting expertise the European Wings (European Paratroopers Jump Badge) after and over 9300+ total jumps, A completing the jumps. A light blue wings with a white parachute Roman is internationally in the center, which is surrounded on the base by twelve yellow stars, recognized as an expert in his embroidered on a piece of black cloth represents this brevet. field. Jumpmaster and The members of the European Paratroopers Association can earn the Eu- Airborne Instructor of the ropean Wings after completing 3 (three) jumps during one of our para- Czech Army he has served as chuting events. Sergent with the 22. Airborne The expert parachutist members who cannot join our Regiment and now he is a jump e- vents can be awarded the European Wings reserve NCO of the Czech on pro- of of valid jump qualification. Army and a civilian instructor T h e beginner members can earn the Eu- USPA Coach, USPA Tandem ropean Wings after having suc- Instructor, USPA AFF cessfully completed one of our instructor, he is as well UPT basic airborne training cour- Tandem and AFF Examiner ses organized every year in and senior rigger. Roman is several Parachutist School in also national ispector and Europe under the control of the European Paratroopers As- supervisor of the Czech sociation’s Airborne Training Centre. Aeroclub.
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EPA’s CTC ou have learned what it takes to be a SWAT European Y Operator – now learn what it Paratroopers takes to LEAD them! Association's This advanced tactical management CTC (Combat course will teach you the Training Center) fundamentals needed to plan and was formed with the execute SWAT and tactical operations. In expressed mission of training this corse you will learn to select, test and and assisting our members interview members for your team, to plan and o r g a n i z e (law enforcement, military operational missions, to dentify sources of intelligence in and government personnel) your own community and use them for your operations, to develop and in the advanced tactical write 5 paragraph operations orders, to perform risk assessments and arena.The Combat Training identify what can go wrong, to perform an actual ‘Site Survey’ of Center offers the European locations in your area, to work with other Military, Police and Paratroopers Association Government agencies both before, during and after the incident ,the members comprehensive equipment evaluation and testing guidelines, the managing negotiators, basic and advanced training the tactics, the proper planning and use of Snipers, Chemical Agents, in all aspects of physical Scouts, Grenadiers etc… security and protective From your successful graduation of our SWAT Operators Course you operations and have designed already know how a SWAT Operator performs his mission – now learn specific courses for the how to plan and lead that group of SWAT Operators in the successful military and law enforcement performance of that same mission! Your primary instructor has community. successfully used these exact same SWAT Team Leader fundamentals in The courses take into account real world operations from the mountains and killing fields of "worst case scenarios" Afghanistan as a US Army Special Operations Officer to the wild and enabling our members to violent streets of the United States as a Police SWAT Team Commander. develop true proficiency in For answers to specific questions concerning the this course, please do the high-risk tactical not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] environment.
For further information go on: europeanparatroopers.org
EPA’s ATC his advanced rifle course will introduce the students to the European T latest tactics and techniques used Paratroopers by front line, veteran Police Officers on the Association's mean streets of America and by Soldiers on the ATC (Airborne village streets of Afghanistan. Training Center) With increased use of high powered weapons was formed with the and body armor by both criminals and expressed mission of training terrorist the use of the Assault Rifle has and assisting our members in taken on even more importance. Bank of every aspect of military America Shootout, Beslan, Mumbai, parachuting. The Airborne Helmand Province - these are all locations where the aggressive Training Center offers to the use of an Assault Rifle has - or could have - made the difference. Your European Paratroopers primary instructor has developed and refined these tactics by using members comprehensive them on real world combat operations in Iraq, Bosnia, Afghanistan and basic and advanced training during actual, active SWAT missions in the United States. These are NOT in parachuting and organizes your standard 'stand and shoot' tactics - this is an aggressive and fast parachute training exercises paced Assault Rifle Course that will teach you to take the fight to the with round-canopy systems criminal/terrorist. 'Shoot & Move, Reload on the Move, Weapon Failure with automatic opening, Drills, Rapid Target Engagement, Weapon Transition Techniques, jumps with weapon and Immediate Action Drills and much more. You will graduate from this equipment, night jumps, course with a better understanding of this weapon, a greater confidence water jumps and jumps into in your abilities and most of all - the ability to shoot, move and take the unknown terrain as well basic fight to the enemy! and advanced training in free Students are strongly encouraged to bring any and all combat/tactical fall parachuting. gear that they have so as to see what works and share these observations with each other. For further information go on: For answers to specific questions concerning the this course, please do europeanparatroopers.org not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] 4
he European Paratroopers Association is or- Airborne Courses ganizing several military parachuting, mar- T ksmanship and other training events (as Custom airborne courses can SWAT, combat arms, scuba diving or field me- be arranged and designed e- dical training) in various European Countries, specially for you. For answers as well as basic airborne courses designed e- to specific questions specially for beginners, that are provided regu- concerning the Airborne larly during the complete year by our Airborne Training Courses please do Training Center in Pribram/Czech Republic. We not hesitate to contact us. would like to welcome your participation in one of our upcoming events. Tactical Courses Our next jump appointment will be Operation Eastern Eagles at our airfield in Pribram/Czech Custom basic and advanced Republic on 1-4 April. During the event we will have on training courses in mar- p l a c e Czech, Slovak, Polish, Ukrainian and US ksmanship and combat te- Army JM that will award their wings. chniques and tactics can be From 13 to 16 of May we will go in arranged and designed espe- Ukraine to jump with the cially for you. For answers to Ukrainian paratroopers on specific questions concerning Operation Archangel. We will the Combat Training Courses award Ukrainian parachute wings please do not hesitate to a f t e r the jumps. Besides the Ukrainian wings contact us. there will be also awarded Polish and Russian wings. For those of our members who haven't yet joined a mili- Airborne Course tary airbor- ne course we have organized a basic Airborne Course in Czech Republic on 15-19 April. At the end of the For those of our members Course stu- dents will be awarded Czech wings. who haven't yet joined a About marksmanship our next appointment will be the military airborne course at a Assault Rifle Course at our training center in Thessaloniki/Greece on military airborne school, we 6-7 April. Upon successful completion of the training you will be awarded have designed specific basic the Police Assault Rifle (Patrol) Badge and Certificate. and advanced airborne courses to give them the opportunity to qualify as military parachutists. Our military parachute training courses are being taught by highly qualified military parachute instructors coming from the NATO For detailed event information please visit our web site: countries’ Armed Forces. The www.europeanparatroopers.org courses are held at Pribram airfield in Czech Republic by our Airborne Training Center. This courses are also opened to former military parachutists that need a refresh and will include military parachute static line Our events are open only to our descents. At the end of the members. Course, after the jumps, You must be a current member according to host Country’s of European Paratroopers regulations, students will be Association - i.e. have paid your awarded Czech wings. On annual EPA membership fees request, besides the Czech 2010. If you haven't yet joined wings, there will be also Us or if you need to renew your awarded Slovak wings. Once membership please go to the our members have Membership page of our web successfully completed the site: basic airborne training course www.europeanparatroopers.org and earned their military For answers to specific questions concerning the membership, please parachutists wings, they will do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] receive the European Wings.
5 The European Paratroopers A’ssociation’s Combat Training Center train in the SWAT tactics elements of the Greek Military and Police Special Forces Reserve
By Dean Hutson he European Paratroo- pers Association’s Combat Training Center used the Mobile Training TTeam – MTT – concept to train ele- ments of the Greek Military (Special Forces) and Police (Commando) from 8-10 January, 2010. The Special Weapons And Tactics – S.W.A.T. – Operators Course was conducted in Thessalonica, Greece. This full course – consisted of training in tactics and techniques for Special Operators of both Police and Military units. The fundamentals needed to con- duct SWAT operations were tho- roughly instructed and then practi- ced under a variety of conditions – both day and night – inside and outside. The facilities used for this consi- sted of theatres, multi story buil- dings, busses and automobiles. Planning, approach, assault and domination of the objective were practiced and demonstrated. Leadership roles among the stu- dents were often rotated so others could experience leading their va- rious squads and teams on mis- sions and operations. Range facilities for live fire were also utilized as the students had the opportunity to conduct live fire training in pistol, rifle and shotgun combat tactics. Shooting on the move and tactical combat shooting were stressed – it’s never just a day of ‘stand and shoot’ at a Euro- pean Paratroopers Association – Greek Police Commando Team moving tactically during SWAT Course. Combat Training Center course!!! On the next page: Combined Army SF and Police Commando in Training Extensive training on building as-
6 sault techniques and room clearing cover a fellow injured Operator we- being a LTC in the United States movements were taught and exe- re taught and practiced over and Army Reserve – the US Army Mar- cuted by all team members. over until they are now second na- ksmanship Badge. ‘Active Shooter’ training was intro- ture to these professionals. And as a final testimony to their duced and the Greek Forces de- The course wrapped up with a very new status as SWAT Operators monstrated that they are now well impressive graduation attended by they were presented a new combat trained in hunting down those who many dignitaries, Generals, mem- knife per the traditions of United are actively shooting and assaul- bers of their community that they States SWAT Forces. ting innocent civilians in a variety protect and best of all – the fami- The Greek Forces are very well of situations. lies of the new SWAT Operators! known as excellent students who Vehicle assault tactics were taught Their hard work, long and difficult are smart, resourceful and brave! and practiced during full scale as- days and absolute commitment to Their devotion to both their com- sault training on large busses and this training was rewarded with the munities and the citizens of Greece cars that could normally be expec- awarding of the prestigious United showed both their honor and their ted to be used by terrorist and cri- States Police SWAT Operators loyalty. minals. Badge. They were also awarded – The European Paratrooper Associa- The vital techniques required to re- due to the primary instructor also tion – Combat Training Center
The SWAT Operator badge (SWAT Basic Badge) is adopted by the Police agencies around the USA as their official SWAT qualification badge. Beside the SWAT Basic Badge there is also the SWAT Senior Badge and the SWAT Master Badge.
THE SWAT LOGO MEANING
EAGLE: Strength, Endurance, & Observation;
LIGHTNING BOLT: Speed & Surprise when called upon or forced to act.;
KNIFE & ASSAULT RIFLE: The tools we use in SWAT.
7 Graduation Ceremony For Greek SWAT Operators Course. On the left: The poster of the EPA SWAT Course “Macedonian Eagle” in Greece. would also like to point out the a- solutely fearless in the execution of Training Center looks forward to mazing hospitality of the Greek the mission was most impressive coming back to Greece to conduct people and of the Professional Poli- to the International Training Cadre training once again and we invite ce and Military members who at- of the EPA. you to also attend the SWAT Ope- tended this course. I can say without reservation that I rators and SWAT Team Leaders Their willingness to train hard, to would go into battle with any of Courses or any of our outstanding ask intelligent questions, to be in- these men! tactical courses this year in the novative and most of all to be ab- The staff of the EPA Combat Czech Republic or at your location!
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8 Army Marksman Badge. The training day was reserved to our comrades of the Italian Reserve Officers Association and over 20 active and reserve soldiers found themselves on the range hanks to the Commander of organized in Rome/Italy a training representing all the four Italian 5150th Special day with the objective being to Armed Forces (Army, Navy, air T Marksmanship Unit of give our members the opportunity Force and Carabinieri). United States Army, last 12th to train with one of the most At the end of the day all the January the Combat Training famouse marksmanship unit of the Officers and NCOs were Center of the European United States of America in order successfully qualified for the US Paratrooper Association had to qualified for and to earn the US Army Pistol and Rifle Badges.
n 4th February 2010 a besides the training in basic and had the opportunity to conduct live group of our members, advanced combat pistol tactics and fire training in pistol (Beretta 92 FS O Italian policemen, from techniques in the exchange of and Glock 17) combat tac- "Guardia di Finanza” and experience and skills between the tics. Shooting on the move and "Carabinieri" of counterterrorism participants coming from different tactical combat shooting were quick reaction force took part in police forces. stressed such as extensive training the Combat Pistol Course The day spent on the shooting on room clearing movements were organized in Italy by the Combat range was an opportunity of taught and executed by all teams. Training Center of the European exchanging experience, ability, At the end of the corse the partici- paratroopers Association. The skills and knowledge in a hight pants was awrded with the EPA’s purpose of this course consisted level environment. The students CTC Certificate of Training.
9 The proud history of the Canadian Paratroopers from the D-Day invasion and the fight in Europe in the IIWW to the UN Mission in Somalia in the early 1990s
By Casey Anderson ith the growing popularity of paratroopers during the Second World WWar, Canada followed suit to its Allies. On July 1st 1942, the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion (1CPB) was formed from overseas volunteers. The initial volunteers trained at Fort Benning, in the US. Following their training, Parachute Training centres were opened in Shilo, Manitoba in Canada to qualify more members using a mix of American and British doctrine. By early 1943, the main strength of 1CPB was attached to the British 6th Airborne for service in Europe. Once overseas, the battalion participated in the D-Day invasion, fought through Belgium and Holland, joined in the Airborne crossing of the Rhine and advanced to Wismar, Germany However, early in the post war era, the Battalion was disbanded upon its return to Canada. A second force with Canadian soldiers in an airborne role was also established in 1942. Using a mix of Canadian and American soldiers, the First Special Service Force (FSSF) was created. This unit, formed in Montana, made its way overseas where it participated, and distinguished itself, in many operations throughout the Italian theatre. The FSSF later on went to form the famous US Green Berets. The men of the 1CPB and FSSF who remained in the army post WW2 formed in the Canadian Canadian Jumpmaster drop paratroopers out of C-130 Hercules Special Air Service Regiment in transport aircraft. 1947. |This unit was disbanded in
10 1949 to form the Mobile Strike economic reasons, the CAR was a rapid deployment role. The Force, designated with the disbanded in 1995 to the detriment Canadian Special Operations important role of being a rapidly of the Canadian Forces. Regiment (CSOR) is a tier-two deployable defence force across Since then, parachute capabilities Special Forces unit which supports, Canada. Maintaining Canadian in Canada have been reduced to and supplements Canada’s anti- sovereignty at the height of the company sized strength within 3 terrorist unit and tier-one unit, Cold War in the Arctic regions in Regular Force infantry regiments. Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2). The the Northern area of the country The Royal Canadian Regiment CSOR has adopted the distinctive was their principle mission. (RCR), The Princess Patricia’s tan beret (associated with Special By 1958 this unit was once again Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) Forces units worldwide), which was reformed to a diminished role and and the Royal 22eme Regiment a departure from the maroon renamed the Defence of Canada (R22eR), as well as being berets of the CSOR’s ancestor Force, where the paratroopers supported by the only Reserve regiments. found themselves limited to Regiment with a Parachute role, several infantry-company strength the Queens Own Rifles of Canada Canada’s Paratrooper Lineage sub-units dispersed within Infantry (QOR). All of these units are battalions with the same task of supported by the Canadian Forces 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, protecting the Canadian Land Advance Warfare Centre 1942-45. - First Special Service sovereignty in the Arctic. which trains soldiers in parachuting Force (Devil’s Brigade), 1942-44. - The Canadian Airborne Regiment operations and also encompasses Canadian Special Air Service (CAR) became the first parachute the Parachute Maintenance Depot, Company, 1947-49. - Mobile Strike regiment since the 1CPB in 1968. at Canadian Forces Base Trenton. Force, 1948-50. - Defence of This Regiment served proudly In 2006, the Department of Canada Force, 1958-68. - Canadian throughout many United Nations National Airborne Regiment, Operations. It held 3 Infantry Defence 1968-95. - Joint Task Commandos, as well as announced Force II, 1993-Present. - Three mechanized support, an Airborne the formation independent parachute companies Artillery element from 2 Royal of a new within light infantry battalions, Canadian Horse Artillery (2RCHA), regiment with 1995-Present as well as a reserve and Airborne Engineers. Following regiment. - Canadian Special the UN Mission in Somalia in the Operations Regiment, 2006- early 1990s, present. for both political and
Left From Top: Jumpmaster chech. Parachute landing falls. Canadian Patrol. Canadian paratroopers waiting CH-47 Helicopter.
11 he Beretta SCP- 70/90 is the stan- dard carabine of Ita- lian Paratroopers. The SCP-70/90 is T the Airborne troops modifications of the basic Italian Army AR-70/90 assault rifle. The famous Italian arms company Pietro Beretta Spa began to develop a new assault rifle, chambered for Ameri- can 5.56mm cartridge in 1968. The resulting design appeared circa 1972 and after trials was adopted by the Ita- lian Special Forces, as well as by some foreign armies, like those of Jordan, Malaysia and others. The rifle was desi- red, the front pin can be removed too, gnated AR-70/223, and was available so the receiver halves will be separated in three basic versions (standard as- completely. This design proved to be sault rifle AR-70/223, carbine SC- not strong enough, so the AR-70/90 70/223 with same barrel and folding features a trapezoid-shaped upper re- butt, and a special carbine SCS-70/223 ceiver cross-section, with separate bolt with shortened barrel and folding butt). guides welded in place. The basic design showed some minor The gas operated action of the AR- ambidextrous. The feeding of AR-70/90 flaws, and when Italian army decided 70/90 is fairy conventional, with the series weapons is achieved by using to replace its ageing 7.62mm Beretta long stroke gas piston, located above STANAG (M16-type) compliant magazi- BM59 automatic rifles with the new the barrel. The gas piston rod is linked nes, with the ambidextrous magazine 5.56mm NATO assault rifle, Beretta to the bolt carrier by using a cocking release button located at the both si- entered the contest with the upgraded handle as a lock, and the return spring des of the magazine housing in the lo- version of the 70/223. This upgraded is located around the gas piston, above wer receiver. The AR-70/90 series ri- version appeared in 1985, and even- the barrel. The gas block featured a fles featured a bolt stop device, which tually won the following trials. In 1990 two positions gas regulator (for normal holds the bolt open when the last it was adopted as the basic AR-70/90 and adverse conditions), and the gas round from the magazine is fired. The assault rifle, with the available modifi- cutoff, integral with raising grenade bolt release button is located at the left cations of SC-70/90 (same rifle but sight. When grenade sight is raised in- side of the receiver, above the with the folding buttstock for Muntain to the firing position, it automatically magazine housing. The sights of the troops “Alpini”) and SCP-70/90 closes the gas port. The rotating bolt is AR-70/90 rifles consists of the hooded (Airborne troops carbine with shorte- somewhat similar to one, found in the front blade, mounted on the top of the ned barrel and folding butt). The Beret- Kalashnikov AK-47 rifles, and has two gas block, and the flip-up aperture re- ta AR-70/90 is a general issue shoulder massive lugs, which are locked into the ar, marked for 250 and 400 meters arm with the Italian Army, and also is barrel sleeve, which is welded into the range. The top surface of the receiver offered for export. receiver. The charging handle is atta- is fitted with the NATO-standard sco- Technical description. ched to the bolt carrier. The barrel is pe / accessory rail. A detachable car- The AR-70/90 series rifles is a gas ope- fixed to the receiver using the threaded rying handle with the see-through base rated, magazine fed, selective fire wea- barrel nut, allowing for quick barrel re- is available for all AR-70/90 series ri- pon. The receiver is made from stam- placement (for repair purposes only, fles. The AR-70/90 also can be equip- ped sheet steel, and consist of two hal- not in the field), without the extensive ped with Zeiss "Orion" night-vision ves, upper and lover, connected by two headspace adjustments. The barrel bo- sight or the Aimpoint 4X telescope cross-pins, at the rear and at the front. re is chrome-plated. The conventional sight (any other sights with compatible For maintenance and field stripping the trigger / hammer mechanism allows for mountings also can be easily installed, rear pin is pushed out and the receiver single shots, 3 rounds bursts (optional) if required). is hinged around the front pin. If requi- and full auto. The safety /selector is The furniture on all rifles is made from plastic, with the standard rifles having the fixed plastic buttstocks. The SC- 70/90 Muntain troops carbines are dif- ferent from AR rifles only by having the side-folding, skeleton type metallic Caliber 5.56x45mm NATO (SS109/M855) buttstocks, covered with plastic. The SCP-70/90 carbine is similar to the SC- 908 mm / 663 mm with folded butt Length 70/90 except that it has a shortened Barrel length 360 mm barrel which cannot be used to launch rifle grenades directly. However, a Weight, empty 3.80 kg special detachable rifle grenade laun- cher is available for short barreled car- Magazine capacity 30 rounds bines, which could be easily clamped onto the muzzle of the gun. A wide va- Rate of fire 670 rounds per minute riety of accessories is available for AR- Effective range 350 meters 70/90 rifles, including knife-type bayo- nets, firing adaptors, etc.
12 ating back to 1947, the Antonov AN-2 is an extremely durable, light, single-engine D aircraft and has had a varied career, used by the military, commercial and agricultural sectors. This huge Russian biplane has been used as a paratroopers transport, light bomber, glider tug, navigation trainer and utility transport. Despite being a versatile and adaptable machine, the large, fabric-covered An-2 biplane remains firmly rooted in much earlier days of aviation. he AN-2 prototype was first flown on August 31, 1947, and the aircraft is still in production, although the Antonov Bureau has not produced any since 1960. The An-2s designer, Oleg Antonov, had been an aircraft designer during the Second World War. He then formed his own bureau with the intention of creating an aircraft capable of almost any task. He succeeded. Originally designed for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in the former Soviet Union, the aircraft was soon adopted by the Soviet Air Force and built for its client states. It is ideally suited to less developed countries because it requires little making field repairs easy. It has a transport airplane between 1957 and maintenance and is easy to fly. The crew of two in a heated crew 1970, and more were produced as AN-2's admittedly-antiquated design compartment and a single bay the Fongshu 2. The AN-2 is still in gives it extremely short take-off and running the length of the aircraft. service with over 30 air forces and landing (STOL) capabilities. This is More than 12,000 AN-2 have been has been used by Aeroflot and other partly achieved not only by the high- produced at the PZL Mielec plant in eastern airlines. With the collapse of lift double wings, but by the use of Poland since it signed a licensing deal the communist regime over two the drooping ailerons which can be in 1960. The Antonov plant in Kiev decade ago, a small number of AN-2s lowered 20 degrees to compliment produced 5,000 before it stopped have begun to appear on some the flaps. The wings are covered in production in 1965. The design was airfield in Europe where it is fabric aft of the front spar and the also licensed to China, where 1,500 frequented used for parachute drops, tailplane is also covered with fabric, were completed as the Harbin Y-5 capable of carrying 12 jumpers.
Specifications (An-2P) Ceiling: Engine: 14,425 ft. One 1,000-hp Shvetsov ASh-62IR radial piston Range: engine 560 miles with 1,100-pound payload Weight: Armament: Empty 7605 lbs., Max Takeoff 12,125 lbs. None Wing Span: Accommodation: 59ft. 7.75in.(Upper), 46ft. 8.5in. (Lower). 2 crew + 12 passengers Length: Number Built: 41ft. 9.5in. 20,000+ Height: Number Still Airworthy: 13ft. 1.5in. Unknown, but believed to be at least 2,000. Performance: Nicknames: Maximum Speed at 5,700 ft: 160 mph кукуру́зник kukuruznik - ("Corn-Eater") and Economy Cruising Speed: 115 mph Annushka ("Little Annie"); Colt (NATO code name.
13 he first Parachute plied for a patent to protect the de- badge was designed sign from unauthorized reproduc- during World War II tion. On Fe- by Captain (later bruary 2, 19- Lieutenant General) 43, Patent T William P. Yarbo- #134963 rough of the 501st Parachute Batta- was gran- lion. A memorandum of record writ- ted for ten by Captain Yarborough on April "A Para- 22, 1941, tells the story of the birth chutist's of the parachute badge. Badge" for a pe- "On March 3, 1941, I was ordered to riod of three Washington to report to the Adjutant and one-half General for temporary duty in the years. Office of the Chief of Infantry. My mission was the procurement of a The Parachutist Badge was formally suitable parachutist badge with would approved on 10 March 1941. The se- Airborne Department of the Infantry meet with the approval both of the nior and master parachutists badges School; or participated in at least one War Department and the Comman- were authorized by Headquarters, combat parachute jump. ding Officer of the 501st Parachute Department of the Army in 1949 and Battalion. Major Miley (commander were announced by Change 4, Army Senior Parachutist: of the 501st), before my departure, Regulation 600-70, dated 24 January gave me full authority to approve any 1950. Participated in a minimum of 30 design that I considered acceptable, jumps to include 15 jumps with and to do so in his name. The same Description: combat equipment; two night jumps, authority was delegated to me in the one of which is as jumpmaster of a name of the Chief of Infantry. An oxidized silver badge 1 13/64 in- stick; two mass tactical jumps which ches in height and 1 1/2 inches in culminate in an airborne assault pro- "I drew the original sketch in the width, consisting of an open parachu- blem; graduated from the Jumpma- office of Lieutenant Colonel Beuchner, te on and over a pair of stylized wings ster Course; and served on jump sta- G-3; a finished copy of my original displayed and curving inward. A star tus with an airborne unit or other or- sketch was prepared in the office of and wreath are added above the pa- ganization authorized parachutists for the Quartermaster General. Through rachute canopy to indicate the degree a total of at least 24 months. the help of Mr. A.E. Dubois, in the of qualification. A star above the ca- Quartermaster General's office, 350 nopy indicates a Senior Parachutist; Master Parachutist: of the badges were procured from the the star surrounded by a laurel wre- Bailey, Banks & Biddle Company in ath indicates a Master Parachutist. Participated in 65 jumps to include Philadelphia and were in the hands of Symbolism: 25 jumps with combat equipment; the Commanding Officer of the 501st four night jumps, one of which is as a Parachute Battalion by March 14, 19- The wings suggest flight and, toge- jumpmaster of a stick; five mass tac- 41. This is believed to have been an ther with the open parachute, symbo- tical jumps which culminate in an air- all time speed record for War Depar- lize individual proficiency and para- borne assault problem with a unit e- tment Procurement." chute qualifications quivalent to a battalion or larger; se- parate company/battery or organic "I personally took the correspondence Basic Parachutist: staff of a regiment size or larger; gra- relative to the badge's approval from duated from the Jumpmaster Course; one office to another until the tran- Awarded to any individual who has and served in jump status with an saction was complete. This operation satisfactorily completed the prescri- airborne unit or other organization took me one entire week, eight hours bed proficiency tests while assigned authorized parachutists for a total of a day." Captain Yarborough even ap- or attached to an airborne unit or the at least 36 months.
Basic Parachutist Senior Parachutist Master Parachutist
14 REGIMENTAL DEPOT PARA 1 PARA 2 PARA 3 PARA 4 PARA HEADQUARTERS RECRUIT COY RESERVE
AIRBORNE UK 16 AIR PATHFINDER SPECIAL FORCES FORCES ASSAULT BDE PLATOON SUPPORT GROUP
PARACHUTE HELMET
THE PARACHUTE UK PARACHUTE REGIMENT WINGS (ARMY)
PARACHUTE SMOCK DZ FLASH AND WINGS WINDPROOF WITH IRVIN LOW LEVEL PARACHUTE RIGHT SHOULDER STORMCUFFS (LLP)
L7A2 GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUN (GPMG) 7.62 NATO BELT FED
UK COMBAT 95 DISRUPTIVE PATTERN MATERIAL
CARRYING STRAPS PERSONAL EQUIPMENT PARACHUTIST (CSPEP) CSPEP LEG STRAP SHORTBACK BERGEN (INFANTRY) HOOK
15 Invictus
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley. 1849–1903
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