Jumping out of an airplane with a folder?
08-30-08, 12:31 PM
#1
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Jumping out of an airplane with a folder?
Over on the commuting board, there was a post about Sgt. Shultz (from Hogan's Heroes) riding a bike, which started a little fun with GIS this morning, which led to the picture below.
Has anyone heard of or tried airborn bicycle? How does one keep from landing on the bike? I'm curious about the whole thing...
Has anyone heard of or tried airborn bicycle? How does one keep from landing on the bike? I'm curious about the whole thing...
08-30-08, 12:59 PM
#2
always rides with luggage
I think that rope between the paratrooper and the bike is there to make sure the bicycle lands first. Maybe that rope is long enough to let it trail behind you just enough. Other than that, I suppose you'd be trained to not land on the bike.
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
08-30-08, 01:57 PM
#3
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That's exactly how it's done. The cord is about 50 ft long and lands ahead of the soldier. It's interesting to see a bicycle done this way. Most of what I've seen or read about is a machine gun or large pack going with the trooper. Parachutes tend to drift and can be controlled somewhat by the trooper, so the chance of landing on the equipment is minimal.
I'm told by former paratroopers that the big problem with this set up is remembering to release the bulk before you get too close to the ground.
08-30-08, 02:04 PM
#4
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I can imagine that when the chute is open and you drop the bike or machine gun on its 50 foot line, you might get a hell of a yank when it reaches the end and comes to a dead stop. To try this out, stand on a bridge, tie an old bike onto 50 feet of rope, attach the other end of the rope to your waist and toss the bike over the bridge.... Or don't. It might drag you after it.
08-30-08, 02:36 PM
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I can imagine that when the chute is open and you drop the bike or machine gun on its 50 foot line, you might get a hell of a yank when it reaches the end and comes to a dead stop. To try this out, stand on a bridge, tie an old bike onto 50 feet of rope, attach the other end of the rope to your waist and toss the bike over the bridge.... Or don't. It might drag you after it.
How are you? Recovered from last weekend and finding out how inferior your calves really are?
08-30-08, 02:45 PM
#6
always rides with luggage
That's exactly how it's done. The cord is about 50 ft long and lands ahead of the soldier. It's interesting to see a bicycle done this way. Most of what I've seen or read about is a machine gun or large pack going with the trooper. Parachutes tend to drift and can be controlled somewhat by the trooper, so the chance of landing on the equipment is minimal.
I'm told by former paratroopers that the big problem with this set up is remembering to release the bulk before you get too close to the ground.
I'm told by former paratroopers that the big problem with this set up is remembering to release the bulk before you get too close to the ground.
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
08-30-08, 06:30 PM
#7
Senior Member
If it were a Birdy (good name for parachuting bike) with full suspension, the paratrooper could unfold it during the descent, straddle it in midair, and hit the ground rolling. Would probably void the warranty.
Regards
T
P.S. Can't wait to see the YouTube video.
Regards
T
P.S. Can't wait to see the YouTube video.
08-30-08, 07:44 PM
#8
hubgears
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I would jump out of a airplane with my bike, if there was something wrong with the airplane.
08-31-08, 11:12 AM
#9
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It's pouring with rain here. Mucho depressing. Don't annoy Pixel - I heard he floored Joe Calzaghi for admiring his Mercton and asking if it was a fairy bike.
