Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System

The Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System ( LAPES ) (English: parachute pulling out at low altitude ) is a military method to settle out of a fixed-wing aircraft loads, if a landing is not possible and the target area is too small to precisely the burden of throw off a great height.

The method was developed in 1964 by the 109th Quartermaster Company of the U.S. military. In May 1965, she was sent to Vietnam to support the troops there. They dropped there from, among others, in the battle of Khe Sanh cargo from a great height and in LAPES process. The LAPES was used to transport heavy loads Khe Sahn after which there would not otherwise have been brought.

When LAPES method, the cargo is strapped to a special pallet and fixed on this. If the transport aircraft reaches the discharge zone, the machine comes with landing gear down in a steep descent down to two meters above the ground. The cargo is pulled there by means of a brake shield of the cargo hold and the floor is braked. After ejection, the machine goes back into the climb.

The method allows the transport aircraft to keep moving and still deliver cargo on the ground. However, the procedure is associated with high risks, so it is rarely used.