Bang On

While GPS technologies have long been used to guide munitions to hit targets unerringly, the same technology is now being harnessed to accurately deliver air dropped cargo to the feet of those who need it.

In July this year, 84 Wing, part of the RAAF’s Air Mobility Group, introduced a training capability for the Joint Precision Aerial Delivery System, or JPADS.

Consisting of a canopy, pilot chute and autonomous guidance unit, JPADS is permitting air drop platforms such as the C-130J, C-17A and eventually C-27J to conduct stand-off precision air dropswhile staying clear of ground-based threats such as small arms fire.