Fast-roping

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An airman fast-ropes out of a HH-60 Pave Hawk Helicopter.

Fast-roping is a technique for descending a thick rope. It is useful for deploying troops from a helicopter in places where the helicopter itself is unable or unwilling to touch down. First developed by the British with UK rope manufacturer Marlow Ropes, its first combat use was during the Falklands War. The original rope was a thick nylon that could be used in a manner akin to a fireman's pole. The special ropes used today are braided (plaited), which results in pattern on the outer circumference that is not smooth and so easier to grip. Originally, the first man would hold the rope for the next man, who then replaced him; however this has been phased out.

It is quicker than abseiling (rappelling), although more dangerous, particularly if the person is carrying a heavy load, because the rope is not attached to them with a descender. The first American soldier injured during the Battle of Mogadishu was hurt in a fast-roping accident. The person simply holds onto the rope with his or her gloved hands and feet and slides down it. (The British method advises not to use the feet as this can make the descent for following personnel more dangerous because boot polish or the leather of the boot can make the rope extremely slippery.) Several people can slide down the same rope simultaneously, provided that there is a gap of approximately 3 meters between them, so that each one has time to get out of the way when they reach the ground before the next person lands on them. The rope must be thick, typically 40 mm diameter, to prevent it from being wildly jerked about from the rotor blast of the helicopter. It is essential to wear gloves, as sliding down a rope generates great heat from friction.

United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Manual 350-6 (USSOCOM M 350-6) dated 25 Aug 04, covers the use of rotary wing infiltration and exfiltration techniques for all Special Operations Forces (SOF).