The United States Army Special Operations Command “Black Daggers” parachute demonstration team will salute health care workers on Tuesday, June 30, with an aerial demonstration that will see them land on the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s campus green.
According to UAB, the aerial demonstration will promote USASOC’s compassion for all Americans as well as recognize the tireless work health care staff have continued to put in to safeguard their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Black Daggers are the official U.S. Army Special Operations Command parachute demonstration team, comprised entirely of volunteers from throughout the Army special operations community. They have diverse backgrounds and possess various military specialties. The team represents the professionalism and dedication of Special Operations Forces and performs aerial demonstrations in support of U.S. Army Special Operations Command community outreach and recruiting efforts.
The Black Daggers use the military variant of the ram-air parachute, which allows a free-fall parachutist the ability to jump with more than 100 pounds of additional equipment attached. In addition to the extra weight, the jumper must also withstand high winds, frigid temperatures and low oxygen levels, all of which require the jumper to be highly skilled.
When exiting the aircraft, normally from an altitude of 12,500 feet, the jumpers free fall for about two miles at approximately 120 miles per hour. They maneuver their bodies using their hands, arms, legs and shoulders to control their flight. The parachutes used by the USASOC team are flexible wing gliders.
The Tuesday demonstration will take place between 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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