Fast-roping

Fast-roping is a technique for descending a thick rope, allowing troops to deploy from a helicopter in places where the aircraft cannot touch down.

Several people can slide down the same rope simultaneously, provided that there is a gap of about 3 metres (10 ft) between them, so that each one has time to get out of the way when they reach the ground.

The original rope was made of thick nylon that could be used in a manner akin to a fireman's pole.

The special ropes used today are braided (plaited), producing a pattern on the outer circumference that is not smooth and so is easier to grip.

The rope must be thick, typically 40 mm (1.57 in) diameter, to prevent it from being wildly jerked about from the rotor blast of the helicopter.

Marine from the U.S. 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit fast-roping from a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter during a training exercise in 2008.
Fast-roper using his feet while descending to control his speed.