Fast-roping

US Marines fast-roping from a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter during a training exercise

Fast-roping, also known as Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System (FRIES),^[1] is a technique for descending a thick rope. It is useful for deploying troops from a helicopter in places where the helicopter itself cannot touch down.^[2] Fast roping allows Marines to respond to crises as a quick reaction force, conduct missions requiring stealth and board vessels while at sea.^[3] 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 firepole. The special ropes used today are braided (plaited), which results in a pattern on the outer circumference that is not smooth and so is easier to grip.^[4] Originally, each person would hold the rope for the next person; however this has been phased out.

It is quicker than abseiling (rappelling), although more dangerous,^[2] particularly if the person is carrying a heavy load, because the rope is not attached to them with a descender. The person holds onto the rope with his gloved hands and feet and slides down it.

Several people can slide down the same rope simultaneously, provided that there is a gap of approximately 3 metres (9.8 ft) between them, so that each one has time to get out of the way when they reach the ground.

Rope

The rope must be thick, typically 40 millimetres (1.6 in) diameter, to prevent it from being wildly jerked about from the rotor blast of the helicopter.

Glove techniques

Heat-resistant gloves are required for fast-roping, to protect the individual descending from friction-generated heat. Heat-resistant gloves are generally not dextrous enough to be useful after the descent has been completed, though specialized gloves have been developed for this purpose. More often, a glove-inside-glove technique is used, with tactical gloves worn inside heavy leather metalworking gloves. After descending the rope, the wearer removes the outer gloves to regain dexterity.^[5]

Use by government forces

US Marine Corps

US Marines are trained to control the speed of descent by using their legs and feet in addition to their hands. (Instructors claim that some Marines have let go of their rope because their gloves became too hot, causing injury.)

Fast-roping of around 25 US Marines onto a ship can take approximately 30 seconds.^[2]

British military

The British military advises against use of the feet as this can make the descent for following personnel more dangerous. Specifically, boot polish or the leather of the boot can make the rope extremely slippery.

See also

• Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction

References

1. MCRP 3-11.4A Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques (HRST) Operations
2. Bianco, Michael (21 June 2009). "31st MEU Marines Fast Rope and Hook N' Climb at Sea". Marines.mil. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
3. Fast roping prepares Marines for rapid ship-to-shore deployment
4. Fast Rope Inspection Manual
5. Trew, Noel J. M.; Camping, John D.; Lee, Robert A.; Bean, Corey R. (2012). Putting Lives on the Line: The Fast Rope Glove Challenge (PDF) (Technical report). Air Force Research Laboratory. AFRL-RH-WP-TR-2012-0098.