High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jumps are one of the most extreme and thrilling activities in the world of skydiving. Typically associated with military operations and elite parachutists, HALO jumps involve jumping from altitudes of 25,000 feet or higher. While the prospect of freefalling for extended periods from such heights sounds exhilarating, it also involves a highly sophisticated and controlled process. One question that frequently arises among those intrigued by this extreme sport is, “How long can you halo jump from a helicopter?” The answer to this question depends on several key factors, including altitude, freefall speed, and parachute deployment times.
In this article, we will dive into the specifics of how long a HALO jump lasts, the science behind it, and the various factors that affect the jump duration. Whether you’re a seasoned skydiver looking to explore new challenges or just fascinated by the idea of HALO jumps, this comprehensive guide will provide valuable insights.
What Is A HALO Jump?
Before discussing the length of a HALO jump, it’s important to understand what it is and how it differs from regular skydiving. A HALO jump is characterized by two main features: the high altitude from which it is made and the low altitude at which the parachute is deployed. This type of jump is typically performed from altitudes above 25,000 feet, often as high as 35,000 feet, and the parachute is not deployed until the jumper reaches a much lower altitude (typically around 2,000 feet).
HALO jumps are mostly performed by military personnel for covert operations, as it allows them to jump into enemy territory undetected. However, they are also carried out by civilians and thrill-seekers who want to experience a more intense form of skydiving. The duration of a HALO jump can vary significantly depending on the altitude and the type of equipment used.
Factors Affecting the Duration of a HALO Jump
The duration of a HALO jump is influenced by several factors. Here are the primary elements that contribute to the length of a jump:
1. Altitude of the Jump
The higher the altitude, the longer the freefall duration. A HALO jump typically occurs from altitudes ranging between 25,000 and 35,000 feet. For comparison, a standard recreational skydive usually takes place from around 10,000 to 13,000 feet. At higher altitudes, jumpers experience a longer freefall before they need to deploy their parachutes.
At 25,000 feet, the freefall duration is approximately 60 to 70 seconds. This increases as the altitude increases. For example, from 35,000 feet, a jumper can experience a freefall lasting around 90 seconds before deploying the parachute.
2. Freefall Speed
The freefall speed of a skydiver is generally around 120 mph in a belly-to-earth position, but this can vary depending on the jumper’s body position and equipment. During a HALO jump, the jumper may reach higher speeds in the initial freefall phase due to the lack of atmospheric drag at higher altitudes. However, the primary focus is typically on controlling the descent while maintaining a steady and manageable speed before parachute deployment.
Factors like body position, gear weight, and even the type of jumpsuit can slightly alter the speed during freefall. Jumpers may adjust their body position to control the speed, such as by making themselves more streamlined to accelerate or spreading their limbs to slow down.
3. Parachute Deployment Altitude
Unlike standard skydives, where the parachute is deployed at a relatively higher altitude, a HALO jump involves waiting until the jumper reaches a much lower altitude—typically around 2,000 feet—before opening the parachute. The reason for this is to avoid detection during the descent and also to maintain the stealth of the operation (in military situations).
The jumper uses a special automatic activation device (AAD) or deploys the parachute manually at a specified altitude to ensure a safe landing. Once the parachute opens, the rate of descent decreases significantly, and the jumper glides safely toward the ground.
The Stages of A HALO Jump
To better understand the length of a HALO jump, let’s break down the various stages involved:
1. The Helicopter Lift-Off
The HALO jump begins when the jumper boards a helicopter or an aircraft that will take them to the designated jump altitude. Depending on the location and weather conditions, this can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. The aircraft typically climbs steadily until it reaches the necessary altitude for the jump.
2. Freefall Phase
Once the jumper exits the helicopter, they experience the freefall phase. This is the most thrilling part of the jump. The freefall duration can vary based on the altitude, but from 25,000 feet, the freefall typically lasts about 60 to 70 seconds. During this phase, the jumper reaches their terminal velocity (around 120 mph), depending on body position and the absence of parachute deployment.
This phase is the defining characteristic of HALO jumps, offering an extended period of freefall compared to traditional skydives. The altitude and speed create an exhilarating experience for those who take part in this extreme sport.
3. Parachute Deployment and Descent
At around 2,000 feet, the parachute is deployed, and the jumper slows significantly. The parachute deployment phase usually takes 5-10 seconds, and the rate of descent decreases to approximately 20-30 feet per second. The jumper then glides down to the landing area, which can take another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the wind conditions and the specific parachute used.
How Long Does A Typical HALO Jump Last?
So, how long can you actually HALO jump from a helicopter? In total, a typical HALO jump lasts anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes. This includes the time spent in the helicopter, the freefall phase, and the parachute descent. However, the most significant portion of this time is spent during the freefall, where the duration varies based on the altitude of the jump.
A jumper exiting from 25,000 feet will experience a freefall of about 60-70 seconds. From 35,000 feet, the freefall duration increases to approximately 90 seconds. After the parachute is deployed at around 2,000 feet, the jumper will typically have a calm glide down to the landing zone, which may last another 3 to 5 minutes.
Risks And Considerations in A HALO Jump
While HALO jumps are thrilling, they come with inherent risks that must be understood. These include:
High-altitude sickness: Jumping from altitudes above 25,000 feet can result in hypoxia (low oxygen levels), which can impair judgment and physical ability.
Weather conditions: HALO jumps are highly dependent on weather, and high winds or cloud cover can delay or cancel jumps.
Parachute malfunctions: Although rare, parachute malfunctions can occur, and proper training is required to handle such situations.
Conclusion
HALO jumping is one of the most exciting and intense forms of skydiving, combining extreme altitudes with high-speed freefall. The duration of a HALO jump is determined by several factors, including altitude, freefall speed, and parachute deployment altitude. A typical HALO jump lasts between 3 to 5 minutes, with the most thrilling part being the freefall phase.