JUMP!
Elite military display parachutists are renowned for their skillful jumps from high altitudes. But how do they make a precise landing within a small drop zone? What skills does it take to create their formations in freefall? Which unpredictable ground conditions can complicate the landing? And why does it take so much experience to be one of them?
The Red Lions, display parachuters who are part of the Singapore Armed Forces Parachute Team, are celebrated for their free fall performances at the annual National Day Parade. To be a Red Lion, rigorous training in both static line and military free fall jumps is essential, and there’s a requirement of at least 500 jumps.
Their precise aerial manoeuvres, synchronised choreography, and adept parachute control have practical value in military operations, where landing with accuracy and coordinated jumps are crucial.
JUMP! - The science of military skydiving: Inside an elite team’s parachute display
Elite military display parachutists are renowned for their skillful jumps from high altitudes. But how do they make a precise landing within a small drop zone? What skills does it take to create their formations in freefall? Which unpredictable ground conditions can complicate the landing? And why does it take so much experience to be one of them?
The Red Lions, display parachuters who are part of the Singapore Armed Forces Parachute Team, are celebrated for their free fall performances at the annual National Day Parade. To be a Red Lion, rigorous training in both static line and military free fall jumps is essential, and there’s a requirement of at least 500 jumps.
Their precise aerial manoeuvres, synchronised choreography, and adept parachute control have practical value in military operations, where landing with accuracy and coordinated jumps are crucial.
JUMP!
Every year, the Red Lion parachuters are a highlight of Singapore’s National Day Parade. But until the accident in Year 2022, where a parachuter was stretchered off the parade grounds after a hard landing, few stop to think what it takes to bring such a performance to fruition. Fewer still, think about the reasons why these men and women from our military need to sacrifice life and limb to jump off a plane thousands of kilometres above the ground.Â
Only a select few in Singapore’s military are selected to become the Red Lions who perform in Singapore’s National Day parade. But free-fall skydiving and parachuting is more than just a stunt for a parade. It is a critical technique for commandos to glide and infiltrate into enemy territory stealthily when duty calls.Â
In this observational documentary, we go behind the scenes to see what it takes to become a Red Lion, the sacrifices that these Red Lions make to jump on National Day.
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