Canadian paratroopers land on the “X” during Leapfest 2015 in West Kingston, Rhode Island.

Canadian paratroopers land on the “X” during Leapfest 2015 in West Kingston, Rhode Island.
Photo Credit: Specialist Joseph Cathey, U.S. Army

Canadian paratroopers test skills at U.S. competition

Ten members of Canada’s famous Royal 22e Regiment, 3rd Battalion, are testing their parachuting skills at Leapfest, an annual event hosted by the Rhode Island National Guard in the United States.

Contestants jump from a CH-147 Chinook helicopter at 457 meters with a steerable, parabolic parachute on. The parachutes are temporarily attached to the aircraft by a static line used to open them. The participants must land as close as they can to a target in the landing zone and they are timed.

Hoping to win again

Each team is made up of four parachutists and one alternate. This is the 34th annual Leapfest.

Teams from the Royal 22e were champions in 2002 and 2012. They hope to win again in the event which starts today and goes on until August 9.

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