The 2024 edition of Leapfest, the prestigious international airborne competition, took place on August 3 in Exeter, Rhode Island. Hosted by the Rhode Island Army National Guard, the event brought together elite paratroopers from U.S. military branches and allied nations.
Teams of four jumpers deployed from CH-47 Chinook helicopters at 1,500 feet, using MC-6 static line parachutes. The objective: land as close as possible to a designated ‘X’ in the drop zone. Upon landing, judges recorded each jumper’s time to reach the target.
This year’s competition featured the newer T11-R S/P (Reserve/Static Line Parachute), offering enhanced stability and safety features compared to previous models. The updated design aims to reduce oscillations during descent and distribute landing forces more evenly across the jumper’s body.
Leapfest includes both individual and team categories, with participants required to complete two jumps for individual awards and eight jumps per team for team recognition. The event also incorporates a foreign jump exchange, allowing soldiers to jump under international jumpmasters and earn foreign jump wings.
Major Jeffery Nelson of the 56th Troop Command emphasized the event’s importance: “Leapfest is more than just a competition; it’s a testament to the dedication and skill of our airborne forces. By bringing together soldiers from different nations,
The competition continues to serve as a platform for demonstrating the latest in parachute technology and airborne tactics while honoring the traditions of airborne operations.
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