CH-67s airlifting Speedboats into battle.
Slingloading is a feature that was added in ArmA 3 with the release of the Helicopters DLC. It allows most rotary-wing helicopters to airlift vehicles and cargo via sling ropes attached to the underbelly of their fuselage.
Overview
Basics
Lifting a supply crate with the CH-49. Note the slingload assistant window visible in the bottom right hand corner of the player's HUD.
The majority of helicopters in ArmA 3 are able to slingload cargo underneath them. This is done by attaching ropes onto the object (the process is automatic) while hovering at a recommended safe altitude of 30-40 metres above the target and then lowering the hook.
For more precision during the hooking or detaching process, a Slingload Assistant (SLA) can be toggled to display onto the player's HUD. The assistant shows a circular 2D representation of the aircraft's position, and will alert the pilot should they hover either too far or too high from the target.
Most helicopters such as the Huron or the Mohawk also feature terminals integrated into the cockpit of the aircraft and can be seen in first person. These provide direct footage of the aircraft's underbelly; provided that the player has Picture-in-Picture (PIP) enabled in their graphic settings.
Limitations
Once attached to, the extra weight of the cargo will put a strain on the helicopter's speed and handling.
Sudden movement or hovering too far/too high from the cargo will halt the hooking process. If the helicopter flies too far away, then the hook will also automatically retract and the slingloading attempt will be cancelled. Slingload ropes are not indestructible and can be damaged should they snap due to colliding with hard objects such as power cables, or are shot at by small arms fire.
In addition, not all vehicles can be slingloaded. Main Battle Tanks like the M2A1 Slammer or the T-100 Varsuk for instance, cannot be lifted simply because they far exceed the maximum lifting weight of all helicopters. Likewise, many IFVs and APCs such as the AMV-7 Marshall, MSE-3 Marid, or any of the larger trucks cannot be carried because they are either too big or are also too heavy.
On the other hand, while no in-game helicopter is obviously capable of slinging other helicopters, certain fixed-wing aircraft like the A-143 Buzzard are compact and light enough to be carried by specific heavy-lift helicopters such as the CSAT Mi-290 Taru.
Supported helicopters (alphabetical)
PLEASE NOTE:
- All "mass" values are referred to in kilograms and not tonnes for consistency reasons.
- Decimal weight values are rounded off and ignored for simplicity's sake.
- Only vehicles are listed under each helicopter's weight tables. For more specific objects such as ammunition crates or pallets, refer to the Slingloading section in each helicopter's respective article.
- Vehicles and cargo objects from third party-developed Creator DLCs (i.e. Global Mobilization) are not included within this list. Please refer to the Slingloading section provided on CDLC assets for a specific list of compatible slingloadable objects.
AH-9 Pawnee
- Main article: AH-9 Pawnee
Max slingloading weight capacity:
500 kg
Due to the small size of its airframe, the NATO Pawnee is unable to carry any medium or large sized vehicles, and can only lift cargo that weighs up to a total of 500 kg. This mostly restricts it to lifting Quadbikes and small ammunition crates only.
Ground vehicles
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Akinaka ED-1D | 255 |
| Demining UGV | 255 |
| ED-1D Pelter | 255 |
| ED-1E Roller | 255 |
| Kart | 150 |
| Quadbike | 280 |
| Sayyah ED-1E | 255 |
CH-49 Mohawk/EH302
- Main article: CH-49 Mohawk
Max slingloading weight capacity:
5000 kg
One of the two medium-lift utility helicopters, the AAF/IDAP Mohawk/EH302 are able to carry slightly heavier objects than the NATO Ghost Hawk since it can tolerate an additional 1,000 kg worth of cargo but is otherwise restricted to the same types of vehicles.
It should be noted that the Mohawk suffers greatly from a speed and handling penalty while carrying significantly heavy objects that are close to its weight limit; good examples being the Van Transport and the UGV Stomper for instance.
NOTE: Although Vans technically exceed the maximum weight threshold of the Mohawk/EH302, they can still be carried by the helicopter(s) regardless in spite of this discrepancy.
Ground vehicles
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Akinaka ED-1D | 255 |
| AWC Nyx 301 (AT) | 4900 |
| AWC Nyx 302 (AA) | 4950 |
| AWC Nyx 303 (Recon) | 4820 |
| AWC Nyx 304 (Autocannon) | 4900 |
| Demining UGV | 255 |
| ED-1D Pelter | 255 |
| ED-1E Roller | 255 |
| Fuel Truck | 3200 |
| Kart | 150 |
| MB 4WD | 1862 |
| MB 4WD (AT) | 1841 |
| MB 4WD (LMG) | 3997 |
| Offroad | 1835 |
| Offroad (AT) | 1764 |
| Offroad (Comms) | 1937 |
| Offroad (Covered) | 1937 |
| Offroad (HMG) | 1805 |
| Offroad (Repair) | 1610 |
| Offroad (Services) | 1730 |
| Prowler (AT) | 3413 |
| Prowler (HMG) | 3413 |
| Prowler (Light) | 3413 |
| Prowler (Unarmed) | 3413 |
| Qilin (Unarmed) | 3924 |
| Qilin (AT) | 3907 |
| Qilin (Minigun) | 3924 |
| Quadbike | 280 |
| Sayyah ED-1E | 255 |
| SUV | 1600 |
| Truck | 2400 |
| Truck Boxer | 2509 |
| Van (Ambulance) | 5015 |
| Van (Cargo) | 5000 |
| Van (Services) | 5000 |
| Van Transport | 5015 |
| Van Transport (MP) | 5015 |
| UGV | 4266 |
| UGV Saif | 4266 |
| UGV Saif RCWS | 4266 |
| UGV Stomper | 4266 |
| UGV Stomper RCWS | 4266 |
Aircraft
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| K-40 Ababil-3 | 3000 |
| K-40 Ababil-3 (CAS) | 3000 |
| KH-3A Fenghuang | 798 |
| MQ-4A Greyhawk | 3000 |
| MQ-4A Greyhawk (CAS) | 3000 |
Watercraft
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Assault Boat | 565 |
| Rescue Boat | 565 |
| SDV | 2600 |
| Water Scooter | 567 |
Supply containers/Modular pods
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Taru Ammo Pod | 1000 |
| Taru Cargo Pod | 1000 |
| Taru Repair Pod | 1000 |
CH-67 Huron
- Main article: CH-67 Huron
Max slingloading weight capacity:
12000 kg
A heavy transport helicopter, the NATO Huron can carry significantly heavier loads than most helicopters other than the CSAT Mi-290. It has a variety of support containers that are specifically designed to be lifted by the Huron, ranging from a fuel cistern, ammunition supply, field medical station, and vehicle repair containers.
It is one of the only two heavy-lift helicopters that are powerful enough to carry the Black Wasp, Buzzard and Neophron fixed-wing jets.
The Huron is able to transport the transporter only variants of the HEMTT, and is also able to carry the lighter configurations of the Zamak truck (it cannot transport the heavier Ammo/Repair variants).
Ground vehicles
Aircraft
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| A-143 Buzzard (AA) | 6700 |
| A-143 Buzzard (CAS) | 6700 |
| A-149 Gryphon | 7792 |
| F/A-181 Black Wasp II | 11000 |
| F/A-181 Black Wasp II (Stealth) | 11000 |
| K-40 Ababil-3 | 3000 |
| K-40 Ababil-3 (CAS) | 3000 |
| KH-3A Fenghuang | 798 |
| MQ-4A Greyhawk | 3000 |
| MQ-4A Greyhawk (CAS) | 3000 |
| To-199 Neophron | 11000 |
| UCAV Sentinel | 11450 |
Watercraft
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Assault Boat | 565 |
| Rescue Boat | 565 |
| RHIB | 5001 |
| SDV | 2600 |
| Speedboat HMG | 9016 |
| Speedboat Minigun | 9002 |
| Water Scooter | 567 |
Supply containers/Modular pods
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Huron Ammo Container | 8000 |
| Huron Cargo Container | 7500 |
| Huron Fuel Container | 8500 |
| Huron Medical Container | 7000 |
| Huron Repair Container | 7000 |
| Taru Ammo Pod | 1000 |
| Taru Cargo Pod | 1000 |
| Taru Fuel Pod | 10000 |
| Taru Repair Pod | 1000 |
M900
- Main article: M900
Max slingloading weight capacity:
500 kg
A civilian version of its military counterparts, the M900 has the same weight restrictions as both and has a maximum cargo limit of 500 kg.
Ground vehicles
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Akinaka ED-1D | 255 |
| Demining UGV | 255 |
| ED-1D Pelter | 255 |
| ED-1E Roller | 255 |
| Kart | 150 |
| Quadbike | 280 |
| Sayyah ED-1E | 255 |
MH-9 Hummingbird
- Main article: MH-9 Hummingbird
Max slingloading weight capacity:
500 kg
The Hummingbird has the same weight restrictions as the Pawnee/M900 and is similarly unable to carry any medium- or large-sized vehicles.
Ground vehicles
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Akinaka ED-1D | 255 |
| Demining UGV | 255 |
| ED-1D Pelter | 255 |
| ED-1E Roller | 255 |
| Kart | 150 |
| Quadbike | 280 |
| Sayyah ED-1E | 255 |
Mi-290 Taru
- Main article: Mi-290 Taru
Max slingloading weight capacity:
13500 kg
The strongest of the two heavy-lift helicopters and out of all the slingload-capable helicopters, the Mi-290 serves as CSAT's equivalent to the NATO Huron. As is the case with the Huron, the Mi-290 also has a variety of slingloadable pods that are designed specifically with its airframe in mind. These range from open benches to various support containers.
Unlike the Huron however, the Mi-290 can lift an additional 1,500 kg worth of cargo and is also notable for being the only helicopter that can carry both the HEMTT and all variants of the Zamak family of utility trucks (though it is still unable to carry the heavier variants of the HEMTT or the Zamak Fuel).
It should be noted however, that variants of the Mi-290 which already have containers affixed to the centre of the airframe are unable to slingload any cargo.
Ground vehicles
Aircraft
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| A-143 Buzzard (AA) | 6700 |
| A-143 Buzzard (CAS) | 6700 |
| A-149 Gryphon | 7792 |
| F/A-181 Black Wasp II | 11000 |
| F/A-181 Black Wasp II (Stealth) | 11000 |
| K-40 Ababil-3 | 3000 |
| K-40 Ababil-3 (CAS) | 3000 |
| KH-3A Fenghuang | 798 |
| MQ-4A Greyhawk | 3000 |
| MQ-4A Greyhawk (CAS) | 3000 |
| To-199 Neophron | 11000 |
| UCAV Sentinel | 11450 |
Watercraft
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Assault Boat | 565 |
| Rescue Boat | 565 |
| RHIB | 5001 |
| SDV | 2600 |
| Speedboat HMG | 9016 |
| Speedboat Minigun | 9002 |
| Water Scooter | 567 |
Supply containers/Modular pods
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Huron Ammo Container | 8000 |
| Huron Cargo Container | 7500 |
| Huron Fuel Container | 8500 |
| Huron Medical Container | 7000 |
| Huron Repair Container | 7000 |
| Taru Ammo Pod | 1000 |
| Taru Cargo Pod | 1000 |
| Taru Fuel Pod | 10000 |
| Taru Repair Pod | 1000 |
PO-30 Orca
- Main article: PO-30 Orca
Max slingloading weight capacity:
2000 kg
A light utility helicopter used by CSAT forces and the Russian Spetsnaz, the PO-30 Orca can carry more than the NATO xH-9 family of helicopters but is unable to lift the same kinds of loads available to the Ghost Hawk and the Mohawk.
Since the PO-30's engine isn't quite as powerful as the AAF/LDF WY-55, its handling takes a severe penalty when lifting vehicles that are close to its weight tolerance limit (i.e. MB 4WDs).
Ground vehicles
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Akinaka ED-1D | 255 |
| Demining UGV | 255 |
| ED-1D Pelter | 255 |
| ED-1E Roller | 255 |
| Kart | 150 |
| MB 4WD | 1862 |
| MB 4WD (AT) | 1841 |
| Offroad | 1835 |
| Offroad (AT) | 1764 |
| Offroad (Comms) | 1937 |
| Offroad (Covered) | 1937 |
| Offroad (HMG) | 1805 |
| Offroad (Repair) | 1610 |
| Offroad (Services) | 1730 |
| Quadbike | 280 |
| Sayyah ED-1E | 255 |
| SUV | 1600 |
Aircraft
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| KH-3A Fenghuang | 798 |
Watercraft
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Assault Boat | 565 |
| Rescue Boat | 565 |
| Water Scooter | 567 |
Supply containers/Modular pods
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Taru Ammo Pod | 1000 |
| Taru Cargo Pod | 1000 |
| Taru Repair Pod | 1000 |
UH-80 Ghost Hawk
- Main article: UH-80 Ghost Hawk
Max slingloading weight capacity:
4000 kg
The second of the two medium-lift utility helicopters other than the AAF's Mohawk, the Ghost Hawk can carry heavy crates and light vehicles. However, its stricter lifting limit prevents it from being able to slingload light armour vehicles like the AWC Nyx (unlike the Mohawk). Loads that are near or at its limit also inflict a steep penalty to the Ghost Hawk's handling.
Ground vehicles
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Akinaka ED-1D | 255 |
| Demining UGV | 255 |
| ED-1D Pelter | 255 |
| ED-1E Roller | 255 |
| Fuel Truck | 3200 |
| Kart | 150 |
| MB 4WD | 1862 |
| MB 4WD (AT) | 1841 |
| MB 4WD (LMG) | 3997 |
| Offroad | 1835 |
| Offroad (AT) | 1764 |
| Offroad (Comms) | 1937 |
| Offroad (Covered) | 1937 |
| Offroad (HMG) | 1805 |
| Offroad (Repair) | 1610 |
| Offroad (Services) | 1730 |
| Prowler (AT) | 3413 |
| Prowler (HMG) | 3413 |
| Prowler (Light) | 3413 |
| Prowler (Unarmed) | 3413 |
| Qilin (Unarmed) | 3924 |
| Qilin (AT) | 3907 |
| Qilin (Minigun) | 3924 |
| Quadbike | 280 |
| Sayyah ED-1E | 255 |
| SUV | 1600 |
| Truck | 2400 |
| Truck Boxer | 2509 |
Aircraft
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| K-40 Ababil-3 | 3000 |
| K-40 Ababil-3 (CAS) | 3000 |
| KH-3A Fenghuang | 798 |
| MQ-4A Greyhawk | 3000 |
| MQ-4A Greyhawk (CAS) | 3000 |
Watercraft
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Assault Boat | 565 |
| Rescue Boat | 565 |
| SDV | 2600 |
| Water Scooter | 567 |
Supply containers/Modular pods
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Taru Ammo Pod | 1000 |
| Taru Cargo Pod | 1000 |
| Taru Repair Pod | 1000 |
WY-55 Hellcat/Czapla
- Main article: WY-55 Hellcat
Max slingloading weight capacity:
2000 kg
Another light utility helicopter utilised by both the AAF and LDF, it is roughly analogous to the CSAT Orca. It has the same object restrictions as the PO-30 but handles slightly better while slinging an object due to its engines being more powerful.
Ground vehicles
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Akinaka ED-1D | 255 |
| Demining UGV | 255 |
| ED-1D Pelter | 255 |
| ED-1E Roller | 255 |
| Kart | 150 |
| MB 4WD | 1862 |
| MB 4WD (AT) | 1841 |
| Offroad | 1835 |
| Offroad (AT) | 1764 |
| Offroad (Comms) | 1937 |
| Offroad (Covered) | 1937 |
| Offroad (HMG) | 1805 |
| Offroad (Repair) | 1610 |
| Offroad (Services) | 1730 |
| Quadbike | 280 |
| Sayyah ED-1E | 255 |
| SUV | 1600 |
Aircraft
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| KH-3A Fenghuang | 798 |
Watercraft
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Assault Boat | 565 |
| Rescue Boat | 565 |
| Water Scooter | 567 |
Supply containers/Modular pods
| Object Name | Mass |
|---|---|
| Taru Ammo Pod | 1000 |
| Taru Cargo Pod | 1000 |
| Taru Repair Pod | 1000 |
Notes
- All "mass" values are obtained via the in-game editor using the getMass scripting command. They are accurate as of April 9th, 2021 (Game Version: 2.02).
Trivia
- Even though it might seem logical for them to be able to do so, neither the V-44X Blackfish nor the Y-32 Xi'an can slingload cargo and are only able to transport objects internally.
- This is because both VTOLs are considered to be fixed-wing aircraft and config-wise, utilise the "PlaneX" PhysX simulation which does not support slingloading in ArmA 3.
