Small Unit Resupply Kit: SMURK

摘要

The SMURK is a boxed container designed to absorb high speed impact with the ground. Its primary method of delivery is by helicopter, but it also can be delivered by fixed wing transport aircraft. The SMURK delivery system takes various shapes and sizes, but in general one should picture an elongated rectangular cardboard box, three feet long with fins like a traditional 'high drag' or Snake eye bomb. The fins stabilize and decelerate the box as it spirals to the ground. On impact, the foam, air bags, or a combination thereof that fills the nose compartment absorbs a majority of the impact. The passing of the loud helicopter muffles its impact. The Marines on the deck open the aft end of the SMURK and retrieve whatever supplies they need to sustain themselves. For example, a SMURK can be tailor-loaded in the rear area by a supporting unit. Depending on the situation, a SMURK may contain 20 or 30 filled magazines of 5.56 mm ammunition and several smoke grenades, or it may be filled with life-saving plasma, morphine, intravenous supplies, and so on. This paper discusses scenarios in which the SMURK may be used, historical uses for the SMURK, what makes the SMURK different from other aerial delivery systems, us of the SMURK in humanitarian assistance operations, and development of the SMURK.