HALO Skydiving: High Altitude, Low Opening Technique Explained

HALO stands for High Altitude, Low Opening, a military parachuting technique adapted for special operations and extreme sports. It maximizes freefall time and minimizes detection by deploying the parachute at low altitude after exiting at high altitude.

Typical Profile

• Exit altitude: 15,000–35,000+ feet (4,500–10,000+ meters)
• Freefall duration: 1–2+ minutes
• Deployment altitude: 2,000–3,500 feet (600–1,000 meters)
• Oxygen requirement: Mandatory above 12,500 ft (FAA) / 10,000 ft (military) due to hypoxia risk

Purpose and Advantages

• Stealth: High exit reduces radar/visual detection; low opening minimizes time under canopy.
• Infiltration: Allows insertion far from target area with precision landing.
• Extended freefall: Enables complex formations, camera work, or equipment deployment.

Risks and Requirements

• Hypoxia and decompression sickness (requires pre-breathing 100% O₂)
• Extreme cold (-40°C to -50°C at altitude)
• Navigation and oxygen equipment failure
• Requires specialized training, certification, and equipment (bailout oxygen, altimeters, heated suits)

HAHO Variant

HAHO (High Altitude, High Opening) deploys the canopy immediately after exit, allowing long-distance gliding (30+ miles) but less stealth.