This system was developed out of necessity to reduce the cost of humanitarian relief operations. Trailers arrived with different types of food to be packed by riggers. The food then had to be moved from the trailers and dispersed into the different containers. Because of this time-consuming function, alternatives have been developed to reduce labor, as well as cost. Containers are received directly from the depot, prepackaged and ready to airdrop.
Riggers attach a skid board and disposable prepacked parachute.
The container is then ready for airdrop. Although HACS reduces labor and costs, its disadvantage still outweigh its advantages at this time. Capacity is yet to be determined but has the potential to reach the equivalent capacity of the current container systems. Survivability of supplies delivered using HACS, in the testing phase, has not been successful. During Operation Provide Promise, the US forces dropped an average of 100 containers per day and recovered none.