U.S. and British Armies Build 6-Way Downplane

Above: The two teams achieve the 6-way downplane over Wiltshire, England. Photo by Ollie Goss.

On July 18, the U.S. Army’s Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, and the British Army’s Parachute Display Team, the Red Devils, successfully performed a 6-way downplane canopy formation during the closing ceremony of the Armed Forces Parachute Championships. Known as “the Hex,” the unprecedented formation featured six parachutists connected in a hexagon configuration, descending in unison while presenting a display for spectators at Netheravon Airfield in Wiltshire, England.

The downplane—a maneuver that requires parachutists to link together midair and fly their canopies downward—is already considered one of the most difficult canopy formations in parachuting. Increasing the number of participants from five to six required major advances in coordination, timing, equipment strength and canopy control.

According to Corporal Cameron Clark of the Red Devils, the concept for the Hex began after the team achieved a 5-way downplane, called “the Pentagram,” in 2023. Inspired to push boundaries further, the Red Devils began experimenting with expanding the formation. But with limited time, high turnover due to operational duties and demanding training schedules, the vision remained just out of reach.

That changed in 2025, during joint training, which provided an opportunity to share the idea. Both teams began training together immediately, starting with 3-way formations and gradually progressing to 5-way attempts. Despite an equipment failure during one of the rehearsals, the collaboration laid the foundation for a successful attempt. Time ran out before the team could attempt the Hex during the initial effort, so they reconvened at the Armed Forces Parachute Championships with a clear goal: to complete the formation together.

On the morning of July 18, the jumpers conducted three rehearsal jumps, refining each aspect of the formation. One final attempt fell just short, but the groundwork was in place. Later that afternoon, with the weather threatening to cancel the closing ceremony display, a brief break in the clouds opened a final window of opportunity. The teams had two plans: perform a standard show, or—if conditions allowed—go for the Hex.

At 14,000 feet, with six jumpers and two aerial photographers exiting the aircraft, the skies cleared in their favor. By 9,700 feet, the parachutists aligned vertically, building a 6-stack, each connected by reinforced straps and managing canopy control in coordination with those above and below. At 6,500 feet, they completed the transition to a full 6-way downplane.

Corporals Clark, Stephen Handley and Ryan Moult of the Red Devils, alongside Sergeants 1st Class Morgan George, Ryan O’Rourke and Nahu Ramirez of the Golden Knights flew the formation. Sara Garavuso captured ground photography, and Lance Corporal Ollie Goss captured aerial imagery.

The successful execution of the Hex not only demonstrated advanced canopy piloting and technical skill but also showcased what’s possible through international military cooperation. For both teams, the moment marked more than a display—it marked a place in parachuting history.

Sara Garavuso
Media Representative, U.S. Army Golden Knights