What are the three airdrop release methods employed?

The three airdrop release methods are gravity, door load, and extraction.

Gravity airdrop relies on the natural force of gravity to deploy supplies or equipment, allowing them to fall to the ground from a specific altitude without additional propulsion or assistance. This method is most effective when a precise landing zone is not critical since the items will fall freely and can be dispersed over a larger area.

Door load refers to the process where the cargo is exited through the aircraft's open doorway. In this method, the payload is generally larger and can be released successfully at lower altitudes to ensure it's properly deployed to facilitate immediate access upon landing.

Extraction airdrop involves using a system to pull cargo out of the aircraft. This method often employs specialized equipment, allowing for greater control over the release and ensuring that the payload can be deployed at higher speeds and altitudes for missions requiring stealth or quick delivery.

These methods are designed to accommodate different operational needs based on mission requirements, environmental factors, and the type of cargo being air-dropped.