Unit load device

Last updated
Unloading LD3 containers from a Boeing 747 Unloading JAL 747.jpg
Unloading LD3 containers from a Boeing 747

A unit load device (ULD) is a container used to load luggage, freight, and mail on wide-body aircraft and specific narrow-body aircraft. It allows preloading of cargo, provided the containerised load fits in the aircraft, enabling efficient planning of aircraft weight and balance and reduced labour and time in loading aircraft holds compared with 'bulk-loading' single items of cargo or luggage by hand. Each ULD has its own packing list or manifest so that its contents can be tracked. A loaded aircraft cargo pallet secured with a cargo net also forms a ULD, but its load must be gauged for size in addition to being weighed to ensure aircraft door and hold clearances.

Contents

The IATA publishes ULD regulations and notes there are 900,000 in service worth more than US$1 billion, averaging $1100 each. [1]

Types

ULDs come in two forms: pallets and containers. ULD pallets are rugged sheets of aluminium with rims designed to lock onto cargo net lugs. ULD containers, also known as cans and pods, are closed containers often made of aluminium or a combination of aluminium (frame) and Lexan (walls) but there are examples of containers made of GRP with an insulating foam core. Depending on the nature of the goods to be transported, ULDs may have built-in refrigeration units. Examples of common ULDs and their specifics are listed below.

Lower hold containers [2] volume in cu.ft (m3), dimensions in inches (cm)
TypeInternal
volume		HeightDepthWidthContourIATASuitability
BaseOverallNominal
LD3-45 [3] 131 (3.7)45 (114.3)60.4 (153.4)61.5 (156.2)96 (243.8)FullDoubleAKHAirbus A319/Airbus A320/Airbus A321
LD2124 (3.5)64 (162.6)47 (119.4)61.5 (156.2)HalfSingleAPEBoeing widebodies
LD3159 (4.5)61.5 (156.2)79 (200.7)AKEAirbus and Boeing widebodies, DC-10/MD-11, L-1011
LD1175 (5.0)92 (233.7)AKCBoeing widebodies, MD-11
LD4195 (5.5)96 (243.8)96 (243.8)FullNoneAQPBoeing 767/777/787
LD8 (2×LD2)245 (6.9)125 (317.5)DoubleAQFBoeing 767/787
LD11256 (7.2)125 (317.5)NoneALPBoeing 747, 777, 787, DC-10/MD-11
PLA pallet [lower-alpha 1] 250 (7.1)PLA747, 777, 787
LD6 (2×LD3)316 (8.9)160 (406.4)DoubleALF747/777/787, DC-10/MD-11
LD26 (P1P base)470 (13.3)88 (223.5)AAFAirbus A330, A340, A350, and Boeing 747/777/787, DC-10/MD-11
LD7 winged pallet [lower-alpha 2] 495 (14.0)P1P747, 777, 787, DC-10/MD-11
LD7/P1P pallet [lower-alpha 1] 379 (10.7)125 (317.5)NoneP1PAll widebodies
LD9 (P1P base)381 (10.8)AAPBoeing widebodies, DC-10/MD-11
LD29 (P1P base)510 (14.4)186 (472.4)DoubleAAU747
LD39 (P6P base)560 (15.9)96 (243.8)AMU747
P6P pallet [lower-alpha 1] 407 (11.5) [lower-alpha 3] 125 (317.5)NoneP6P747, 767, 777, 787, DC-10, MD-11
Notes
  1. 1 2 3 Flat pallet with a cargo net
  2. ↑ The LD-7 winged pallet adds folding wings to the P1P flat pallet to allow overhang
  3. ↑ up to 750 cu ft (21.2 m3) with a 118 in (299.7 cm) height
Unit load device sizes Unit load device sizes.png
Unit load device sizes

Aircraft compatibility

Cross-section of an Airbus A300 showing LD3 containers Airbus A300 cross section.jpg
Cross-section of an Airbus A300 showing LD3 containers

LD3s, LD6s, and LD11s will fit 787s, 777s, 747s, MD-11s, Il-86s, Il-96s, L-1011s and all Airbus wide-bodies. The 767 uses the smaller LD2s and LD8s because of its narrower fuselage. The less common LD1 is designed specifically for the 747, but LD3s are more commonly used in its place because of ubiquity (they have the same floor dimensions such that one LD3 takes the place of one LD1). LD3s with reduced height (1.14 metres (45 in) instead of 1.63 metres (64 in)) can also be loaded on the Airbus A320 family. LD7 pallets will fit 787s, 777s, 747s, late model 767s (with larger doors), and Airbus wide-bodies.

Interchangeability of certain ULDs between LD3/6/11 aircraft and LD2/8 aircraft is possible when cargo needs to be quickly transferred to a connecting flight. Both LD2s and LD8s can be loaded in LD3/6/11 aircraft, but at the cost of using internal volume inefficiently (33 ft3 wasted per LD2). Only the LD3 of the LD3/6/11 family of ULDs can be loaded in a 767; it will occupy an entire row where two LD2s or one LD8 would otherwise have fit (90 ft3 wasted per LD3). Policies vary from airline to airline as to whether such transfers are allowed.

The 787, intended to replace the 767, was designed to use the LD3/6/11 family of ULDs to solve the wasted volume issue. [4]

ULD capacity

Widebodies
ModelLower deckMain deck
Containers88×125″96×125″96×125″88×125″88x108″
Airbus A300-600 [5] 22 LD3 4 + 10 LD34 + 10 LD32021 [6]
Airbus A310 [7] 15 LD33 + 7 LD33 + 7 LD31516 [6]
Airbus A330-2/800 [8] 26 LD388222326
Airbus A330-3/900 [8] 32 LD311102626 [9]
Airbus A340-200 [10] 26 LD399
Airbus A340-300 [10] 32 LD31110
Airbus A340-500 [11] 30 LD31010
Airbus A340-600 [11] 42 LD31414
Airbus A350-900 [12] 36 LD31111
Airbus A350F [13] 40 LD31230
Airbus A350-1000 [12] 44 LD31414
Airbus A380-800 [14] 38 LD31313
Boeing 747 classic [15] 30 LD1 282836
Boeing 747SP [15] 20 LD1
Boeing 747-400 [16] 32 LD1 9 + 4 LD19 + 2 LD13030
Boeing 747-8/8F [17] 40 LD112 + 2 LD134
Boeing 767-200 [18] 22 LD2 3 + 10 LD23 + 10 LD2
Boeing 767-300 [18] 30 LD2 4 + 14 LD24 + 14 LD2141626
Boeing 767-400 [18] 38 LD25 + 16 LD2
Boeing 777-200 [19] 32 LD310 + 2 LD31027
Boeing 777-300 [19] 44 LD314 + 2LD31433 [20]
Boeing 777-8F [21] 40 LD3 [22] 1331
Boeing 777-9 [23] 48 LD31614 + 4 LD3
Boeing 787-8 [24] 28 LD398 + 2 LD3
Boeing 787-9 [24] 36 LD31111
Boeing 787-10 [24] 40 LD31313
Douglas DC-10 [25] 26 LD35 + 8 LD32230
McDonnell Douglas MD-11 [26] 32 LD36 + 14 LD3262634
Lockheed L-1011 [27] 19 LD34 + 7 LD3
Ilyushin Il-86/Il-96-300 [28] 16 LD3
Ilyushin Il-96M/T [29] 32 LD3
Narrowbodies
ModelContainers96×125″88×125″88x108″
Airbus A319 [30] 4 LD3-45
Airbus A320 [31] 7 LD3-4511 [32]
Airbus A321 [33] 10 LD3-4514 [32]
Boeing 707-320C [34] no lower ULD1313
Boeing 727-100C [35] no lower ULD [lower-alpha 1] 88
Boeing 737-200C [36] no lower ULD77
Boeing 737-300SF [37] no lower ULD9
Boeing 737-400SF [38] no lower ULD10 ½
Boeing 737-700C [36] no lower ULD88
Boeing 737-800SF [39] no lower ULD11 ½
Boeing 757-200F [40] no lower ULD15
Douglas DC-8-55F [41] no lower ULD13
Douglas DC-8-62/72F [41] no lower ULD14
Douglas DC-8-61/63/71/73F [41] no lower ULD18
Douglas DC-9-15F [42] no lower ULD6
Douglas DC-9-32F [42] no lower ULD8
McDonnell Douglas MD-80SF [43] no lower ULD8812
  1. ↑ The B727-200 had an option to hold 11 specific 45.5 in–92.4 in × 41.1 in × 43.4 in (1.16 m–2.35 m × 1.04 m × 1.10 m) base-full width × height × depth, 78 cu ft (2.2 m3) underfloor containers.
LD3 containers being loaded onto a Boeing 777-300ER.

Aircraft loads can consist of containers, pallets, or a mix of ULD types, depending on requirements. In some aircraft the two types must be mixed as some compartments take only specific ULDs.

Container capacity of an aircraft is measured in positions. Each half-width container (LD1/LD2/LD3) in the aircraft it was designed for occupies one position. Typically, each row in a cargo compartment consists of two positions. Therefore, a full-width container (LD6/LD8/LD11) will take two positions. An LD6 or an LD11 can occupy the space of two LD3s. An LD8 takes the space of two LD2s.

Aircraft pallet capacity is measured by how many PMC-type LD7s 96 by 125 in (240 by 320 cm) can be stored. These pallets occupy approximately three LD3 positions (two positions of one row and half of the two positions of the following row) or four LD2 positions. PMCs can only be loaded in cargo compartments with large doors designed to accept them (small door compartments are container-only).

An ATR 72 with its cargo door open FOIQRATR72.JPG
An ATR 72 with its cargo door open
Regional airliners
ModelLD346×66”88×54”88×62”88×108”96×125”
Fokker 100 [44] 11
CRJ200 [45] 8
BAe 146-200 [46] 964
ATR 72 [47] 795
ATR 42 [47] 563
Dash 8-300 [48] 9
Xian MA600 [49] 55
Short 360 [50] 5
Cessna SkyCourier [51] 3

Identification

Dimension names of ULD (LD3/AKE shown) ULD nomenclature.svg
Dimension names of ULD (LD3/AKE shown)

All ULDs are identified by their ULD number. A three-letter prefix identifies its type and key characteristics, [52] followed by a 4 or 5 digit serial number (4 if prior to October 1, 1993; either 4 or 5 if after October 1, 1993) to uniquely identify it from others of the same type, and ending with a two character (alpha-numerical) suffix identifying the ULD's owner (if an airline, often the same as IATA designator codes). For example, AKN 12345 DL means that the ULD is a forkliftable LD3 with the unique number 12345 and its owner is Delta Air Lines. [53]

IATA ULD prefix [52] [53]
Type [lower-alpha 1] Base size [lower-alpha 2] (depth × base width)Contour/restraint [lower-alpha 3] (overall width × height)
  • A Certified Aircraft Container
  • B Certified Winged Aircraft Pallet [lower-alpha 4]
  • C Non-Aircraft Container [lower-alpha 5]
  • D Non-Certified Aircraft Container
  • E Non-Certified Main Deck Aircraft Container [lower-alpha 5]
  • F Non-Certified Aircraft Pallet
  • G Non-Certified Aircraft Pallet Net
  • H Certified Horse Stalls
  • J Thermal Non-Structural Igloo
  • K Certified Cattle Stalls
  • L Certified Multi-Contour Aircraft Container
  • M Thermal Non-Certified Aircraft Container
  • N Certified Aircraft Pallet Net
  • P Certified Aircraft Pallet
  • Q Certified Hardened Aircraft Container
  • R Thermal Certified Aircraft Container
  • S Certified Multi-Modal Air/Surface Container [lower-alpha 6]
  • U Non-Structural Container (Igloo) [lower-alpha 7]
  • V Automobile Transport Equipment
  • W Certified ULD for Aircraft Engine Transport
  • X Reserved for airline internal use
  • Y Reserved for airline internal use
  • Z Reserved for airline internal use
  • A 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm (88 in × 125 in)
  • B 2,235 mm × 2,743 mm (88 in × 108 in)
  • E 1,346 mm × 2,235 mm (53 in × 88 in) [lower-alpha 5]
  • F2,438 mm × 2,991 mm (96 in × 117+3⁄4 in) [lower-alpha 5]
  • G2,438 mm × 6,058 mm (96 in × 238+1⁄2 in)
  • H2,438 mm × 9,125 mm (96 in × 359+1⁄4 in) [lower-alpha 5]
  • J 2,438 mm × 12,192 mm (96 in × 480 in) [lower-alpha 5]
  • K 1,534 mm × 1,562 mm (60.4 in × 61.5 in)
  • L 1,534 mm × 3,175 mm (60.4 in × 125 in)
  • M 2,438 mm × 3,175 mm (96 in × 125 in)
  • N 1,562 mm × 2,438 mm (61.5 in × 96 in)
  • P 1,194 mm × 1,534 mm (47 in × 60.4 in)
  • Q 1,534 mm × 2,438 mm (60.4 in × 96 in)
  • R 2,438 mm × 4,978 mm (96 in × 196 in)
  • S 1,562 mm × 2,235 mm (61.5 in × 88 in)
  • X Miscellaneous sizes, largest dimension between 2,438 and 3,175 mm (96 and 125 in) [lower-alpha 5]
  • Y Miscellaneous sizes, largest dimension 2,438 mm (96 in) [lower-alpha 5]
  • Z Miscellaneous sizes, largest dimension >3,175 mm (125 in) [lower-alpha 5]
  • A Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,438 mm (96 in × 96 in)
  • B Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,438 mm (96 in × 96 in)
  • C Lower Deck, 2,337 mm × 1,626 mm (92 in × 64 in)
  • D Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,997 mm (96 in × 118 in)
  • E Lower Deck, 2,007 mm × 1,626 mm (79 in × 64 in)
  • F Lower Deck, 4,064 mm × 1,626 mm (160 in × 64 in)
  • G Lower Deck, 2,007 mm × 1,143 mm (79 in × 45 in)
  • H Lower Deck, 2,438 mm × 1,143 mm (96 in × 45 in)
  • J Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,438 mm (96 in × 96 in)
  • K Main/Lower Deck, 3,175 mm × 1,626 mm (125 in × 64 in)
  • L Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,946 mm (96 in × 116 in)
  • M Main Deck, 2,235 mm × 2,286 mm (88 in × 90 in)
  • N Lower Deck, 2,007 mm × 1,626 mm (79 in × 64 in)
  • P Lower Deck, 3,175 mm × 1,626 mm (125 in × 64 in)
  • U Lower Deck, 4,724 mm × 1,626 mm (186 in × 64 in)
  • V Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,438 mm (96 in × 96 in)
  • X Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,997 mm (96 in × 118 in)
  • Y Main Deck, 3,175 mm × 2,083 mm (125 in × 82 in)
  • Z Main Deck, 3,175 mm × 2,083 mm (125 in × 82 in)
Notes
  1. ↑ Identifies ULD category (certification, ULD type, thermal units). [53]
  2. ↑ Identifies standard base dimensions. [53]
  3. ↑ Identifies contour (profile dimensions and shape), forklift holes, and other miscellaneous information. [53] For certified pallets (Pxx), this identifies the NAS 3610 classification to which the pallet is certified. [54]
  4. ↑ Previously used as "Certified Main Deck Aircraft Container"; this designation is obsolete.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 This designation is obsolete.
  6. ↑ Previously used as "Structural Igloo – Solid Door"; this designation is obsolete.
  7. ↑ Previously used as "Structural Igloo – Other Closures" (meaning any door other than a solid door); this designation is obsolete.

Common prefixes

A string of LD3 containers with AKE prefix LD-air-freight-containers.jpg
A string of LD3 containers with AKE prefix
An LD3-45 container with AKH prefix. An AKE prefix ULD is visible to the right. Germanwings Container 03.jpg
An LD3-45 container with AKH prefix. An AKE prefix ULD is visible to the right.
  • AAA: LD7 container (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), 81 in (2,057 mm) tall, contoured for maindeck narrow-body
  • AAD: LD7 container (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), 96 in (2,438 mm) tall, contoured for maindeck wide-body (aka A1)
  • AAF: [55] LD26 container
  • AAP: [55] LD9
  • AAU: [55] LD29 container
  • AAY: LD7 container (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), 81 in (2,057 mm) tall, contoured for maindeck wide-body and narrow-body (aka A2)
  • AAZ: LD7 container (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), 64 in (1,626 mm) tall, contoured for maindeck wide-body and narrow-body and any belly (aka L9)
  • AGA: [55] M2 container
  • AKC: [55] LD1 without forklift holes
  • AKE: [55] LD3 without forklift holes/half ALF
  • AKH, AKW: LD3-45 mainly for A320/321, 45 in (1,143 mm) tall, same base as AKE, extensions on both sides
  • AKN: [55] LD3 with forklift holes
  • ALB: [55] LD4 with forklift holes
  • ALD: LD11 container (aka L11)
  • ALF: [55] LD6 without forklift holes
  • ALP: [55] LD11 without forklift holes
  • ALP: [55] LD4 without forklift holes
  • AMA: [55] M1 container
  • AMD: [55] M1H container
  • AMJ: LD7 container (96 in × 125 in or 2,438 mm × 3,175 mm), 96 in (2,438 mm) tall, contoured for main deck wide-body (aka M1)[ citation needed ]
  • AMU: [55] LD39 container contour similar to ALF, but deeper and bigger extensions. biggest lower-deck container
  • AVY: [55] LD1 with forklift holes
  • AWC: [55] LD6 with forklift holes
  • AYY: [55] Demi, a half-width contoured container typically used for the main deck
  • AYX: [55] AYY with fittings to connect a fire extinguisher so as to carry Dangerous Goods
  • DPE: [55] LD2 without forklift holes
  • DPN: [55] LD2 with forklift holes
  • DQF: [55] LD8 with forklift holes
  • FLA: [55] LD11 pallet
  • FQA: LD8 pallet (same floor dimensions as DQF)
  • HMA: [55] Horse stall
  • KMA: [55] Sheep and goat pen
  • P1P: [55] LD7, large pallet (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), folding wings for overhang
  • PAD: [55] LD7, large pallet (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), flat
  • PGA: [55] M6, large pallet (96 in × 238.5 in or 2,438 mm × 6,058 mm), freighter main deck only
  • PLA: [55] LD11 pallet
  • PMC: LD7, large pallet (96 in × 125 in or 2,438 mm × 3,175 mm)
  • QKE: LD3 same as AKE but made of KEVLAR and designed to be bombproof. No forklift holes.
  • RAP: [55] LD9 with refrigeration unit
  • RAU: [55] LD29 container with refrigeration unit
  • RKN: [55] LD3 with refrigeration unit
  • RWB: [55] LD11 with refrigeration unit
  • SAA: Full-sized version of the AYY
  • SAX: Full-sized version of the AYX
  • VRA: [55] M6, large pallet (96 in × 196 in or 2,438 mm × 4,978 mm), twin car rack
  • XAW: [55] LD7, large pallet (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), fixed wings for overhang
  • XKC: LD3 without forklift holes/half ALF[ citation needed ]

Main-deck ULDs

On the main deck of cargo planes are 79 to 108 inches (2,007 to 2,743 mm) tall ULDs with footprints similar to those of 88 inches (2,235 mm) or 96 inches (2,438 mm) wide pallets and 62 inches (1,575 mm) or 125 inches (3,175 mm) long. A 62-inch (1,575 mm) wide × 88-inch (2,235 mm) tall ULD is half the volume of a 125-inch (3,175 mm) × 88 inch pallet. The 20 foot pallet is 238 inches (6,045 mm) long and 96 inches (2,438 mm) wide. What the actual dimensions of contoured upper deck ULDs are is very hard to know, because most manufacturers only profile width, length and height data.

There are several common types of contoured main deck ULDs, that are contoured (curved to fit in the plane's body) to provide as much cargo volume as possible. Initially ULD contouring was simply a triangle removed from one or two corners of the profile of the ULD, such as the common LD3 and LD6. Main deck ULDs use curves for the contoured shape to truly maximize cargo volume. Upper deck ULDs are just like lower deck ULDs that are either the full width of the plane with two corners of the profile removed (lower deck LD6 lower), or that container is cut in half, down the center line of the plane, (lower deck LD3 and upper deck AAX).

Main deck ULDs and pallets are not only taller than lower deck ULDs, they are frequently two or four times longer. They are usually organized like an LD6, using the width of the plane and missing two profile corners, or two very long LD3s, stored in parallel to use the plane's width and each missing one profile corner, but often twice or four times as long from plane's nose to tail.

Many air cargo companies use main deck ULDs that have both features called dual-profile, so that on smaller planes such as the Boeing 727, they are stored widthwise and have two corners contoured, and on the bigger Boeing 767, they can be rotated 90 degrees and shipped in parallel like LD3s, so that only one corner is contoured when being used like an LD3. This greatly simplifies transportation of cargo containers at slight cost of cargo volume.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Airbus A300</span> Worlds first twin-engine widebody jet airliner

The Airbus A300 is Airbus's first production aircraft and the world's first twin-engine, double-aisle wide-body airliner, developed and manufactured by Airbus from 1971 to 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing 767</span> Wide-body twin-engine jet airliner family

The Boeing 767 is an American wide-body airliner developed and manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The aircraft was launched as the 7X7 program on July 14, 1978, the prototype first flew on September 26, 1981, and it was certified on July 30, 1982. The initial 767-200 variant entered service on September 8, 1982, with United Airlines, and the extended-range 767-200ER in 1984. It was stretched into the 767-300 in October 1986, followed by the extended-range 767-300ER in 1988, the most popular variant. The 767-300F, a production freighter version, debuted in October 1995. It was stretched again into the 767-400ER from September 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing 757</span> Airliner family by Boeing

The Boeing 757 is an American narrow-body airliner designed and built by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The then-named 7N7, a twinjet successor for the trijet 727, received its first orders in August 1978. The prototype completed its maiden flight on February 19, 1982, and it was FAA certified on December 21, 1982. Eastern Air Lines placed the initial 757-200 variant in commercial service on January 1, 1983. A package freighter (PF) variant entered service in September 1987 and a combi model in September 1988. The stretched 757-300 was launched in September 1996 and began service in March 1999. After 1,050 had been built for 54 customers, production ended in October 2004, while Boeing offered the largest 737 NG variants as a successor to the -200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Airbus A330</span> Wide-body twin-engine jet airliner

The Airbus A330 is a wide-body aircraft developed and produced by Airbus. Airbus began developing larger A300 derivatives in the mid-1970s, giving rise to the A330 twinjet as well as the A340 quadjet, and launched both designs along with their first orders in June 1987. The A330-300, the first variant, took its maiden flight in November 1992 and entered service with Air Inter in January 1994. The slightly shorter A330-200 variant followed in 1998 with Canada 3000 as the launch operator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wide-body aircraft</span> Airliner with two aisles

A wide-body aircraft, also known as a twin-aisle aircraft and in the largest cases as a jumbo jet, is an airliner with a fuselage wide enough to accommodate two passenger aisles with seven or more seats abreast. The typical fuselage diameter is 5 to 6 m. In the typical wide-body economy cabin, passengers are seated seven to ten abreast, allowing a total capacity of 200 to 850 passengers. Seven-abreast aircraft typically seat 160 to 260 passengers, eight-abreast 250 to 380, nine- and ten-abreast 350 to 480. The largest wide-body aircraft are over 6 m (20 ft) wide, and can accommodate up to eleven passengers abreast in high-density configurations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Airbus Beluga</span> Outsize cargo version of the A300-600 airliner

The Airbus A300-600ST, or Beluga, is a specialised wide-body airliner used to transport aircraft parts and outsize cargoes. It received the official name of Super Transporter early on, but its nickname, after the beluga whale, which it resembles, gained popularity and has since been officially adopted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">McDonnell Douglas MD-90</span> Single-aisle airliner by McDonnell Douglas

The McDonnell DouglasMD-90 is an American five-abreast single-aisle airliner developed by McDonnell Douglas from its successful model MD-80. The airliner was produced by the developer company until 1997 and then by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It was a stretched derivative of the MD-80 and thus part of the DC-9 family. After the more fuel-efficient IAE V2500 high-bypass turbofan was selected, Delta Air Lines became the launch customer on November 14, 1989. The MD-90 first flew on February 22, 1993, and the first delivery was in February 1995 to Delta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">McDonnell Douglas MD-11</span> Wide body airliners developed from the DC-10

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is an American tri-jet wide-body airliner manufactured by American manufacturer McDonnell Douglas (MDC) and later by Boeing. Following DC-10 development studies, the MD-11 program was launched on December 30, 1986. Assembly of the first prototype began on March 9, 1988. Its maiden flight occurred on January 10, 1990, and it achieved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification on November 8. The first delivery was to Finnair on December 7 and it entered service on December 20, 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing 747-400</span> Wide-body airliner, improved production series of the 747

The Boeing 747-400 is a large, long-range wide-body airliner produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes, an advanced variant of the initial Boeing 747. The "Advanced Series 300" was announced at the September 1984 Farnborough Airshow, targeting a 10% cost reduction with more efficient engines and 1,000 nautical miles [nmi] of additional range. Northwest Airlines became the first customer with an order for 10 aircraft on October 22, 1985. The first 747-400 was rolled out on January 26, 1988, and made its maiden flight on April 29, 1988. Type certification was received on January 9, 1989, and it entered service with NWA on February 9, 1989.

Air Hong Kong is an all-cargo airline based in Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong, with its main hub at Hong Kong International Airport. The airline operates an express freight network to 13 destinations in nine countries, including China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. It has a fleet of Airbus A300-600F General Freighters, which the airline was the launch customer of this new variant. Its head office is located on the fourth floor of the South Tower of Cathay Pacific City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing Commercial Airplanes</span> Division of the Boeing Company that builds commercial jet airplanes

Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) is a division of the Boeing Company. It designs, assembles, markets, and sells commercial aircraft, including the 737, 767, 777, and 787, along with freighter and business jet variants of most. The division employs nearly 35,000 people, many working at the company's division headquarters in Renton, Washington or at more than a dozen engineering, manufacturing, and assembly facilities, notably the Everett Factory and Renton Factory, and the South Carolina Factory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cargo aircraft</span> Aircraft configured specifically to transport cargo

A cargo aircraft is a fixed-wing aircraft that is designed or converted for the carriage of cargo rather than passengers. Such aircraft generally feature one or more large doors for loading cargo. Passenger amenities are removed or not installed, although there are usually basic comfort facilities for the crew such as a galley, lavatory, and bunks in larger planes. Freighters may be operated by civil passenger or cargo airlines, by private individuals, or by government agencies of individual countries such as the armed forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing 747-8</span> Wide-body airliner, last production series of the 747

The Boeing 747-8 is the final series of the large, long-range wide-body airliners in the Boeing 747 family from Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The 747-8 is the largest variant of the 747 and Boeing's largest aircraft. After introducing the 747-400, Boeing considered larger 747 versions as alternatives to the proposed double-deck Airbus A3XX, later developed as the Airbus A380. The stretched 747 Advanced was launched as the 747-8 on November 14, 2005, for a market forecast of 300 aircraft. The first 747-8F Freighter performed its maiden flight on February 8, 2010, and the passenger 747-8I Intercontinental followed suit on March 20, 2011. The cargo version was first delivered in October 2011 and the airliner began commercial service in June 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing Dreamlifter</span> Outsize cargo conversion of the 747–400

The Boeing Dreamlifter, officially the 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter (LCF), is a wide-body cargo aircraft modified extensively from the Boeing 747-400 airliner. With a volume of 65,000 cubic feet (1,840 m3) it can hold three times that of a 747-400F freighter. The outsized aircraft was designed to transport Boeing 787 Dreamliner parts between Italy, Japan, and the U.S., but has also flown medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ground support equipment</span> Equipment for servicing aircraft between flights

Ground support equipment (GSE) is the support equipment found at an airport, usually on the apron, the servicing area by the terminal. This equipment is used to service the aircraft between flights. As the name suggests, ground support equipment is there to support the operations of aircraft whilst on the ground. The role of this equipment generally involves ground power operations, aircraft mobility, and cargo/passenger loading operations.

UPS Airlines is a major American cargo airline based in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. One of the largest cargo airlines worldwide, UPS Airlines flies to 815 destinations worldwide. It has been a wholly owned subsidiary of United Parcel Service since its launch in 1988.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Double-deck aircraft</span> Aircraft with two passenger decks

A double-deck aircraft has two decks for passengers; the second deck may be only a partial deck, and may be above or below the main deck. Most commercial aircraft have one passenger deck and one cargo deck for luggage and ULD containers, but a few have two decks for passengers, typically above or below a third deck for cargo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EADS/Northrop Grumman KC-45</span> Proposed aerial refueling tanker aircraft

The EADS/Northrop Grumman KC-45 was a proposed aerial refueling tanker aircraft based on the Airbus A330 MRTT. The United States Air Force (USAF) had ordered 179 KC-45As in the first stage of replacing the aging Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker tankers currently in service. However, the contest was reopened in July 2008, after Boeing's protest of the award was upheld. In response to the new contest, on 8 March 2010, Northrop Grumman announced it was abandoning its bid for the new contract, with its CEO stating that the revised bid requirement favoured Boeing. On 20 April 2010, EADS announced it was re-entering the competition and entered a bid with the KC-45. Eventually, the USAF selected the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alaska Airlines fleet</span>

The Alaska Airlines fleet are all Boeing 737 series aircraft, operated directly by Alaska Airlines. A regional fleet of Alaska branded Embraer 175 jets are operated by the Alaska Air Group-owned regional airline Horizon Air and third-party contractor SkyWest Airlines.

Airport dollies for unit load device (ULD) and cargo pallets are standard sized flatbed trolley or platform, with many wheels, roller bars or ball bearings protruding above the top surface for easy loading and unloading of ULD and cargo pallets respectively. Since ULD/pallet rest on ball bearings, these dollies are equipped with hinge/locks to secure the position of the ULD/pallet on them during tugging transportation. The aviation industry adopted ULD/pallets to be lightweight containers and supporting platforms respectively, intended to be loaded into aircraft and fly along with their loads, they need to be minimum in weight and thus do not have wheels or strong base structure. Also, the ULD/pallets have stringent dimensional standard following the aircraft cargo bay dimension. Therefore, these dollies are custom designed to complement the ULD/pallet's dimension, hinge/fixture position, weak overall physical strength and transportation need. Advanced dollies for ULD and pallets, such as those used on an airport apron, may have the following specialized facilities:

References

  1. ↑ "ULD Regulations". IATA.
  2. ↑ "Pallets and containers" (PDF). Boeing. 2012.
  3. ↑ "AKH (LD3-45)". Nordisk Aviation.
  4. ↑ Vogel, Gib (2013). Flying the Boeing 787. Ramsbury, Marlborough: The Crowood Press Ltd. p. 25. ISBN   978-1-84797-636-9 . Retrieved 21 February 2019. [The 787] interior fuselage width of 215in (5.46m) was to be 29in (0.74m) greater than the 186in (4.72m) width of the 767 to accommodate the more commonly available LD-3 size baggage containers in its cargo hold ...
  5. ↑ "A300-600 Aircraft Characteristics - Airport and Maintenance Planning" (PDF). Airbus. Dec 2009.
  6. 1 2 "A300/A310 P2F" (PDF). Elbe Flugzeugwerke.
  7. ↑ "A310 Aircraft Characteristics - Airport and Maintenance Planning" (PDF). Airbus. Dec 2009.
  8. 1 2 "A330 Aircraft Characteristics - Airport and Maintenance Planning" (PDF). Airbus. Jul 2018.
  9. ↑ "A330P2F" (PDF). Elbe Flugzeugwerke.
  10. 1 2 "A340-200/300 Aircraft Characteristics - Airport and Maintenance Planning" (PDF). Airbus. Jul 2018.
  11. 1 2 "A340-500/600 Aircraft Characteristics - Airport and Maintenance Planning" (PDF). Airbus. Jul 2018.
  12. 1 2 "A350-900/1000 Aircraft Characteristics - Airport and Maintenance Planning" (PDF). Airbus. Jun 2018.
  13. ↑ "A350F Freighter key figures". Airbus.
  14. ↑ "A380 Aircraft Characteristics - Airport and Maintenance Planning" (PDF). Airbus. Dec 2016.
  15. 1 2 "747-100/200/300/SP Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). Boeing. May 2011.
  16. ↑ "747-400/-400ER Freighters" (PDF). Boeing. May 2010.
  17. ↑ "747-8/8F Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). Boeing. Dec 2012.
  18. 1 2 3 "767 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). Boeing. May 2011.
  19. 1 2 "777 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). Boeing. May 2015.
  20. ↑ Kingsley-Jones, Max (2019-10-16). "GECAS and IAI launch 777-300ER cargo conversion". Flightglobal.
  21. ↑ "777-8 Freighter". Boeing.
  22. ↑ Bjorn Fehrm (July 23, 2015). "Options for Singapore Airlines to operate direct flights to the US, part 2". Leeham.
  23. ↑ "777-9 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). Boeing. May 2015.
  24. 1 2 3 "787 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). Boeing. March 2018.
  25. ↑ "DC-10 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). McDonnell Douglas. May 2011.
  26. ↑ "MD-11 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). McDonnell Douglas. May 2011.
  27. ↑ "L-1011-500 TriStar technical profile" (PDF). Lockheed.
  28. ↑ Gerard Frawley. "Ilyushin Il-86". The International Directory of Civil Aircraft– via Airliners.net.
  29. ↑ Gerard Frawley. "Ilyushin Il-96M & Il-96T". The International Directory of Civil Aircraft– via Airliners.net.
  30. ↑ "A319 Aircraft Characteristics - Airport and Maintenance Planning" (PDF). Airbus. Feb 2018.
  31. ↑ "A320 Aircraft Characteristics - Airport and Maintenance Planning" (PDF). Airbus. Feb 2018.
  32. 1 2 "A320/A321 P2F" (PDF). Elbe Flugzeugwerke.
  33. ↑ "A321 Aircraft Characteristics - Airport and Maintenance Planning" (PDF). Airbus. Feb 2018.
  34. ↑ "707 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). Boeing. May 2011.
  35. ↑ "727 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). Boeing. May 2011.
  36. 1 2 "737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). Boeing. Sep 2013.
  37. ↑ "B737-300SF Freighter Conversion" (PDF). Aeronautical Engineers.
  38. ↑ "B737-400SF Freighter Conversion" (PDF). Aeronautical Engineers.
  39. ↑ "B737-800SF Freighter Conversion" (PDF). Aeronautical Engineers.
  40. ↑ "757 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). Boeing. May 2011.
  41. 1 2 3 "DC-8 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). McDonnell Douglas. May 2011.
  42. 1 2 "DC-8 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" (PDF). McDonnell Douglas. May 2011.
  43. ↑ "MD-80SF Freighter Conversion" (PDF). Aeronautical Engineers.
  44. ↑ "Combi freighter plan emerges for Fokker 100". Flightglobal. 4 Feb 2011.
  45. ↑ "AEI's 8 pallet CRJ200 Freighter Conversion". Aeronautical Engineers, Inc.
  46. ↑ "BAe 146-200QC arriving April 2013". Pionair. March 28, 2013.
  47. 1 2 "ATR Family" (PDF). ATR. Sep 2014.
  48. ↑ "Dash 8 freighter". B/E Aerospace.
  49. ↑ David Harris (January 10, 2013). "A new small freighter from China". Cargo facts.
  50. ↑ Gerard Frawley. "Short 360". The International Directory of Civil Aircraft.
  51. ↑ "SkyCourier". Cessna.
  52. 1 2 "Identifying a Unit Load Device". VRR Aviation. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  53. 1 2 3 4 5 "Guide to Air Freight Containers". World Trade Press. 2000. Archived from the original on 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2016-11-02.
  54. ↑ "All about contours". ULD Care. 29 October 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  55. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 "Boeing Cargo" Archived February 13, 2015, at the Wayback Machine , Boeing, March 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.