Truck platform for 463L pallets

Abstract

Systems and methods for platforms designed to be loaded with pre-loaded 463L pallets or other pallets configured for use in a transport aircraft. The truck platform, once loaded with 463L pallets, is then loaded onto a truck (in particular a PLS truck or other truck utilizing a hook system such as those used to load traditional CROPs or flatracks) for ground transport.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 389,272 filed Jun. 15, 2002 the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of transport devices. In particular, to a platform allowing loaded and preconfigured pallets for use on an aircraft to be transported on a truck or other ground vehicle.[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art[0005] Militaries around the world use a wide variety of different transport vehicles for getting materials needed for effective combat operations from the plants or factories where those materials are manufactured or positioned for deployment to the point where those materials are needed to support a variety of operations. One of the most critical materials that needs to be transported is ammunition. Ammunition is, however, difficult to transport because it is usually strangely...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Ammunition is, however, difficult to transport because it is usually strangely shaped, heavy, and explosive.

In combat operations, these factors can lead to numerous logistical problems in getting ammunition from manufacture to the solder in the field.

For instance, the ammunition will often need to be transported by aircraft to reach a distant theater, but usually transport aircraft cannot land at the forward edge of the battle area or other similar points where the ammunition is most needed.

These platforms are loaded using an overhead hook system which pulls the platform onto the back of the truck but is generally unusable by aircraft.

This series of steps is inefficient as having to unpack and repack the materials on the different types of pallet requires significant man-hours of labor and is a hindrance in getting ammunition to the ASP as quickly as possible.

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