This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) provides information on the subject of Air Mode containers used for transporting "Hanging Loads" such as Garment-On-Hangers (GOH), or other roof supported cargo. It suggests considerations and recommendations for roof loaded containers to transport hanging loads efficiently and safely by air and to protect the aircraft floor and cargo system from damage due to overload conditions.

Purpose:

This document provides considerations and recommendations for the design and use of unit load devices (ULD's) (certified or non-certified) for transportation of hanging loads in aircraft equipped with a restraint system for ULD's in accordance with NAS3610.

Because the load paths of roof-loaded containers are totally different to the more commonly used floor-loaded ULD, the purpose of this document is to alert and inform ULD manufacturers, shippers, the airline industry, and the airframe manufacturers of the unique load distribution characteristics of roof-loaded containers and the potential consequences of loading in this manner. Specific topics covered are:

Load distribution within the container - from roof to base.

Distribution of container-loads to the aircraft cargo compartment.

Also included are suggested methods of improving load distribution and recommended load limits for various types of roof-loaded containers.