Aircraft cargo loading method and apparatus

摘要

A method and apparatus is disclosed and is capable of transferring both small containers that are up to 20 feet long and large containers about 40 feet long between the cargo area of an aircraft and airport cargo handling facilities. The apparatus includes a mobile, self-propelled main loader and a mobile self-propelled auxiliary loader both of which must be used together as a unit to handle the large containers, but each loader may operate alone to handle the small containers. Independent hydraulic and electrical circuits are provided on each loader, permitting the loaders to operate alone when handling small containers. Both loaders are operated together to handle larger containers at which time the hydraulic and electrical circuits are connected together allowing a single operator to control both loaders. Each loader includes a vertically movable platform with container propelling rollers and belts thereon, and the platforms are locked together when handling large containers.