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This paper demonstrates and sheds light on the fact that optimum selection and use of a judicious mix of ground-support equipment (GSE), rather than use of a single piece of equipment (like a Super Loader) has a synergistic effect on overall efficiency and productivity. The paper also deals with a conceptual aircraft cargo loader “that can do everything” commonly referred to as The Super Loader. The Super Loader is intended for use at air terminals to transport various unit load devices (ULDs) such as loaded cargo pallets, stuffed containers, airdrop platforms, shelters, and wheeled vehicles from the storage docks to military and civil aircraft, and vice versa. The loader may be described as a self-propelled air transportable (in a C-141, C-17, or C-5) 60,000 lb. lifting capacity, adjustable-height vehicle that can on/off-load all transport aircraft from a C-130, whose cargo deck is only 3 feet, 3 inches high to a B-747 whose main deck upper limit is about 18 feet high.

Advances in development of transport aircraft have historically outdistanced acquisition of suitable Ground Support Equipment (GSE). In the past the airline industry and the Air Force have used a family of GSE to on/offload transport aircraft. For example, main-deck cargo loaders for the main-cargo compartments, lower-lobe loaders for the aircraft belly compartments capable of handling unit-load devices (ULDs) like loaded pallets and/or stuffed containers, and finally belt-conveyor loaders for the aircrafts' bulk cargo compartments---for bulk cargo like baggage, mail, and other loose packages. The Air Force recently abandoned the above-mentioned practice and opted for a single “Cadillac type” Super Loader that “will do everything,” on/offload all aircraft upper and lower lobes.