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This paper deals with recent developments of containers and pallets for use in wide-body aircraft lower lobe (belly) compartments. Included are the LD-1/LD-3 expandable, LD-2EX convertible, LD-29 (“belly beast”) containers, and the extendable (winged) pallet. The marketing impact of the dual and high volume units are also explored. In addition an overview is provided of container size development from the initial LD-1 developed for the 747, the LD-3, the LD-2/LD-4/LD-8 developed for the 767 through the LD-3-46 (and modular derivatives) developed for the A320. Other special purpose container and pallet configurations, construction and tare weight trends, the evolution of cargo pallet sizes and the role of various international and national organizations in the development of belly containers and pallets are also explored.

This paper deals with the broad aspects of how the Society of Automotive Engineers, Aerospace Equipment Division, is involved in promoting air cargo standards on the international scene. As such, the various standards organizations for air cargo items are identified, their charters explained, how they interface with each other, and, specifically, how SAE has an inroad in projecting technical standards developed by Committee AGE-2, Air Cargo & Aircraft Ground Equipment Systems. As a case in point, the 8 foot by 8 foot container specification is traced chronologically.

This paper deals with specific standards related to air cargo equipment and systems and associated ground equipment produced by ISO/TC20/Subcommittee 9 and why these standards must be recognized in configurating cargo aircraft of the future. Emphasis is placed on standards for cargo unit load devices, i.e., containers (especially the 8 × 8 ft size), pallets, nets and the associated loading equipment as to their role in affecting aircraft design. Various concepts for the wide-body cargo airplane of the future are also explored.