Next are detailed the phases for load the container into the aircraft (figure 9). The load  is made with the aircraft parked in ground. This operation is commanded by the crew from the head of the airplane. In a first moment the container is located in-line behind the aircraft. In the first phase, the head moves forwards and the tail moves back to leave intermediate space for the container. In the second phase, the tail is divided in two halves that rise to allow the container can go into under the rails. In the third phase, the container is displaced until being located totally under the rails in its position of having hoisted. In the fourth phase, the container is hoisted by four hydraulic arms, fixed to the rails and locked. In the fifth phase the two halves of the tail lower and they unite again. In the sixth phase the head and the tail move on the rails until to join and to lock with the container. Now, the container load operation concludes, being the aircraft loaded and ready to take off.

 

Load of container aided with truck (Click image to enlarge)

Antonio Sánchez  1997-2007. Málaga. Spain