Analysis of KC-10 Loading Alternatives

This paper addresses the options available to on/offload the KC-10 currently being procured by the Air Force. The typical Air Force-owned 463L-System aircraft cargo loaders will not reach high enough to service the main-cargo deck of the KC-10 (or B-747). Advances in development of transport (and tanker) aircraft have historically paced development and acquisition of complementary grounds systems (1)*. The analysis focused on the use of various Materials-Handling Equipment (MHE) alternatives including the 463L-System**. These were (i) KC-10 On-Board Loaders (OBLs); (ii) Austere Elevator Loaders; (iii) 15K Forklifts; (iv) Leased Loaders; and (v) 25K Transporter Loaders with Adapter. Key observations were: (i) OBLs tend to be expensive; (ii) Elevator Loaders are relatively inexpensive and versatile; (iii) Existing 15K Forklifts can be used safely; (iv) Industry did not express interest in leasing loaders; and (v) 25K Transporter Loaders with Adapters have serious stability problems.