The Impact of the Physiological Characteristics of Perishables on Aircraft Environmental Control Systems

A new concept for approaching the problems of the airshipment of perishables, based on their physiological characteristics, is presented. This concept consists of grouping perishables into classes with common physiological characteristics and defining for each class its environmental requirements. The effects of temperature, atmospheric composition, and relative humidity are discussed in relation to respiratory and microbial decomposition for each class.

Three basic handling systems are identified for the airshipment of perishable commodities, as well as considerations for container requirements and cargo compatibility.