Baartz, Rory (2018) Concept design of cargo aircraft on-board loader. [USQ Project]
Abstract
Large, civilian cargo aircraft are dependant on ground service equipment (GSE) to load and unload cargo. The ability to load and unload cargo at airports without appropriate GSE would allow greater flexibility for aircraft operators. This would be particularly helpful in times of natural disaster, or for operational purposes outside the scope of normal scheduled air cargo operations. A proposed solution to this problem is an improved cargo aircraft on-board loader.
In developing a concept design, the history of aircraft loading equipment, cargo aircraft and air cargo were researched. This included current and historic designs of conventional aircraft loading equipment, as well as any similar on-board loader designs. Lifting equipment used in GSE, as well as lifting equipment employed in other industries was evaluated in the evolution of the concept design.
Specifications for a concept on-board loader were then developed, consulting relevant design standards and the limitations of cargo aircraft and their cargo. A concept design solving the proposed problem was developed based on these specifications. Many limitations in the design were discovered during the design process. These included the type of aircraft an on-board loader is compatible with, and the size of compatible cargo units. Insight into the benefits that an on-board cargo loader may bring to the air cargo industry were also explored. Exposing the limited benefit to industry that an on-board loader provides unless low density cargo is transported.
Problems with the deployment manoeuvre and buckling of the telescoping columns was also discovered. Both elements of the design are critical to the on-board loaders functionality. Further research is needed to improve these aspects in the design. Proposed design alterations for these problems are also presented.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Malpress, Ray |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering) |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Aug 2022 23:13 |
| Last Modified: | 27 Jun 2023 04:43 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | cargo aircraft; on-board loader |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/40679 |
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