463L master pallet

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The 463L Master Pallet System is the main device used for air transport by the United States Air Force. All cargo aircraft used by the United States Air Force are configured to accept these pallets.

Its dimensions are 88"W, 108"L, and 2 1/2"H. The usable space is 84" by 104". It can hold up to 10,000 lb (4535.9 kg) of cargo at 8 G's. The empty weight is 290 lb, the weight of the pallet and a net set is 355 lbs. This pallet commonly comes with a net set (two side nets and a top net) after the pallet has been built.

The 463L pallet system is based on the HCU-6/E air cargo pallet. This pallet is commonly referred to as a 463L pallet. It has component parts of the HCU-7/E side net, the HCU-15/C top net, and the CGU-1/B Device or cargo strap. When required, MB-1 Devices or MB-2 Devices may be used with appropriate chains.

463L's can also be used for Combat Offloads and Aerial Delivery or airdrop.

They are built of a balsa wood core and surrounded by aluminum. There are 22 rings surrounding the edge, each rated at 7,500 lbs.

AAR Corp, formally called AAR Cadillac Manufacturing, is a major manufacturer of the pallets for the military. They put the first pallets into production in April 1963, hence the name 463.