A method may comprise: receiving, via a controller and through a camera, visual data corresponding to a row of latch assemblies in a cargo handling system; and determining, via the controller, whether each latch assembly in the row of latch assemblies is in a properly securing state.

A cargo restraint system may comprise a restraint and an actuator shaft configured to rotate the restraint between a raised position and a stowed position. The restraint may include a head configured to rotate about an axis and a plunger configured to translate between an engaged state and a disengaged state. When the plunger is in the engaged state, the head is rotationally coupled to the actuator shaft. When the plunger is in the disengaged state, the head can rotate independently of the actuator shaft.

Systems and methods for removeably adding a cargo bay floor to the interior cargo bay of cargo aircraft bay are disclosed. The system includes a rail disposed in a cargo bay of a cargo aircraft with the rail extending longitudinally along both a length of a forward portion and an aft portion of the fuselage. The system includes a cargo floor segment configured to be removeably attached to the rail. When attached, the cargo floor segment can transform between a first arrangement with the cargo floor segment translatable along the rail, and a second arrangement with the cargo floor segment fixedly secured to a location along the rail. The cargo floor segment is configured to, when secured to the rail, define a section of a floor of the cargo bay of the cargo aircraft. Multiple floor segments can be used together to form a continuous floor for the aircraft.

In an example, a transformable cargo container for use with ground and air transportation vehicles is disclosed. The cargo container includes a main container body defining a storage chamber therein and including at least one inlet. The cargo container also includes a transformable assembly coupled to the main container body and positioned at an exterior of the main container body. The transformable assembly includes one or more supplemental containers and one or more supply ducts, at least one of the supplemental container(s) being configured to house refrigeration equipment. The transformable assembly is movable between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration. Based on the transformable assembly being in either the aircraft configuration or the ground configuration, the refrigeration equipment is configured to supply coolant into the main container body via the supply duct(s) and the inlet(s).

An apparatus for loading and unloading cargo, capable of loading cargo while distributing the weight of the cargo and unloading the cargo regardless of the loading order of the cargo, is provided. The apparatus for loading and unloading cargo may include: a base portion; a rail installed on the base portion; a plurality of movable plates disposed on the rail, supporting the cargo, and moving along the rail; and a raising-lowering portion connected between the base portion and a body so that the base portion can be raised and lowered.

A payload suspension system is described herein. A payload suspension system may comprise a suspended payload container within an internal cavity defined by the payload suspension system. The suspended payload container may be suspended by one or more tensile members. The one or more tensile members may be coupled with respective tension adjustment mechanisms configured to adjust a tension of the tensile members. The tension may be adjusted based on a transition to and from a low- or micro-gravity state, in order to provide an increased or decreased movement/rotational ability for the payload container. The low- or micro-gravity state may be produced due to an aircraft performing a parabolic maneuver.

Systems and methods for extending the interior cargo bay of fixed-wing cargo aircraft into a replaceable tailcone bay are disclosed. The system includes an aircraft and a removable tailcone configured couple to the aft end of the fuselage. The aircraft fuselage includes a cargo bay and an aft end opening into the cargo bay. The tailcone, when attached, encloses the aft end opening the cargo bay. The tailcone can include an interior volume configured to extend the fuselage cargo bay such that the interior volume defines an aft end of a cargo bay of the cargo aircraft. In some examples, the tailcone includes a plurality of segments, which can be configured to extend from the aft end of the aircraft to adjust a length of the cargo extension provided by the tailcone.

A quick-connect fitting for a convertible cargo handling assembly may comprise a fixed portion and a coupling component. The fixed portion may be secured to an aircraft frame structure. The coupling component may be coupled to a removable cargo handling component. The coupling component may be configured to rotate relative to the fixed portion.

A stop device for holding a unit load device in place on decking is described. In one example, the stop device includes a cylindrical socket having an outer surface, an inner surface, an open end, and a closed end. The stop device also includes a circular brim extending out from the outer surface, substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the cylindrical socket, and a handle rod assembly that extends from the closed end of the cylindrical socket. The handle rod assembly can be used to lower the cylindrical socket into an aperture in the decking, such as aperture for a caster wheel in the decking. The handle rod assembly can also be used to rotate the stop device, aligning a circular segment cutout of the circular brim with an edge of the unit load device, to lock the stop device in place below the edge of the unit load device.

An aircraft including at least one hold configured to store containers along at least one storage line, and at least one opening configured to provide a passage between the hold and the exterior of the aircraft, the opening being positioned in vertical alignment with the storage line or in line with the storage line. The hold comprises at least one loading and unloading device comprising at least one carriage, at least one guiding system configured to move the carriage along the storage line, at least one spreader equipped with at least one system for grasping the containers, and at least one vertical movement system that is configured to move the spreader vertically with respect to the carriage.