Truck platform for 463L pallets

Abstract

Systems and methods for platforms designed to be loaded with pre-loaded 463L pallets or other pallets configured for use in a transport aircraft. The truck platform, once loaded with 463L pallets, is then loaded onto a truck (in particular a PLS truck or other truck utilizing a hook system such as those used to load traditional CROPs or flatracks) for ground transport.

1 . A platform for use with a truck comprising: 
 a deck having two spaced apart ends and two sides;    a bail attached to said deck at a first of said spaced apart ends; and    an interface comprising two guide rails one on each of said two sides, each guide rail including a plurality of locks;    wherein said interface allows said platform to interface with a pallet designed to interface with an aircraft.    
     
     
         2 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein said interface is 463L compatible.  
     
     
         3 . The platform of  claim 2  wherein said pallet is a 463L pallet.  
     
     
         4 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein said platform comprises a Container Ready On/off Platform (CROP).  
     
     
         5 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein said deck includes a plurality of rollers.  
     
     
         6 . The platform of  claim 5  wherein said plurality of rollers are within at least one roller tray.  
     
     
         7 . The platform of  claim 6  wherein said roller tray can be converted between two different positions, in the first of said positions, said rollers interface with said pallets and in the second of said positions, said rollers do not interface with said pallets.  
     
     
         8 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein said bail is foldable relative to said deck.  
     
     
         9 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein said bail is removable from said platform.  
     
     
         10 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein said two guide rails and said plurality of locks comprise the same system as those used on a K-loader.  
     
     
         11 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein said truck is a truck including a Pallet Load/unload System (PLS).  
     
     
         12 . The platform of  claim 11  where said truck is a HEMTT-LHS truck.  
     
     
         13 . The platform of  claim 1  further comprising a tine trough extending into said deck from a second of said spaced apart ends.  
     
     
         14 . The platform of  claim 1  further comprising a ramp extending from said deck at a second of said spaced apart ends.  
     
     
         15 . The platform of  claim 14  wherein said ramp can be placed in a stowed position where said stowed position comprises placing said ramp into at least one tine trough extending into said deck from a second of said spaced apart ends.  
     
     
         16 . The platform of  claim 14  further comprising a winch.  
     
     
         17 . The platform of  claim 1  wherein said interface can interface with a pallet in a 88 inch biased configuration by spacing said guide rails a first distance apart.  
     
     
         18 . The platform of  claim 17  wherein said interface can interface with a pallet in a 108 inch biased configuration by moving said guide rails a second distance apart.  
     
     
         19 . A platform for use with a truck comprising: 
 a deck having two spaced apart ends and two spaced apart sides;    a bail attached to said deck at a first of said spaced apart ends; and    means for interfacing, said means allowing said platform to interface with a pallet designed to interface with an aircraft.    
     
     
         20 . A ground transportation truck comprising: 
 a HEMTT-LHS truck;    a platform lifted on the back of said truck; and    a 463L pallet, said 463L pallet locked to said platform via interfaces on said 463L pallet designed to lock said 463L pallet to an aircraft.