463L master pallet

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The 463L Master Pallet System, or 463L, is a pallet-and-net device used for air cargo. It is the main air-cargo pallet of the United States Air Force, all of whose airlifters can carry them.

Each pallet is 88 inches (224 cm) wide, 108 inches (274 cm) long, and 2-1/4 inches (5.7 cm) high. The usable space is 84" (213 cm) by 104" (264 cm). It can hold up to 10,000 lb (4,500 kg) of cargo at 8 g. Empty, each pallet weighs 290 lb (130 kg), or 355 lb (160 kg) with two side nets and a top net.

Based on the HCU-6/E air cargo pallet, the 463L's components include the HCU-7/E side net, the HCU-15/C top net, and the CGU-1/B Device or cargo strap. MB-1 Devices or MB-2 Devices may be used with appropriate chains.

463Ls can be unloaded on the ground in peacetime or in combat, or airdropped with a parachute.

They are built of a balsa wood core and surrounded by a thin aluminum skin. There are 22 rings surrounding the edge, each rated at 7,500 lb (3400 kg).

The 463L pallet was put into production in April 1963 — hence the name — by AAR Cadillac Manufacturing, now AAR Corp. and still a major manufacturer of the pallets.[citation needed]

Image:Army463Lmasterpallet.jpg

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