MIL-DTL-27443 Detailed Specifications: Pallets, Cargo, Aircraft, HCU-6/E and HCU-12/E Type

“MIL-DTL-27443 Detailed specifications: pallets, cargo, aircraft, type HCU-6/E and HCU-12/E” developed by the United States Department of Defense for pallets, cargo and aircraft with capacities of 10.000 pounds and 5.000 pounds Detailed features are explained.

Air cargo pallets covered by this standard are of the following types:

• Type I - HCU-G/E with 10.000-pound capacity
• Type II - HCU-5.000/E with 12-pound capacity

The HCU-6/E or 463L main pallet is a standard pallet used in the transportation of military air cargo. This type of pallet is the primary air cargo pallet of the United States Air Force, designed to be loaded and unloaded on today's military transport aircraft as well as many civilian reserve air fleet cargo aircraft.

The new generation cargo pallets are designed to be used with the 463L cargo handling system for the transportation of cargo on aircraft, in air cargo terminals and in motorized and non-motorized vehicles. These pallets are compatible with the 463L load limiting system and are resistant to corrosion, heat, moisture and ultraviolet (UV) rays. It has a bonded structure with aluminum coatings and extrusions.

The capabilities of type HCU-6/E pallets include:

• Can be transported by both air and surface methods
• Meets military and commercial air transportation requirements.
• Provides short-term on-site storage of equipment and materials
• It has a light and durable structure
• Easy to repair and maintain
• Provides rapid distribution of cargo
• Empty pallets can be stacked for storage
• Standard 10.000 lb. Can be lifted by forklift

The HCU-12/E pallet is also known as the 463L air cargo pallet and is fully compatible with 463L cargo loading systems.

According to the MIL-DTL-27443 standard, the conditions that may cause rejection for both pallet types are as follows:

• Failure to comply with specified design or performance requirements
• Structural failure of any component or evidence of impending failure, including permanent deformation
• Excessive wear or delamination
• Misalignment of components
• Conditions that pose a safety hazard to personnel during operation, service or maintenance

The MIL-DTL-27443 standard defines the following test methods for HCU-6/E and HCU-12/E type pallets: 

• Inspection of the product: The pallet is examined to determine its compliance with all the requirements specified herein in terms of material, size, workmanship and marking. For initial product and random sample pallets, this review is performed using a checklist that lists each requirement and review results that are not verified by a test.
• Touch test: Each pallet is checked for continuity of bond on the top and bottom surface by tapping the joined area with a small metal or plastic hammer. The surface area of ​​each coating on a Type I pallet is divided into 72 equally sized quadrants. The surface area of ​​each coating on a Type II pallet is divided into 32 equally sized quadrants. Each quadrant is hit at least once. Any void space or bubbles, evidenced by a relatively dull knocking sound, will result in rejection of the pallet. The metal connection between the rail and the top and bottom plating is continuously tap tested throughout its entirety for connection. Special attention should be paid to the corners of the pallet to ensure continuity of adhesion.
• Binding ring tests:
  • Ring position and movement testing: Compliance with ring position and free movement requirements is demonstrated for each ring.
  • Ring load test one: Two lashing rings, one located at the pallet corner and the other in the middle of the long side, are subjected to loading tests. In a plane intersecting the anchor point and perpendicular to the track surface and edge, the ring is loaded to 30 pounds sequentially along lines forming 45, 90, 135, 180 and 7.500 degrees with the upper track surface.
  • Ring load test two: In a vertical plane intersecting the anchor point and parallel to the pallet edge, a 45-pound load is applied sequentially in two directions parallel to the upper pallet surface and at angles of 135 and 7.500 degrees to this surface.
  • Ring load test three: The pallet is placed on a horizontal plane, and two adjacent corner rings are pulled at the same time, and then two center rings are pulled at the same time. Permanent deformation of the pallet is a reason for rejection.
• Static load test: The pallet, supported by four rows of conveyors as mentioned and parallel to the shortest edge, is loaded with a static load. The load remains on the pallet for 40 hours. Permanent deformation as a result of this test is grounds for rejection.
• Lifting ability tests:
  • Corner lift test: The pallet is lifted completely off the ground, held in this position for 1 minute, and then returned to the ground. This process is repeated 10 times. Any separation at the beveled corners during testing is grounds for rejection. Permanent deformation after completion of the test is grounds for rejection.
  • Forklift lift test: The pallet is lifted to a height of 1 foot and held for 1 minute, then lowered to rest on the conveyor. This process is repeated 10 times. Any permanent deformation after completion of the tests is grounds for rejection.
  • Forklift wedge lift test. The pallet is lifted until it is clear of the ground. The pallet is then lowered to the ground and the forklift forks are pulled. This test is done 5 times on each side of the pallet. Permanent deformation after completion of the tests is grounds for rejection.

Other test methods defined within the MIL-DTL-27443 standard include:

• 4.5.6 Passable skill tests
  • Conveyor test
  • Conveyor ramp test
• ultimate load
• Environmental tests
  • high temperature test
  • Core resistance and low temperature test
  • Moisture test
  • salt fog test
• Destruction analysis
• Peel test
• Cutting-bonding examination

Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies provided to businesses by our organization, there are also testing services in accordance with the "MIL-DTL-27443 Detailed features: pallets, cargo, aircraft, HCU-6/E and HCU-12/E type" standard.