Abstract: The disclosed method and apparatus enables movement of containerized and palletized cargo into a cargo aircraft through a door in the side of the fuselage which has a smaller width than the length of the cargo. The disclosed preferred embodiment includes an array of floor mounted steerable drive wheel units and an attenuated, shock absorbing pivot-stop.

Abstract: The invention relates to dividing a cargo compartment area into zones that can be controllably selected from dual remote control points, so as to permit simultaneous and independent operation of power drive units (PDU's) in each zone for handling of cargo containers or pallets. Also, the method of cargo handling zone selection permits the regulation of the size or area under the control of each remote point. Further, the cargo handling control system allows for the independent load/unload operation from operator stations forward of the division line in conjunction with a first remote control panel, and from an operator station aft of the division line in conjunction with a second remote control panel.