Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting an external cargo basket onto a helicopter and a method of using the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly comprises a plurality of connectors—corresponding male and female connectors being positioned on the helicopter and on the basket, one of said corresponding connectors being an articulating connector. The cargo basket is connected to the helicopter by first connecting the articulating connector then pivoting and rotating the cargo basket using the articulating connector so as to align and connect the remaining connections.