Abstract: An external load for an aircraft includes a first control unit, designed to be coupled to the aircraft and to exchange control data therewith by a first specified input signal protocol and a first specified output signal protocol; a first payload space for accommodating a first payload; and a second control unit. The first payload is realized as a first function module for performing a function, the performance initiated by the aircraft by transferring control data to the first control unit. The second control unit is, arranged such that the control data according to the first specified output signal protocol serve as input signals for the second control unit. The second control unit is designed to convert the received input signals into a second output signal protocol in accordance with a first conversion protocol and to adapt said input signals to a control protocol of the first function module.