Overview
ISO 8268:1987 - "Air cargo equipment - Automobile transport devices - Basic requirements" specifies the functional, dimensional, structural and environmental requirements for devices used to transport automobiles in wide‑body aircraft. The standard focuses on pallet compatibility, efficient use of aircraft volume and convertibility so devices can carry general cargo on return flights. It sets minimum air and ground handling features and ensures interchangeability with existing air cargo restraint systems.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Device types: Defines three device types - Type A (lower‑deck, single car), Type B (main‑deck, slanted single car) and Type C (main‑deck, double‑level multi‑car).
- Dimensions and pallet compatibility: Devices are specified to mate with standard air cargo pallets (typical pallet lengths 3 175 mm and 4 978 mm). Example width guidance includes adjustable ranges (Type A: ~1 473–2 235 mm; Type B/C: up to 2 438 mm) to maximize aircraft volume.
- Base and attachment: Bases must provide flat continuous drip pans, prevent point loads, and attach to pallets via universal seat track fittings (ISO 7166) or equivalent; minimum one attachment fitting per pallet corner is required.
- Structural strength and loads: Construction must resist static, dynamic, impact and racking stresses from road transport, forklift handling and in‑flight loads without permanent deformation. Base foot imprint loading limits are specified (e.g., up to 1 000 kPa for Type A, up to 2 000 kPa for Types B/C).
- Automobile support: Cars are supported on their tyres with wheel trays that allow manual roll‑on, adjustable height (examples: 102–305 mm), chocks/restraints (minimum chock angle guidance), and measures to avoid wheel overrun.
- Operational features: Requirements for collapsibility for return‑haul cargo, fork tineways, ISO 1161 top lifting fittings, clearance and spacing rules, and resistance to ingress of liquids/debris.
- Environmental, testing and serviceability: Sections cover environmental criteria, tare weight limits, restraint provisions, loads and testing protocols to verify safety and compatibility.
Applications
- Designing and manufacturing automobile transport fixtures and adaptable pallet modules for wide‑body freighters.
- Specifying equipment for air cargo operators, freight forwarders and ground handlers to safely stow vehicles and convert units for return cargo.
- Informing aircraft loading planners and logistics engineers aiming to maximize payload cubage while meeting restraint and safety requirements.
Who uses this standard
- Aircraft cargo systems engineers and OEMs
- Air freight carriers and charter operators
- Pallet and ground‑handling equipment manufacturers
- Freight forwarders, cargo loaders and airport ground handling organizations
- Regulatory and certification teams evaluating air transport compatibility
Related standards (selection)
- ISO 7166 - aircraft seat track fittings
- ISO 8097 - minimum airworthiness/test conditions for ULDs
- ISO 4171 / ISO 4117 - air cargo pallet specifications
- ICAO / IATA Dangerous Goods guidance (for hazardous items in vehicles)
Keywords: ISO 8268, air cargo equipment, automobile transport devices, wide‑body aircraft, air cargo pallets, unit load devices, pallet compatibility, wheel trays, aircraft restraint systems.