A Comparison of Military and Civilian Air Cargo Systems

The military air cargo system was analyzed and compared to the growing civilian air cargo intermodal container system. Parameters such as cost, terminal handling, packaging and aircraft compatibility were examined. The research was conducted to look at the challenges faced by the Military Airlift Command MAC during periods of military conflict and to examine possible solutions to this dilemma through containerization. The report concludes that the 463L Materials Handling System will continue to be used by MAC in the short run, and that this may sub-optimize the military air cargo function due to its necessary interface with the civilian container community.