Cargo Handling System Components

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CEF is a proven global designer and supplier of cargo handling system components for military and commercial aerospace customers worldwide. Our cargo handling heritage stretches back to the mid-1940s, and our designs incorporate decades of lessons learned in demanding operational environments. From custom-built motors, actuators, gear boxes, and testing equipment, our experience is comprehensive. This experience enables our concurrent engineering teams to deliver innovative, reliable, turnkey solutions tailored to customer requirements.

Our design and assembly capabilities for components include:

Lockbox
Rails
Rollers
Conveyors
Actuators - Linear & Rotary
Gearboxes
Testboxes
Specialty Tools - Calibration Units
Flexshafts

Torque Tubes
Castings
Tie-Down Rings
Troop Seat Beams
Towplates
Spider-Pantagraph Mechanisms
Ramp ADS Arms
Over Center devices

Our manufacturing capabilities for components include:

Short Bed 5-Axis CNC Machining
Long bed - (12’ by .0004 positional tolerances) Machining
CNC Turning
Milling
Pressing
Manual Turning
Hobbing

Common Applications

Utility actuation for APU air inlet doors and RAM air doors
Air filtration system bypass doors
Landing gear uplocks and landing gear door uplocks
Cargo handling systems and towplate actuation
Thrust reverser actuation and thrust reverser puller systems
Cowl doors, oil cooler doors, and other aircraft door actuation
Camera shields and environmental control systems
Secondary flight controls including aileron, elevator, and rudder trim tabs

In short, CEF can design and build nearly every mechanical and electromechanical component needed for a cargo handling system. CEF is a world leader in installed electromechanical cargo handling systems on military transport aircraft. Almost every military transport aircraft with an enhanced (non-mechanical) cargo handling system that is currently flying or in development uses CEF technology.

Our History with Cargo Handling Systems

In the 1990s, CEF began discussions with Lockheed Martin on the enhanced cargo handling system and Aerial Delivery System (ADS) for the C-130J. Initially, CEF provided a modified actuator for the pallet lockbox and towplate release mechanisms. The actuator performed well, but integration across the broader set of mechanical and electromechanical components created challenges. CEF partnered with Lockheed Martin to resolve this by shifting toward manufacturing, assembling, and testing key components at the subassembly level.

CEF leveraged existing capabilities to build and assemble complete guide rails, conveyor rollers, ramp ADS arms, lockboxes, and related components. Today, CEF supplies each C-130J with more than 75 cargo-handling-related component LRUs. This has been a true success story for both CEF Industries and Lockheed Martin.

On another project, CEF was tasked with designing a towplate release mechanism to fit within a very tight envelope while also providing multiple layers of redundancy. CEF analyzed the requirements, developed a design, and within weeks presented an animated 3D model that met the full set of constraints.

When tasked with developing a high-speed, high-capacity cargo roller, CEF reviewed the requirements and produced a design intended to withstand extreme conditions while remaining lightweight and cost-effective.

CEF was also contracted to create a teaching tool for loadmaster instructors to train new loadmasters on the proper use and function of cargo lockboxes. CEF developed a functional cutaway lockbox with a Plexiglas cover, along with a replicated command box that included a 28 VDC to 110 VAC inverter for classroom use. The customer was pleased with the results, and the tool has been incorporated into loadmaster training curriculum.

We're ready to connect

Need a cargo handling component, LRU, or integrated assembly for your aircraft platform? Contact CEF Industries to discuss requirements, qualification targets, and integration constraints.