Reference
LD-39
Largest container in the lower hold. The IATA code, rate class, weights, volume and aircraft fit are below.
- IATA code
- AMU contoured container on P6P base
- Rate class
- Type 2BG
- Aircraft it fits
- 747 lower hold
- Max gross weight
- 5,035 kg (11,100 lb)
- Empty weight
- 290 kg (639 lb)
- AS1825 volume
- 15.9 m³ (560 ft³)
How the LD-39 is used
A full-width lower-hold container angled at both ends, built to the AMU code on a P6P base and rated Type 2BG.
At 15.9 m³ it is among the largest lower-hold containers in service, though the five-tonne rating sits below the LD-26 and LD-29. It is a volume unit. The canvas door has net straps built in. It loads in the 747 lower hold only.
Cargo it usually takes
How this family is arranged
- A full-width lower-hold unit angled at both ends, built on a P6P base.
- The door is canvas, with net door straps built in.
- Aluminium sheet on an extruded aluminium frame. The structure stays as light as it can, because every kilogram of empty weight takes the place of paying cargo.
- A flat base with hardened edge rails locks into the aircraft latch and roller system, so the unit stays put without separate lashing.
- One or two sides are angled to follow the fuselage curve, so the unit fills the belly cross-section instead of leaving empty corners.
- The door is either a canvas curtain with restraint straps built in, or a hinged solid panel.
- Forkable variants have channels so a forklift can move them, as well as a dolly and a loader.
Why operators pick it
- It fills the curved belly space that loose cargo would leave empty.
- The whole unit goes on and off in one lift, which keeps the turnaround short.
- The cargo is restrained in flight, so each piece does not need its own tie-down.
- Airlines and aircraft can swap the unit under the IATA identification system.
Settle these points before you book
- Empty weight counts against the payload, so a heavier unit carries less cargo for the same rate.
- The load must stay inside the contour. Anything above the profile fouls the hold and is rejected at build-up.
- A canvas door keeps weather out. It is not a secure closure.