ISO 4117:1993

Overview

ISO 4117:1993 - Air and air/land cargo pallets: Specification and testing defines dimensional, structural and environmental requirements for 2.44 m (8 ft) wide aircraft pallets used in freighter versions of high-capacity fixed-wing aircraft. It establishes three pallet classes (Type A - air-only, Type B - air/land, Type C - adapter) and specifies compatibility with 2.44 × 2.44 m cross-section air-land containers (see ISO 8323 / ISO 1496-1). Pallet nets for these pallets are covered by ISO 4115.

Keywords: ISO 4117, air cargo pallets, aircraft pallets, air/land pallets, pallet specification, pallet testing.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Dimensions and types

  • Nominal width: 2.44 m (8 ft). Nominal lengths: 3 m, 5 m, 6 m, 9 m, 12 m (10, 16, 20, 30, 40 ft).
  • Three classes: Type A (air-only), Type B (air/land), Type C (adapter pallet for 2.44×2.44 m containers).

• Rated gross weights (examples from standard)

  • 3 m pallet: 5 670 kg (12 500 lb)
  • 5 m / 6 m pallets: 11 340 kg (25 000 lb)
  • 9 m pallet: 15 875 kg (35 000 lb)
  • 12 m pallet: 20 410 kg (45 000 lb)

• Structural & material requirements

  • Materials and processes must ensure strength, durability and resistance to weathering, handling and corrosion; non‑metallic, liquid‑absorbent materials should be sealed.
  • Corners: 63.5 mm (+12.7 / -0.5 mm) radius in the pallet plane.
  • Edge members and bottom surfaces must provide smooth, continuous aircraft system interfaces.

• Performance & testing

  • Ball load test: base withstands 408 kg (900 lb) via 25.4 mm steel ball without >0.51 mm indentation.
  • Ball-caster cycling: base moved over 5 000 passes with a 95.5 kg load on 25.4 mm ball casters.
  • Abrasion resistance per US FTMS No. 406 Method 1091 (weight-loss limits specified).
  • Minimum stiffness requirement: 225 kN·m per metre (specified in standard) and capability to traverse small crests without permanent deformation.

• Restraint and fittings

  • Aircraft restraint fittings, slots and net attachments specified (figures in standard).
  • Type B (air/land) pallets include supplementary corner fittings and, for some lengths, fork-lift pockets.

Applications and users

• Practical use: design, manufacture, certification and procurement of freight aircraft pallets and air/land pallet systems; ensuring safe load restraint, handling and interchangeability with standardized containers.
• Primary users:
  • Aircraft manufacturers and cargo system engineers
  • Pallet and cargo equipment designers and fabricators
  • Airlines, freight forwarders, ground handling companies
  • Civil aviation authorities and maintenance organisations

Related standards

• ISO 4115 - Air/land pallet nets
• ISO 8323 / ISO 1496-1 - Air-land container cross-section/containers
• ISO 4116 - Ground equipment compatibility requirements
• ISO 7166 - Seat track / rail configuration for restraint
• US FTMS No. 406 - referenced test methods (abrasion)

ISO 4117 is essential for anyone specifying or assessing air cargo pallets to ensure compatibility, durability and safe operation in aircraft and air/land freight systems.