Patent ID: 8066458

Claim:
A method of modifying a cargo aircraft so that a cargo hold thereof can accommodate any one of a plurality of standard-sized pallets of different lengths along a centerline of the aircraft, the method comprising: mounting first and second centerline end restraints on the centerline and spaced apart from each other by a first predetermined distance, the centerline end restraints each comprising at least one retractable lockhead, the first predetermined distance selected such that the centerline restraints are capable of engaging opposite ends of a pallet of a first predetermined length; mounting at least one caster panel on one side of the cargo hold and across the centerline from a side door of the aircraft, the at least one caster panel comprising at least one retractable guide formed at a first end thereof, and at least one retractable guide formed along a first side thereof; and mounting at least eight mechanical restraints on a floor of the cargo hold on either side of the centerline, each of said mechanical restraints including a lockhead rotatable between a retracted position and an upright position; wherein: at least a portion of each of said mechanical restraints overlies a laterally extending floor joist in the cargo hold; and said first and second centerline restraints, said at least one caster panel and said at least eight mechanical restraints are all mounted aft of a wingbox area of the cargo aircraft.