Written by: Timur Lesov

April 12, 2025

Updated on April 16, 2025

Cargo planes use standardized pallets. These help load, secure, and transport goods efficiently. Before looking at pallet capacities, it’s key to grasp this concept. Military and civilian operations use different pallets. Military aircraft usually use the 463L master pallet system.

Military Cargo Aircraft Pallet Capacities

463L Master Pallet System

The standard military air cargo pallet is the HCU-6/E or 463L. It measures 88 inches (220 cm) wide and 108 inches (270 cm) long. Its height is 2.25 inches (5.7 cm).

C-5 Galaxy/C-5M Super Galaxy

The C-5 Galaxy is one of the biggest military transport planes globally. It has the highest pallet capacity in the U.S. Air Force fleet.

• Capacity: 36 standard 463L master pallets
• Can simultaneously carry 36 pallets and 81 troops
• Cargo compartment dimensions: 121 feet long, 19 feet wide, 13.5 feet high
• Maximum cargo weight: 281,001 pounds (127,460 kilograms)

C-17 Globemaster III

The C-17 Globemaster III, another strategic heavy lifter, offers:

• Capacity: 18 fully-loaded 463L master pallets
• Cargo compartment dimensions: 88 feet long, 18 feet wide, 12 feet 4 inches high
• Maximum payload capacity: 170,900 pounds (77,519 kilograms)

C-130 Hercules

The C-130 Hercules, a versatile tactical airlifter, has a more modest capacity:

• Capacity: 6 standard pallets
• Alternative setups:
  • 72 liters
  • 16 CDS (Container Delivery System) bundles
  • 90 combat troops
  • 64 paratroopers
• Maximum allowable payload: 42,000 pounds (19,090 kilograms)

Civilian Cargo Aircraft Pallet Capacities

Boeing 747-8F

The Boeing 747-8F freighter offers extensive cargo capacity:

• Total: 34 main deck pallet positions
• Main deck configuration: 27 pallets (96” x 125” x 118”) + 5 pallets (96” x 125” x 96”) + 2 pallets (96” x 125” x 96”)
• Lower hold: 12 pallets (96” x 125” x 64”) + 2 LD-1 containers
• Total cargo volume: 30,192 ft³ (854.9 m³)

Boeing 777-200F

The Boeing 777-200F freighter has flexible configurations:

• Standard configuration: 27 ULD (Unit Load Device) positions with PMC or PAJ pallets
• Alternative configurations: 11 x 20ft pallets with 5 x 96”/88” pallets, or 17 x 16ft pallets with 1 x 96”/88” pallet
• Forward hold: 6 PMC/PAJ or 18 AKE containers
• Aft hold: 4 PMC or PAJ or 14 AKE containers
• Total cargo tonnage: 103,000 kg with 630 CBM volume

Boeing 737-800SF

The smaller Boeing 737-800SF freighter offers:

• Main deck: 11 positions for 88” x 125” pallets/containers, plus an additional position for an AEP/AEH
• Lower hold: 43.7 m³ of bulk cargo volume
• Cargo tonnage: 23.9 tonnes

Military vs. Civilian Pallet Systems

Military and civilian cargo operations use different pallet systems:

1. Military 463L System:
   • Dimensions: 88” x 108” x 2.25”
   • Weight capacity: 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg)
   • Construction: Aluminum grid with aluminum skin and tie-down points
   • Designed for military airlifters such as C-5, C-17, and C-130
2. Civilian ULD Systems:
   • Various standardized sizes (e.g., 96” x 125”)
   • Typically designated with codes like PMC, PAJ, LD-1, etc.
   • Different height configurations (64”, 96”, or 118”)
   • Designed for civilian aircraft cargo holds and handling systems

Useful Table Summarizing

Timur Lesov

Eco-freak, nerd, and green technology fanatic. I’m in favor of making eco-friendly living simple as well. I graduated from Berkeley in 2017. Studied environmental science and all things sustainability related. I create content and share simple tips for greening your everyday life. I think even small changes can make a huge difference and we can build a cleaner and more sustainable future.