Overview
ISO 11241:1994 - Aircraft - Aircraft engine transport devices - specifies the functional, dimensional, structural and environmental requirements for designing transport devices used to carry aircraft engines (split engine packs and full/QEC engines) on wide‑body aircraft. The standard defines design objectives to ensure interchangeability and compatibility with air transport and ground handling systems, and requires compatibility with ISO 8097 Class II restraint systems and common air cargo pallet sizes.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Device types: Type A for split engine packs (lower deck) and Type B for full engines / QEC kits (mainly upper deck).
- Pallet compatibility: Device dimensions adapt to common pallet sizes (examples include 1 534 × 3 175 mm, 2 235 × 3 175 mm, 2 438 × 3 175 mm and longer pallet lengths up to ~6 058 mm).
- Structural & environmental requirements: Minimum air and ground handling strength, corrosion and material protection, fire‑retardant materials and sealed non‑metallic parts.
- Load and weight guidance: Design considers gross weight (engine + device + pallet), centre‑of‑gravity limits (max CG height ~1 219.2 mm), and distributed/local floor loads to avoid exceeding aircraft limits. The standard includes example load capacities ranging roughly from 3 174 kg up to 11 340 kg depending on pallet size.
- Ultimate load & shock: Ultimate load criteria and dynamic load cases (air and road transport) are specified; shock mounts (natural frequency ~7–10 Hz) are recommended for truck transport.
- Restraint & attachment: Mechanical linkages compatible with ISO 8097 Class II restraint paths (turnbuckles, not pallet nets recommended), pallet base requirements, and aircraft restraint access. Handles, fittings and latches must meet minimum pull‑out strengths and be designed for simple, tool‑free operation. Forklift tine pockets (min. ~317.5 mm wide × 114.3 mm high) and other ground handling provisions are required.
- Assembly/disassembly & handling: Quick preparation times, single‑person handling objectives for some Type A units, and retention of small parts during disassembly.
Applications and users
ISO 11241 is directly applicable to:
- Aircraft engine manufacturers and OEMs designing engine transport devices and QEC kits
- Airframe manufacturers validating pallet‑to‑device interfaces and CG limits
- Airlines, cargo operators and ground‑handling providers implementing safe stowage and handling procedures
- ULD and pallet designers, certification authorities, and logistics planners ensuring air cargo pallet compatibility and interline capability
Use cases include design and certification of engine transport fixtures, integration of engine shipments into wide‑body cargo compartments, and ground/road transport preparations for outsize engine loads.
Related standards
- ISO 8097 - Aircraft cargo unit load device minimum airworthiness & tests (Class II restraint)
- ISO 4116 / ISO 4117 / ISO 4171 / ISO 9031 - air cargo equipment and pallet handling standards
- IATA ULD Technical Manual and national road transport regulations (DOT Motor Carriers Safety Regs)
Keywords: ISO 11241, aircraft engine transport devices, ISO 8097 Class II, air cargo pallets, engine transport, QEC kits, ground handling, ULD compatibility.
