Packing it in, getting it right

The effectiveness of both strategic and tactical airlift depends on how much cargo can be loaded into each available aircraft, how quickly and with what equipment.

The operating costs – and the safety standards – of these aircraft are also heavily dependent on how loads are distributed. Logistics planning relies on load plans for each aircraft being followed – yet needs and capabilities can change at a minute’s notice.

Yet despite its importance, mission load planning is traditionally a time-consuming trial-and-error process – often based on a combination of pen and paper, the mark one eyeball and the loadmaster’s practical experience.

Better results with less work

Load Planner C130 Hercules is a Windows-based stand-alone software product designed to help loadmasters and mission planners create highly detailed load plans for use with Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft.

This helps you get load management jobs done faster and more efficiently – at every stage of the mission.

Familiar

Load Planner C130 Hercules presents users with a familiar Windows-based graphical user interface. It provides an easy-to-grasp graphic representation of the load plan, and you can drag and drop pictures of different cargo components as you load, to reflect changing priorities and any special concerns that arise while your team is loading or unloading.

The familiar Windows look and feel makes this software easy to learn and easy to use. No special training is needed – you just get on with the job.

Versatile

The software is pre-configured to help you deal with:

• HCU-6/E pallets
• Euro pallets
• Vehicles
• AirEvac modules
• Passengers
• Customised cargo in special configurations
• Ad hoc transport requirements and unforeseen circumstances

Automated planning

Load Planner C130 Hercules gives logistics managers and load planners a tool that automates many aspects of the work involved. You can drag-and-drop symbols for a vast range of standardised military equipment, vehicles and passengers from the inventory into the load planner window.

It’s ideal for rapidly calculating correct fuel loads for each mission, as well as on-the-fly calculations of aircraft weight and centre of gravity.

You can also use it to do the sums for hypothetical loads and “what if” scenarios. This can help you save time later, if the exact specs for a load aren’t yet clear, or if details are likely to change at the last minute.

Cargo-carrying workhorse

The Lockheed C130 Hercules has been the backbone of military tactical airlift for decades.

This is why Systematic has developed versions of Load Planner specially configured for use with the most widely used first-generation version of the Hercules (C130H) and also the currently popular new-generation C130J-30.