 Container with mass simulator installed
 Fuselage in container cradle system.
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The Reaper fuselage shipping and storage container (CNU-697/E) is a sealed, welded aluminum, controlled breathing, reusable container. The container is engineered for the physical and environmental protection of the fuselage during worldwide transportation and storage. The container consists of a base, fuselage, cradle mounting system, and completely removable cover equipped with the special features listed below. The base is a one piece skid/double walled base extrusion with forklift openings, humidity indicator, pressure equalizing valve (1.0 psi pressure/ 1.0 psi vacuum), document receptacle, and desiccant port for easy replacement of desiccant (controls dehumidification). The extrusions that makes up the base of this container and the ones integrated into the cover are new designs that maintain the usability and functionality of standard base designs but are stiffer in all directions. A silicone rubber gasket and quick release cam-over-center latches create a water/air-tight seal at the base-cover interface. For rapid C-130 deployment capability, a retractable caster system was developed so that the container could roll onto a C-130 then, subsequently, since the container is narrow enough for a walkway along the side, the casters could be retracted to either set the container on blocks or lower the container directly onto the floor of the aircraft. This system was designed to operate under the full load of the container weight without any external lifting device. Container external dimensions are 430.0 inches length, 59.0 inches width, and 76.8 inches height (88.8 inches with casters lowered). Container empty weight is 5600 pounds and 9300 pounds with the fuselage, ballast, and other parts in place. |
