Development of the MQ-9 Reaper Fuselage Container
Abstract
The Air Force Packaging Technology & Engineering Facility (AFPTEF) was tasked with the design of a new shipping and storage container for the MQ-9 Reaper fuselage in March of 2006. The previous container did not adequately satisfy user needs and Air Force requirements. A main problem was that it was designed for an MQ-9 Reaper fuselage, wings, and tails combined, which exceeded the 10,000 lb Air Force requirement for available ground support equipment. AFPTEF designed a smaller container for only the fuselage and a separate container for the wings and tails in order to bring container weights down under the 10,000 lb upper limit. Both containers feature retractable casters for rapid C-130 deployment and easier handling. The fuselage container features a wire rope isolator mounted cradle system to protect the fuselage (20G fragility), ballast storage areas, and shadow box storage areas for assorted small parts. The new container, CNU-697/E, designed with SAE ARP1967A, is an aluminum, long-life, controlled breathing, reusable shipping and storage container. CNU-697/E protects the MQ-9 Reaper fuselage mechanically and environmentally and has passed all qualification tests per ASTM D4169.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA482086
Entities
People
- Matthew P. Bozzuto
- Susan J. Evans