FAM 115

Integrated Cargo Handling System
Taken from A1-H46AE-CLG-000, Cargo Loading Manual

Lots of good information in the Cargo Loading Manual, but sometimes instructors would rather use this flight as a pre-check to your 116, so don't get all wrapped up in the details of the integrated cargo handling system.

The integrated cargo handling and rescue system consists of a 2,000 pound capacity utility winch, 150 feet of non-twist cable, block and bridle assemblies, a set of parallel tracks with integral rollers and pallet guides, a set of retrievable cargo roller extensions and spreader bar, tiedown fittings, a cargo handling hook, a detachable cable weight and rescue hook assembly, a hoist operator's safety belt, a cable cutting device, a hoist operator's grip, and a winch control panel. Stowage space is provided for all loose equipment (figure 1).

3. UTILITY WINCH. 4. GENERAL. The utility winch is installed in the forward cabin area, on the upper left side of the cockpit entranceway. The winch is driven by a hydraulic motor, which is powered by the utility hydraulic system. Electrical control of the winch is provided by switches on the winch control panel or the hoist operator's grip. The winch is designed to produce 2,000 pounds of cable pull at a maximum speed of 30 feet per minute for cargo handling, or 600 pounds of cable pull at a maximum speed of 100 feet per minute for rescue operations. Cable pull and speed are varied through the use of the mode selector switch.

NOTE The mode selector switch is inoperative when using the hoisting mode of winch operation (cable cutter installed and electrically connected).

5. The winch can be rotated in its mounting to unreel parallel to the floor for rescue operations, or perpendicular to the floor for cargo handling operations.

WARNING An improperly positioned winch would create a sharp bend on the cable at the level wind. This could result in excessive stresses leading to eventual cable failure.

6. CABLE. The winch drum contains 150 feet of 7/32 inch diameter, corrosion-resistant, preformed, non-twist, flexible steel cable (200 feet of non-twist flexible steel cable with interchangeable winch drum (BL4000-20) installed). Approximate usable cable length (outside of helicopter) in various configurations are as follows:

With 150 foot cable.

Through the hatch - 127 feet.

Over the ramp - 118 feet.

Using rescue boom - 133 feet.

With 200 foot cable.

Through the hatch - 177 feet.

Over the ramp - 168 feet.

Using rescue boom - 183 feet.

7. The cable is dyed red for a distance of 20 feet from each end. The free end of the cable incorporates a quick-disconnect fitting to which the cable weight and rescue hook, or the cargo loading hook, are attached.

The winch contains a slip clutch, which limits the maximum cable load, and a mechanical brake, which restricts winch movement under certain conditions. The clutch will not prevent cable load from exceeding 2200 pounds if the load is applied by outside forces. The clutch will slip when the cable pull developed by the hydraulic motor is approximately 2200 pounds (+300, -200). The brake will engage when electrical or hydraulic power is discontinued to the winch.

Prior to conducting hoisting operations, ensure the cable cutter is installed and electrically connected.

8. LIMIT SWITCHES. Three built-in limit switches control winch operation. The limit switches stop the winch when the cable is reeled all the way out; when the free end of the cable is reeled in 15 feet from the winch; or when the free end of the cable is reeled in to the level wind device. For hoisting operations, the 15 foot limit switch is connected to the system by installing the cable cutter. For cargo handling, a shorting plug is installed in place of the cable cutter. The shorting plug bypasses the 15 foot limit switch, permitting the free end of the cable to be reeled in until stopped by the limit switch at the winch level wind device.

9. The winch electrical circuitry is protected by a circuit breaker on the overhead circuit12. CARGO HANDLING.

13. LOADING. For cargo loading, the winch cable is reeled through a block assembly, run along the cabin floor, and attached to the load (figure 3).

WARNING An improperly positioned winch would create a sharp bend on the cable at the level wind. This could result in excessive stresses leading to eventual cable failure.

If cargo is winched beyond the point immediately aft of the rescue hatch, damage to the winch may result due to vertical down-loads on the level-wind device.

14. The load is then winched up the rear loading ramp and into the cabin. As an alternate cargo loading method, the winch cable may be attached directly to the load and the winch permitted to float between the two detent positions. However, this method is subject to the following limitation: The cargo must not be winched into the cabin beyond a point immediately aft of the rescue hatch. The cargo must then be manually positioned forward of the rescue hatch, if desired.