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Tunner 60K Loader

Mission

To provide rapid deployment and sustainment of forces supporting U.S. security interests, humanitarian operations, and disaster relief missions.

Features

The Tunner 60K aircraft cargo loader/transporter built by DRS Technologies, Inc (formerly Southwest Mobile System) is a highly mobile vehicle system that can transport up to six pallets of cargo at a maximum speed of 23 mph. Its versatile deck elevates from 39 inches to 18.5 feet high and employs a powered conveyor system to move cargo. The deck has pitch, roll, yaw and side-to-side adjustment for quick, efficient interface with military and commercial cargo aircraft, including the C-5, C-17, B-747, L-1011 and DC-10. The Tunner's adjustable hydraulic pendular suspensions provide a 151-inch wheel-to-wheel width for loading/unloading and transport operations and can be rotated inboard 180 degrees for air or truck transport. The suspensions are also hydraulically adjustable to facilitate driving the loader on or off the C-5 or C-17 for air transport.

Background

The Tunner 60K aircraft loader entered the fleet on July 23, 1997 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as a replacement for the 40K aircraft cargo loader and wide body elevator loader as part of the Air Force's material handling equipment fleet modernization. The loader was named in honor of Lieutenant General William H. Tunner, commander of the Berlin Airlift, and the Military Air Transport Service from July 1, 1958 to May 31, 1960. A total of 318 Tunners were procured with deliveries concluding in March 2005 vastly improving capabilities to Air Force aerial ports worldwide.

General Characteristics

Weight (unloaded): 65,000 pounds

Width (operational): 171 inches

Width (air transport): 109 inches

Length: 49.3 feet

Deck Height (variable): 39 inches to 18.5 feet

Maximum Speed (loaded): 23 miles per hour

Maximum Payload: 60,000 pounds

Turning Diameter: 98 feet

(Current as of March 2025)