LD3 Container (AKE)
Air Cargo & Unit Load Devices · 6 specs
Direct Answer
The LD3 container (IATA code AKE/AKN) is the universal half-width contoured lower-deck air cargo container used across virtually all wide-body aircraft (Airbus A330, A350, A380; Boeing 747, 777, 787).
Specs
| IATA ULD Identification | AKE (Contoured container with metal or fabric door) |
| Standard Base Dimensions | 156 cm × 153 cm (61.5" × 60.4") |
| Overall Dimensions (L × W × H) | 201 cm × 153 cm × 163 cm (79.0" × 60.4" × 64.0") |
| Internal Usable Volume | 4.5 m³ (159 cu ft) |
| Max Gross Weight Rating (MGW) | 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) |
| Tare Weight (Empty) | 65–85 kg (143–187 lbs) |
Technical Engineering Specifications: LD3 / AKE
| Dimension / Performance Parameter | Metric Standard | Imperial Standard |
|---|---|---|
| IATA ULD Identification Code | AKE (metal door / curtain) |
AKH (half-width contour) |
| Base Dimensions (Width × Length) | 1,534 × 1,562 mm | 60.4" × 61.5" |
| Top Width (Overhang Contour) | 2,007 mm | 79.0" |
| Overall Container Height | 1,626 mm | 64.0" |
| Tare Weight (Container Empty) | 65–85 kg | 143–187 lbs |
| Maximum Gross Weight Rating (MGW) | 1,588 kg | 3,500 lbs |
| Internal Usable Volume | 4.5 m³ | 159 ft³ |
| Restraint System | NAS 3610 Class 2K4C | NAS 3610 Base Latch Locks |
Aircraft Lower Deck Compatibility Matrix
| Aircraft Family | Lower Deck Cargo Hold Position | Maximum LD3/AKE Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A330-200 / -300 | Forward & Aft Lower Holds (Side-by-Side) | 32 AKE containers |
| Airbus A350-900 / -1000 | Forward & Aft Lower Holds (Side-by-Side) | 36 / 44 AKE containers |
| Airbus A380-800 | Forward & Aft Lower Holds (Side-by-Side) | 38 AKE containers |
| Boeing 777-200 / -300ER | Forward & Aft Lower Holds (Side-by-Side) | 32 / 44 AKE containers |
| Boeing 787-8 / -9 / -10 | Forward & Aft Lower Holds (Side-by-Side) | 28 / 36 / 40 AKE containers |
| Boeing 747-400 / -8 | Forward & Aft Lower Holds (Side-by-Side) | 30 / 38 AKE containers |