GB/T 18227-2025Technical requirements and testing methods for aircraft pallets (English PDF)

Foreword

This document is in accordance with GB/T 1.1-2020 "Standardization Work Guidelines Part

1.Structure and Drafting Rules of Standardization Documents". Drafting is scheduled. This document supersedes GB/T 18227-2000 "Technical Requirements and Test Methods for Air Freight Container Pallets" and is consistent with GB/T 18227-2000. Aside from structural adjustments and editorial changes, the main technical changes are as follows:

a) The scope has been changed (see Chapter 1, Chapter 1 of the.2000 edition);

b) The terms "aircraft container pallet", "pallet core", "tethering rail", and "pallet corner" and their definitions have been added (see 3.1~3.4);

c) The identifier has been changed (see Chapter 4, Chapter 3 and

4.6 of the.2000 edition);

d) The dimensions and tolerances corresponding to the size codes, and the total operating mass have been changed (see Chapter 5,

4.5.1 of the.2000 edition);

e) Additional basic requirements have been added (see Chapter 6);

f) The technical requirements have been changed (see Chapter 7, Chapter 4 of the.2000 edition);

g) The test method was changed (see Chapter 8, Chapter 5 of the.2000 edition);

h) The requirement for aircraft cargo hold floor systems has been removed (see Appendix A of the.2000 edition);

i) The center of gravity range and movement restriction conditions for container pallets used in conjunction with pallet netting have been removed (see Appendix C of the.2000 edition);

j) The diagram showing the location of the pallet markings has been removed (see Appendix D of the.2000 edition);

1 Scope

GB/T 18227-2025 is the Chinese national standard covering the aircraft pallet - the dimensions that must fit the loading system, the rated load and the strength and stiffness under it, the edge rails that take the restraint loads, the net attachment points, and the tests before a pallet is certified for flight. It replaces GB/T 18227-2000, a standard twenty-five years old. In force from 1 May 2026. Issued on 5 October 2025, it has been in force since 1 May 2026, replacing GB/T 18227-2000.

This document specifies the markings, dimensions, and gross handling mass of aircraft container pallets, as well as basic and technical requirements, and describes the test methods. This document applies to the design, production, and use of aircraft container pallets with size codes A, B, G, K, L, M, N, Q, R, and S. This document does not apply to aircraft container pallets with fireproof covers.

2 Normative references

The contents of the following documents, through normative references within the text, constitute essential provisions of this document. Dated citations are not included. For references to documents, only the version corresponding to that date applies to this document; for undated references, the latest version (including all amendments) applies. This document.

GB/T 18228 Technical requirements and test methods for air cargo palletized wire mesh

GB/T 23418 Terminology for Air Freight and Ground Equipment

3 Terms and Definitions

The terms and definitions defined in GB/T 23418 and GB/T 18228, as well as the following terms and definitions, apply to this document.

3.1 aircraft pallet The platform-based aviation container unit has a standard-sized upper surface, on which cargo can be placed before being loaded onto the aircraft in units. It also provides protection and directly connects to the aircraft's cargo handling and movement control system. [Source: GB/T 23418-2009, 2.4, with modifications]

3.2 Paletcore A rigid metal or composite material plate whose four sides are connected to the frame and corners of the container.

Note. This refers to the cargo area of the container.

3.3 Tie-down track The upper surface of the frame surrounding the container pallet is used to install mooring latches, which transfer the restraining force of the mooring object to the container pallet and the aircraft structure. Standard devices on the structure. [Source: GB/T 23418-2009, 2.113, with modifications]

3.4 Paletcorner Corner fittings used to connect adjacent edges of a container plate.