United States Transportation Command

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CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (USTCNS) --- The 437th Aerial Port Squadron caught a sneak peak at a new era of small aircraft loaders here Oct.18.

Representatives of FMC Corporation, manufacturer of the Next Generation Small Loader needed a video of their product at work for presentation at the Airlift Tanker Association convention in November.

Capt. Jeffrey Babinski, 437 APS combat readiness and resources commander, said this opportunity was mutually beneficial. While FMC got footage for their video, APS personnel got a chance to try out the new product.

The NGSL is used to load, unload and transport palletized cargo. It's lightweight and quickly reconfigures for shipment by aircraft ranging from the C-130 to the C-17. Two people can ready the NGSL for shipment in 15 to 30 minutes. The small loader in use now takes about two to three hours to reconfigure.

Senior Airman Mark Anderson, 437 APS, who had a chance to operate the NGSL, said "The machine is user friendly and should help all around. It has an auto-center option for the deck, which the older models don't have. That definitely makes it simple and saves a lot of time."

In addition to replacing the Air Force's current fleet of aging small loaders, some manufactured in 1964, the NGSL will also replace wide body loaders.

FMC was awarded the five-year contract for 264 loaders Air Force wide June 22, and will deliver the first production model to the Air Force in March. Charleston is currently scheduled to receive its first model in March 2002. (FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).