LD3 Container

The LD3 (AKE) container is a standardized, enclosed aircraft container designed to protect cargo during handling and flight. A lower deck container with half width and angled side with canvas or solid door. The LD3 measures 79 inches (2,007 mm) long, 60.4 inches (1,534 mm) wide, and 64 inches (1,626 mm) high with an operational maximum gross weight of 1,588 kg (3,500 lb). LD3 containers are the most versatile ULD type, fitting in the lower hold of most wide-body aircraft (B767, B777, A330, A350) and can also fit 787s, 777s, 747s, MD-11s, and all Airbus wide-bodies.

A Lufthansa Cargo shipment uses LD3 container AKE 12345 LH, where AKE identifies the container type (forkliftable LD3), 12345 is the unique serial number, and LH designates Lufthansa as the owner. An Emirates SkyCargo AWB 176-12345678 contains pharmaceuticals loaded in LD3 container AKE 67890 EK for transport from Dubai (DXB) to Frankfurt (FRA) aboard a Boeing 777 freighter, utilizing the aircraft's lower deck compartment.

• LD3
• lower deck container
• narrow body container
• AKE
• LD3 container dimensions

What is the maximum weight capacity for an LD3 container?

LD3 containers have a certified maximum gross weight of 1,588 kg (3,500 lb), though individual airlines may set lower operational limits than the certified MGW.

Which aircraft types can accept LD3 containers in their cargo holds?

LD3 containers fit the lower decks of A300, A310, A330, A340, A380, B747, B767, B777, B787, DC10, IL 86/96, L1011, and MD11 aircraft. The LD3-45 variant is specifically designed for A320 family aircraft with reduced height to fit narrowbody smaller holds.