TM 4-48.09 - ANSWER Multi Service Helicopter Sling Load: Basic Operation and
Equipment
TM 4-48.10 - ANSWER Single Point Load Rigging Procedures
TM 4-48.11 - ANSWER Dual-Point Load Rigging Procedures
TM 10-1670-295-23P - ANSWER Technical Manual for the 10,000 lb and 25,000 lb
External Transport Sling Assembly and 5,000 lb and 10,000 lb External Cargo Net
ATTP 3-18.12 - ANSWER Air Assault Operations
FM 3-21.38 - ANSWER Pathfinder Operations
Reasons to use external sling load (4) - ANSWER 1- The Cargo compartment cannot
hold the load.
2- The load exceeds the helicopter's internal load limitation.
3- The ground crew must load or unload the cargo at once.
4- Landing zone conditions prevent the aircraft from touching down.
Advantages of Sling Load - ANSWER 1- Allows rapid movement of heavy, oversized
equipment, or emergency supplies directly to the user.
1
, 2- The rapid relocation of supplies and equipment.
3- The ability to bypass surface obstacles.
4- The use of multiple flight routes and landing sites to enhance sustainability
requirements.\
5- The establishment of multiple landing sites to support the maneuvering unit
requirements.
6- Greater movement flexibility for the ground commander to accomplish the tactical
mission.
Limitations of Sling Load - ANSWER 1- The weight of the load is restricted to the
aircraft's operating capability.
2- Load instability during flight may restrict aircraft airspeed or maneuvering capabilities.
3- Adverse weather and darkness (low visibility) may limit sling load operations.
4- Atmospheric conditions (pressure, altitude, temperature, and winds) affect the
helicopter's lift capacity.
5- A limited number of helicopters are available for sling load missions.
6- Landing site surface conditions may restrict helicopter operation.
7- LZ size must be increased during hours of reduced visibility or darkness to allow pilot
more room to maneuver.
UH-60A Cargo Hook Rating - ANSWER 8,000 lbs
UH-60 L/M Cargo Hook Rating - ANSWER 9,000 lbs
CH-47D Front/Rear Cargo Hook Rating - ANSWER 17,000 lbs
CH-47 Center Cargo Hook Rating - ANSWER 26,000 lbs
CH-47 Dual Cargo Hook (Front and Rear) Rating - ANSWER 25,000 lbs
2
Equipment
TM 4-48.10 - ANSWER Single Point Load Rigging Procedures
TM 4-48.11 - ANSWER Dual-Point Load Rigging Procedures
TM 10-1670-295-23P - ANSWER Technical Manual for the 10,000 lb and 25,000 lb
External Transport Sling Assembly and 5,000 lb and 10,000 lb External Cargo Net
ATTP 3-18.12 - ANSWER Air Assault Operations
FM 3-21.38 - ANSWER Pathfinder Operations
Reasons to use external sling load (4) - ANSWER 1- The Cargo compartment cannot
hold the load.
2- The load exceeds the helicopter's internal load limitation.
3- The ground crew must load or unload the cargo at once.
4- Landing zone conditions prevent the aircraft from touching down.
Advantages of Sling Load - ANSWER 1- Allows rapid movement of heavy, oversized
equipment, or emergency supplies directly to the user.
1
, 2- The rapid relocation of supplies and equipment.
3- The ability to bypass surface obstacles.
4- The use of multiple flight routes and landing sites to enhance sustainability
requirements.\
5- The establishment of multiple landing sites to support the maneuvering unit
requirements.
6- Greater movement flexibility for the ground commander to accomplish the tactical
mission.
Limitations of Sling Load - ANSWER 1- The weight of the load is restricted to the
aircraft's operating capability.
2- Load instability during flight may restrict aircraft airspeed or maneuvering capabilities.
3- Adverse weather and darkness (low visibility) may limit sling load operations.
4- Atmospheric conditions (pressure, altitude, temperature, and winds) affect the
helicopter's lift capacity.
5- A limited number of helicopters are available for sling load missions.
6- Landing site surface conditions may restrict helicopter operation.
7- LZ size must be increased during hours of reduced visibility or darkness to allow pilot
more room to maneuver.
UH-60A Cargo Hook Rating - ANSWER 8,000 lbs
UH-60 L/M Cargo Hook Rating - ANSWER 9,000 lbs
CH-47D Front/Rear Cargo Hook Rating - ANSWER 17,000 lbs
CH-47 Center Cargo Hook Rating - ANSWER 26,000 lbs
CH-47 Dual Cargo Hook (Front and Rear) Rating - ANSWER 25,000 lbs
2
