SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING A CARGO AIRCRAFT UTILIZING A CURVED PATH

Systems, methods, and vehicles for loading and unloading cargo into or out of a large transport vehicle, such as an aircraft, utilizing a curved path are described. The systems and methods include one or more support structures disposed, either permanently or removably, within a cargo bay of the transport vehicle to form a curved path extending into an aft portion of the cargo bay. During loading, the payload can move in the aft direction while concurrently rotating about a center point of an arc. In some embodiments, the cargo bay can include a kinked portion disposed between a proximal and aft portions of the cargo bay, with the curved path extending at least through the kinked portion and into the aft portion. Methods, systems, and components thereof for assembling a cargo, unloading cargo from a large transport vehicle, and disassembling a cargo are also provided.