COMPACT CARGO LIFT FOR COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT

An apparatus (12) for transferring cargo (14) between an upper (18), passenger deck and a lower (16), cargo deck of an aircraft (10). A lift platform raises (30) palletized cargo from the lower deck through an opening (38) formed in the upper deck. The drive mechanism (62) is housed entirely within the lift platform itself. The platform is stabilized by flanking, scissors - action leg assemblies (80), that nest alongside the platform when stowed. The platform is stowed in the raised position, within the opening formed in the upper deck. Locking assemblies (50) attach the lift platform to the sides of the opening so that the platform becomes a load-bearing structural component of the upper deck when stowed. A recess (32) is formed in the lower deck for receiving the lift platform when lowered. A translating floor assembly (294) having folding floor sections (296 a-e) lowers to clear the recess, and then raises to define a floor surface over the opening when the lift platform is not in use.