ALPS Nav

Feature Summary

The features of ALPS are broken into two parts: ALPS Lite and ALPS Standard. Click on any of the pictures to view more detail.

Tie Down Adapters

The heart of the ALPS system is the introduction of a new tie down adapter. The new design is pictured to the left, while the old is to the right. The design incorporates seat tracks which allow our side guiderails to be installed and removed quickly without loose parts. Additionally, the new tie down adapters accomodate the new floor panels' increased loading and are composed of the same anti-corrosion aluminum alloy.

Floor Panels

The main floor panels of ALPS are designed with a channel into which rollers can be recessed. Rollers can be pointed up for cargo handling, and can be pointed down to provide a flat deck surface. The floor panels will have an increased load rating from the existing paneling. Another optional feature is the inclusion of under floor stowage compartments built into the floor panels. The floor panels are rivetless, single piece extrusions, decreasing manufacturing time and providing uniform strength across a panel.

Seat Track Pans

The new seat track pans provide greater flexibility for crews to secure cargo. The design allows for a much more broad range of fittings to be integrated into the floor. Examples include stud fittings, twisted ring, and triangular ring fittings. The new pans also include a method to secure the side guide rails for ALPS Standard. All current 5K ring positions are preserved. Additionally, the pans provide attachment points for underfloor BP or stowage rails.

Hatch

The ALPS hatch is a modification of the existing Chinook hatch, and includes two attached roller trays. These roller trays have rollers with a smaller diameter, which is necessary to maintain a uniform roll plane.

Ramp Extenders (Flippers)

The ramp extenders have roller trays which recess into channels much like on the floor panels. The new extenders can be supported by tripods to extend the ramp and allow loading without utilizing specialized forklifts.

Underfloor Ballistic Protection

The underfloor BP is attached to the bottom of the seat track pans via two rails. Each unit of BP is a slotted square tile. The slots in the BP units slide along the rails underneath the floor. The rails span the entire floor, and the amount of BP used is completely configurable, i.e., if a section does not need ballistic protection, the BP units may be removed to save weight.

Side Guiderails and Electromechanical Locking

The side guide rails are mounted to the seat track pans. The rails guide large pallets, such as the 463L, into and out of the helicopter efficiently. Because the rails themselves have seat track, the user may attach rings in various locations for greater configurability. The rails are modular, allowing the user to use any number of rails at a time. The electromechanical locking mechanisms are integrated with the side guide rail to provide lock down of large pallets. Locks may be quickly ejected in case of jam, and have an emergency release built in.

Vehicle Loading System (VLS)

The VLS is an aid for quickly loading and unloading vehicles. It consists of a series of roller/ball trays designed to shift and guide vehicles in and out. The system's individual units lock into position on the main deck, ramp, and extenders utilizing seat tracks.

Electrical Subsystems

The ALPS is an electromechanical based loading system controlled from a Stationary Control Panel (SCP). The SCP controls two main systems: the pallet locking mechanisms, and the lighting system. The pallet locking mechanism consists of actuators integrated into the locks on the rails. The lighting system consists of dome lighting and floor lighting integrated into the locks. All lighting can be toggled between night vision and white light.