- So I've been in the Air Force for roughly nine years now.
I've seen this occur at all the big ports
and this is something a lot of people chalk up
as the cost of doing business.
So basically when that 463L cargo pallet
transfers from the 60K loader over on to the aircraft floor
it sometimes hits omnidirectional rollers
and right now the logistics rail system is exposed.
It's estimated that it costs around
$8300 to replace each rail
and about 8 man hours to accomplish this.
So the K-wedge is actually a lot cheaper.
It cost about $500 with parts and labor.
In as little as one minute
you can install it on the aircraft floor
using existing tie down rings.
And that's what secures this to the floor.
So by having the ring come through here
and providing necessary tension using a cargo strap
and hook it on to the ring
that's protruding out of this slot.
And it runs all the way back
to the next existing tie down ring.
And then you ratchet it up and it's good to go.
It stays in place, it doesn't move
and we've measured this specifically
to protect the rail system.
It comes out to about right here.
After a few rail incidents I went into PowerPoint.
I created the design, I took measurements
and I got in touch with the 379 EMXs
and got ahold of Tech Sergeant Bitner
and Staff Sergeant Davis.
They were willing to help me out
and put this thing together and do the fabricating.
So I have to give some credit to those guys.
They really stepped up and helped out
when they didn't have to
and have been very supportive
throughout this entire process.
Mainly that's the reason why we decided to come up with this
is to safeguard and protect our airmen
as well as the rail system
save the Air Force money
and propel rapid load mobility.