Systems and methods for loading and unloading a cargo aircraft utilizing a curved path

A method of loading or unloading a payload into or out of a cargo aircraft, comprising:

• when loading a payload into an interior cargo bay of the cargo aircraft, the interior cargo bay having a forward bay portion located in a forward end of the cargo aircraft, an aft bay portion located in an aft end of the cargo aircraft, and a kinked bay portion disposed between the forward bay portion and the aft bay portion, the kinked bay portion defining a location at which the aft end of the cargo aircraft begins to raise at an angle relative to a longitudinal-lateral plane of the cargo aircraft, advancing the payload towards the aft end of the cargo aircraft;
• and
• when unloading the payload out of the interior cargo bay of the cargo aircraft, advancing the payload towards the forward end of the cargo aircraft,
• wherein, whether loading or unloading, advancing the payload further comprises moving the payload along a curved path formed by at least one support structure disposed in the interior cargo bay of the cargo aircraft, the at least one support structure extending a varying vertical distance above a corresponding portion of a bottom contact surface of the interior cargo bay over a length of the at least one support structure.