Integrated cargo loading system architecture

An aircraft comprising:

• at least one fastening unit for holding cargo during cargo transport through the aircraft;
• a cargo loading system for a cargo compartment of the aircraft, with the cargo loading system including:
• at least one power drive unit for transporting cargo of the means of transport;
• a control module that generates control signals for the at least one power drive unit and maintenance data of the at least one power drive unit for control and maintenance of the at least one power drive unit;
• and
• a BUS system comprising a BUS, with the at least one power drive unit and the control module coupled to the BUS by means of data lines,
• wherein the BUS system transmits the control signals and maintenance data of the at least one power drive unit between the control module and the at least one power drive unit.

A method for loading cargo to and unloading cargo from a means of transport by means of a cargo loading system, with the cargo loading system comprising:

• at least one power drive unit for transporting cargo of the means of transport;
• a control module that generates control signals for the at least one power drive unit and maintenance data of the at least one power drive unit for control and maintenance of the at least one power drive unit;
• a BUS system including a BUS, with the at least one power drive unit and the control module are coupled to the BUS by means of data lines, and the BUS system transmits the control signals and maintenance data of the at least one power drive unit between the control module and the at least one power drive unit, with the method comprising:
• generating a control signal for at least one power drive unit by means of a control module;
• transmitting the control signal from the control module to the at least one power drive unit by means of a BUS system;
• and
• moving cargo by means of the at least one power drive unit depending on the control signal transmitted by means of the BUS system.