Aircraft cargo loader

A cargo loader vehicle configured to interface with an aircraft, the cargo loader vehicle comprising:

• a chassis;
• a plurality of tractive elements coupled to the chassis;
• a prime mover configured to drive at least one of the plurality of tractive elements to propel the cargo loader vehicle;
• a platform assembly configured to interface with the aircraft to receive cargo, the platform assembly including:
• a platform;
• and
• a flap pivotably coupled to the platform, the flap pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein a forward end of the platform has a first width when the flap is in the raised position and a second width when the flap is in the lowered position, the first width greater than the second width;
• a lift coupled between the chassis and the platform assembly, the lift configured to raise and lower the platform assembly relative to the chassis;
• and
• one or more processing circuits configured to:
• acquire aircraft data corresponding to the aircraft;
• determine, based on the aircraft data, a classification of the aircraft;
• generate, based on the classification of the aircraft, recommended controls for the cargo loader vehicle, the recommended controls including at least one of operating the lift to position the platform assembly at a height relative to the chassis, placing the flap in the raised position or the lowered position, or operating the prime mover to propel the cargo loader vehicle along a path toward the aircraft;
• and
• provide the recommended controls to an operator of the cargo loader vehicle.

A method for providing recommended controls to an operator of a vehicle, the method comprising:

• acquiring, from one or more sensors of the vehicle, sensor data corresponding to an aircraft;
• determining, based on the sensor data, a classification of the aircraft;
• generating, based on the classification of the aircraft, recommended controls for the vehicle;
• and
• providing the recommended controls to an operator of the vehicle.