DD Form 2130-14 KC-135 Load Plan Guide

DD Form 2130-14 KC-135 Load Plan Guide – The DD Form 2130-14, officially titled KC-135 Load Plan, is a critical Department of Defense form used for manual cargo and passenger load planning on the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. This form remains essential for U.S. Air Force, Air Mobility Command, and joint mobility operations across the United States and worldwide deployments when automated systems such as ICODES are unavailable.

Maintained by the Executive Services Directorate (ESD) under the Washington Headquarters Services, the form supports safe weight-and-balance calculations, proper cargo restraint, and compliance with the Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR). U.S. military load planners, boom operators, and unit movement officers rely on it daily for training, contingency, and operational missions.

What Is DD Form 2130-14?

DD Form 2130-14 is part of the standardized DD Form 2130 series of aircraft load plans. It provides a dedicated aircraft diagram and data blocks specifically configured for the KC-135’s cargo compartment and pallet positions. According to the official DoD Forms Management Program, the form’s title is “KC-135 Load Plan” and the current edition date is September 1, 1998.

The form is designed for use in load planning when a load planner does not have access to automated tools. It documents the arrangement of cargo, equipment, and personnel to ensure the aircraft remains within safe center-of-gravity limits and maximum allowable cabin load (ACL).

Official source: ESD WHS DD Form 2130-14 Page.

Official Download of DD Form 2130-14

U.S. service members and authorized personnel can download the official fillable PDF directly from the Department of Defense:

Download DD Form 2130-14 (PDF):
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/forms/dd/dd2130-14.pdf

Always verify the form against the latest edition listed on the official ESD website before operational use. Previous editions are obsolete.

KC-135 Planning Data Used with DD Form 2130-14

The Defense Transportation Regulation – Part III, Appendix V (current as of 2025) provides the following standard planning factors for the KC-135 when completing DD Form 2130-14:

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 322,500 lbs
  • Normal Operating Weight: 122,500 lbs
  • Peacetime Planning ACL: 30,000 lbs
  • Cargo Compartment: Length 840 inches × Width 129 inches × Height 84 inches
  • Cargo Area: Fuselage Station 440–1120 (main cargo floor only; no lower lobe capability)
  • Palletized Cargo: Positions 1–6 limited to 6,000 lbs each; maximum height 65 inches (using HCU-7/E and HCU-15/C nets)
  • Passenger Capacity: Up to 56 airline seats or 57 web passenger seats; maximum 57 passengers on over-water flights; 8 litters plus medical crew

These figures must be used in conjunction with actual aircraft technical orders and the applicable Air Force Manual (AFMAN 11-2KC-135 series) for final certification.

Reference: USTRANSCOM Defense Transportation Regulation.

When and Why to Use DD Form 2130-14?

U.S. units use DD Form 2130-14 in the following situations:

  • Manual load planning for unit deployments, exercises, and contingency operations
  • When the Integrated Computerized Deployment System (ICODES) is unavailable
  • Joint airlift missions involving Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force cargo on KC-135 aircraft
  • Documentation of pallet positions, shoring requirements, hazardous materials, and passenger seating

Proper completion of the form ensures compliance with weight-and-balance requirements, prevents cargo shift, and supports safe aerial refueling and airlift missions critical to U.S. national defense.

How to Complete DD Form 2130-14 – Key Blocks?

The form is typically two pages and includes a scale diagram of the KC-135 cargo floor (scale 1/4 inch = 3 feet). Major sections include:

  • Blocks 1–5: Unit being airlifted, Unit Identification Code (UIC) or Unit Line Number (ULN), type of movement plan, movement date, and unit aircraft load number
  • Blocks 6–10: Mission number, aircraft serial number (last five digits of tail number), configuration, departure airfield, and destination airfield
  • Block 11 – Actual Loadout: Load sequence, item model/nomenclature, Transportation Control Number (TCN), remarks, dimensional data (length/width/height), planned and actual gross weight, fuselage station, and moment
  • Passenger Seats Planning Data: Number of seats, average weight, and total planned weight
  • Totals and Center-of-Balance calculations
  • Signatures: Load planned by and load approved/validated by (name, grade, organization, date, signature)

Standard remarks codes printed on the form cover off-center loading, centerline load, shoring requirements (parking, rolling, sleeper, special), directional positioning, special handling (DD Form 1387-2), hazardous material certification, maximum fuel, equipment drained/purged status, and vent kit requirements.

Sidewall seats shown on the diagram are marked with an “X” when occupied by passengers.

Related Forms and Continuation Sheets

When additional space is needed, use DD Form 2130C – Aircraft Load Plan Continuation Sheet. Other aircraft-specific forms in the same series include DD Form 2130-13 (C-17) and DD Form 2130-2 (C-130). Always cross-reference with the latest DTR Part III Appendix V for preparation instructions.

Importance for U.S. Air Mobility Operations

Accurate load planning with DD Form 2130-14 directly supports the readiness of the U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling fleet. The KC-135 remains a cornerstone of global mobility, enabling rapid deployment of forces and sustained air operations. Correct use of this form protects aircrew, cargo, and mission success while meeting stringent DoD safety and regulatory standards.

For the most current guidance, U.S. personnel should consult:

This article is based exclusively on official U.S. Department of Defense and USTRANSCOM sources current as of 2025–2026. Always confirm the latest edition and technical orders before operational use.