Sling Load Chinook CH-47 Blackhawk UH-60 Snapback Trucker Hat

A sling load is when a helicopter carries cargo externally using slings, cables, or nets rather than loading it inside the aircraft. This technique is widely used in both military and civilian operations when supplies or equipment are too large, heavy, or awkward to fit inside. Militaries use sling loads to move vehicles, artillery, and even other helicopters, while civilian applications include firefighting with water buckets, construction projects in remote areas, and disaster relief missions where ground transport is impossible.

There are different types of sling loads depending on the mission. A single-point load uses one central hook, while a dual-point load provides greater stability for longer or heavier cargo. In some cases, multiple loads can be carried in sequence or side-by-side. The main advantage of sling loads is flexibility—they allow helicopters to bypass terrain obstacles like rivers or mountains, reach areas with no landing zones, and deliver supplies much faster than ground transport.

However, sling load operations come with challenges. The weight of the cargo must fall within the helicopter’s lift capacity, which varies with altitude, temperature, and aircraft type. Loads can swing dangerously if not rigged and balanced properly, so crews use specific techniques and equipment to stabilize them. Safety is also critical—ground crews must avoid rotor wash and static electricity during hookup. Common helicopters used for sling loads include the CH-47 Chinook, UH-60 Black Hawk, Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane, and Erickson Air Crane. With the right planning and training, sling loads are one of the most effective ways to deliver heavy cargo to hard-to-reach locations.

YUPOONG CLASSICS RETRO SNAPBACK TRUCKER CAP 2-TONE

• Trucker cap with premium mesh panels
• Matching plastic snapback closure
• Matching under visor, 8-row stitching on visor

Leatherette is richly textured, water resistant, easy to clean, and durable enough for the rigors of daily use.