This SAE Aerospace Standard (AS) establishes the basic requirements for the specification and testing of air surface (intermodal) 8 ft × 8 ft (2.44 m × 2.44 m) cross-section containers.

The basic requirements for the air/surface (intermodal) container are presented in Sections 3 to 6 while the detailed design requirements are in Appendix A. Appendix B describes the sections of other standards that apply to air/surface containers. Appendix C describes uniformity of test apparatus and methods. These appendices shall be referred to for important supplemental requirements and procedures for this document.

AS4041 presents the requirements for air mode general purpose containers.

Requirements for containers to be transported by rotary-wing aircraft are excluded from this document.

NOTE: The essential basic and detail criteria are identified by use of the key word "shall." Recommended basic and detail criteria are identified by use of the key word "should," and while not mandatory, are considered to be of primary importance in providing serviceable, economical, and practical air/surface containers.