The basic sling is used for lifting one, two or three pallets of 155mm projectiles, or one or two pallets of 8-inch projectiles. Two basic slings can be attached to the single lifting beam, which increases the capacity to six pallets of 155mm projectiles or four pallets of 8-inch projectiles. Four basic slings can be attached to the double lifting beam, which increases the capacity to twelve pallets of 155mm projectiles or eight pallets of 8-inch projectiles.

The basic sling is used for picking up a single ammunition pallet having top lift capability, i.e., Army metal pallets with top frame and four lifting rings. Some specialized light weight pallets (less than 2,000 pounds) may be developed with only two lifting rings on center which would enable the sling to pick up two special pallets at a time. Small ammunition containers within the load capacity, spread and hook size may be identified for lifting by this sling. The sling is a substitute sling for lifting projectile pallets but is not as efficient as the six-legged sling. The Air Force may utilize this sling for lifting up to two 2,000 pound bombs at a time. The basic sling is used 2 each with the single lifting beam to lift 2 Army top lift (metal) pallets at a time. The sling is used 4 each with the double beam to lift 4 Army top lift (metal) pallets at a time.

The basic sling is used for lifting one, two or three pallets and, when used with the double beam, up to twelve pallets are lifted. Projectile pallets are characterized by plank tops and plank bottoms mounted on 4 × 4 skids. If the six-legged sling does not lift the pallets uniformly, the plank tops and bottoms may override adjacent pallets and interfere with the proper deposition of the load. Therefore, sling reach uniformity (characterized by the center pair being shorter than the two outer pairs) in controlled by use of a dimensional control fixture, Dwg AC200000365.

The slings are utilized to pick up ammunition pallets or containers which are semi-rigid. When four hook points are utilized, the item being lifted must conform to the reach of the four hooks or else the load is only on three legs of the sling. Dimensional control insures that the four sling legs are within the flexibility of the pallet or container. Sling height control (the distance from top of the pallet/ container to the crane hook) insures that truck mounted cranes of limited lift height will be able to clear the truck bed when lifting a known load height.