Biggerhammer.net - Aircraft, Vehicles and Equipment Factfile > Tactical Bulk Fuel Delivery System, CH-53E (TBFDS, CH-53E)

Tactical Bulk Fuel Delivery System, CH-53E (TBFDS, CH-53E)


General Characteristics
Primary functions: Fuel delivery/refueling/Range extension
Capacity: 2400 gal. (3/800 gal. tanks)
Tank Length: 62 inches
Width: 58 inches
Height: 64 inches
Weight: Empty 600 lbs. per tank
Full (JP-5/8) 6100 lbs. per tank
Operating area: Cargo area
Contractor: Serv-Air Inc, Lexington, Ky (prime), Robertson Aviation Inc. (sub)
Aircraft: CH-53E
Ballistic Tolerances: Self-sealing .50cal, 12.7MM, 14.4MM, 20MM IAW MIL-T-27422B Tank, Fuel, Crash-Resistant, Aircraft
Crashworthiness: 10 g's forward, 7.5 g's aft, 3 g's vertical, 3 g's lateral IAW A1-H53BE-CLG-000, CH-53E Cargo Loading Manual
Introduction date: FY 95 (IOC)

Mission: TBFDS, CH-53E supports the over-the-horizon concept as outlined in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Master Plan and the Operational Maneuver from the Sea (OMFTS) concept.

Features: The TBFDS, CH-53E is a three-tank, air-transportable, fuel-delivery, forward area refueling, range-extension system. It is ballistically self-sealing and crashworthy. It consists of four subsystems: three 800 gallon fuel tanks, a restraint system, an electrical fuel control panel, a Forward Area Refueling Equipment (FARE) system. TBFDS allows the CH-53E helicopter to transport and dispense aviation fuel to aircraft or tactical vehicles at forward landing zones or Forward Area Refueling Points (FARP). The TBFDS' three internal fuel tanks can be rapidly installed and removed from the CH-53E's cargo area. The system design allows filling of these internal tanks while on the ground or in-flight. Installation can be done by a crew of four in no more than an hour and removed in less than 40 minutes. This quick conversion allows for rapid mission changes. The design permits one, two, or three tanks to be installed, enhancing mission flexibility. The tanks can accept fuel through: the helicopter's single point pressure refueling adapter, the in-flight refueling probe, refueling the tank manifold or the filler opening in the top of each tank. Using the TBFDS tank's internal pumps, fuel can be transferred to the helicopter's tanks, or dispensed to other aircraft or vehicles using the Forward Area Refueling Equipment (FARE). The FARE is two point capable, with a combined flow rate of 120 GPM, and 200 feet separation from the host aircraft to the aircraft or vehicles being refueled. TBFDS, CH-53E supports the over-the-horizon concept as outlined in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Master Plan and the Operational Maneuver from the Sea (OMFTS) concept.

Inventory: Acquisition objective is 28 systems.

Background: There is a requirement for a Tactical Bulk Fuel Delivery System, CH-53E (TBFDS, CH-53E) capable of rapidly receiving and dispensing Class III(A) products in bulk in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). The TBFDS, CH-53E must be able to deliver and dispense fuel to forward operating units quickly, in support of current and projected methods of tactical employment.


Date last modified: 12/15/95


Last Modified on June 17, 1999
aalbert@biggerhammer.net