Design and Testing of the H-53, 450-Gallon Auxiliary Fuel Tank Container
Abstract
HQ TAC/LGT has proposed, through WR-ALC/DSP, a container design project to the Air Force Packaging Evaluation Agency (AFPEA) relative to development of a transport device/container for auxiliary fuel tanks used with the H-53 helicopter. The container(s) are essential to rapid deployment of the H-53 in contingency response situations. Since the helicopter cannot be ferried worldwide, and still meet planning/timing considerations, the H-53 is partially disassembled and moved via the C-5 Galaxy aircraft. The helicopter, however, will not fit into the C-5 with its auxiliary fuel tanks attached; also, to be air-shippable, these tanks must be purged of jet fuel fumes in accordance with AFM 71-4. This is a process normally involving 72 hours. The AFPEA has developed a sturdy handling device/container that will allow the H-53 tanks to be safely moved when partially filled with jet fuel. This container has been subjected to strenuous vibration and mechanical handling tests, along with the fit and function tests, and as a system it is fully qualified to satisfy the design criteria. The current cost of this container is well under $350 including labor and materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA028283
Entities
People
- Richard T. Gibbons