Air Force Helicopter Fuel Cell Military Specification Testing

Abstract

This audit was performed in response to complaints regarding qualification testing of H-3 and H-53 helicopter fuel cells manufactured by the Italian company , Sekur S.p.A., a member of the Pirelli Group (Sekur-Pirelli). The complainant alleged that the Air Force did not require Sekur-Pirelli to perform H-3 and H-53 helicopter fuel cell qualification testing in accordance with applicable military specification requirements. The complainant also alleged that the Air Force did not comply with recommendations made by the Air Force Safety Mishap Investigation Board related to a fatal H-53 helicopter mishap. According to the allegation, the Air Force Safety Mishap Investigation Board recommended that the entire H-53 helicopter fuel system be made crashworthy to prevent the recurrence of fatalities during similar helicopter mishaps. We received an inquiry related to the H-53 helicopter fuel cell testing allegations from Congressman George W. Darden. In addition, we received an inquiry from Congressman David L. Hobson concerning the safety of the H-53 helicopter fuel system.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 11, 1994
Accession Number
ADA375801

Entities

Organizations

  • Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Defense

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Aircrafts
  • Contracts
  • Department Of Defense
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Fuel Systems
  • Governments
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Performance Tests
  • Procurement
  • Safety Engineering
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Defense Financial Management and Audit.
  • Materials Science

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology