5 Avn Regt’s fill ’er up capability Tpr Joe Monks, Aircraft Crew, Aircraft Spt Sect, 5 Avn Regt, with the new TPA mounted on a Mack Fleetliner. Photo by Cpl Belinda Mepham, 1JPAU(P)

By Cpl Belinda Mepham

The Tanker Fuel Section at 5 Avn Regt has received cutting-edge aviation refuelling capabilities.

A huge 13,000l, tank and pump assembly (TPA), fuel dispensing pod mounted on new Mack Fleetliners will pump fuel faster than ever before.

The section expert on the pods, LCpl Neil Saddler, said the capacity and comfort of the new pods were making aviation refuelling a faster, safer and more pleasurable task.

Before the first drop of fuel was dispensed the operator would notice some differences. The new Fleetliners are equipped with CD player, air-conditioning, two-way radio, and fully adjustable seating, essential for the management of driver fatigue.

LCpl Saddler said until now, fuel trucks would hold a convoy up.

“The power of the Macks means we can deploy faster, with less operators, less trucks and travel consistently at the maximum safe speeds allowed,” he said.

Once the trucks are at the destination, instead of operators wrestling with manual standing, a new hydraulic system sets the pod up for operation in a few minutes.

After the preparation, aircraft can begin refuel at a flow rate of 200-220l a minute.

“It would take us five to seven minutes to hot-refuel a Black Hawk, however, we are intended more for the primary task of cold refuel for all aircraft including Chinooks.” he said.

The engine behind the pumping power is a Yamaha TS23R 22hp, diesel hand start pump. Hydraulic-driven hose reels are designed for maximum flow rate of 200-220l a minute.

LCpl Saddler said in a worst-case scenario the pods were demountable, and could be operated from the ground.

The pods could not be operated when the truck was moving. Safety locks on the airlines prevented operation of the fuel valves.

LCpl Saddler said the pods could be refuelled bottom-loaded at any commercial refuelling depot or Defence POL points.

Operators were required to complete a three-day familiarisation course before using the pod.

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