Hydrant vehicles refuel Air Force fleet faster

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jasmine Reif
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  The 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels flight recently received three R-12 hydrant servicing vehicles that will significantly increase refueling capabilities.

In conjunction with the recently commissioned hydrant fueling system and arrival of the HSVs, the hydrant fueling capability has become considerably more efficient, said Chief Master Sgt. Stanley Walker, 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels manager

"The new hydrant system and HSVs allow us to refuel aircraft faster and more efficiently compared to using 6,000 gallon capacity R-11 trucks," Chief Walker said. "Typically we used to send as many as five or six R-11s to fill a B-1 Lancer, but now we do the same operation using just one HSV. After arriving at the aircraft with the HSV, we connect the hydrant hose to the hydrant system outlet, attach the two 60-foot issue hoses to the aircraft, and watch the fuel flow."

The squadron refueled the first aircraft using an HSV Feb. 20; once the remaining vehicles have been tested and put into service, it is estimated that the amount of fuel distributed will double.

The $160,000 vehicles feature several refueling modes and safety features to protect the fuels distribution operators.

"The HSVs give us a capability to refuel any type of aircraft on the flightline. They feature a telescoping platform allowing us to refuel large aircraft such as 747s and KC-10 (Extenders) that are fueled under the wing," Chief Walker said. "We will save time because we don't have to bring out multiple pieces of equipment for those aircraft."

Additionally, the HSV allows the unit to defuel large quantities of fuel directly into a 8.1 million gallon system versus using multiple R-11 trucks that are limited by a 6,000-gallon tank capacity.

"The number one goal of the fuels flight is increasing our capability to service more aircraft each day, and with the new system, we'll accomplish this goal efficiently and with fewer operators," Chief Walker said.

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