GKN Aerospace: Advanced fuel system for the UK Army SV programme.

GKN Aerospace has been contracted by General Dynamics European Land Systems (Spain) to develop this advanced fuel components and equipment. GKN Aerospace is also responsible for the development, qualification, trials and certification of the systems for all six prototype SVs.

The design comprises a lightweight, advanced fuel filling and storage system with the ability to refuel the vehicle from a wide range of both pressure and gravity fuel supplies. This unique capability means the SV will be refuel-able from any source – from a jerry can to an airport fuel tanker – shortening critical refueling times and increasing vehicle availability for military operations.

The SV main system fuel tanks are equipped with the latest explosion suppression technology whilst the ballistically-protected external auxiliary fuel tank incorporates GKN Aerospace self-seal technology, enabling the tank to heal itself after damage from small arms fire. The system meets the latest warfare requirements for survivability in today’s operational environment. It is fully qualified to Def-Stan 00-35, the standard, which defines the UK MOD requirement for climatic, environmental, biological and mechanical performance of their equipment. Current European road legislation is also covered, which allow the SVs to be driven in civilian roads.

GKN Aerospace has drawn on experience and engineering expertise acquired through the development of similar fuel systems for UK MOD platforms, such as the Terrier armoured combat engineer vehicle, the Challenger 2E MBT development programme and for other customers internationally.

Neil McManus, CEO of GKN Aerospace – Europe and Special Products, comments: “This is an important milestone for us. Our engineers have successfully validated the GKN Aerospace design and delivered high performance fuel systems that combine existing, proven technology with advanced materials and state of the art components to extend the operational performance of a vehicle that is at the core of the British Army’s land fire power this century. Designed and manufactured entirely in the UK, the fuel system incorporates proven explosion suppression and self-seal technologies and will give the SV the fastest and most versatile fuel/de-fuel capability of any armoured fighting vehicle today”.