INTRODUCTION
Unit-level refueling operations in theaters of operation are usually carried out by individual aviation units. A
lightweight, air-transportable, refueling system is used at the unit level. At present, the system authorized to
most units that have the mission to refuel aircraft in forward areas is the Forward Area Refueling Equipment
(FARE) system. This system can be set up by skilled personnel within 15 minutes of delivery to a site.
The FARE system is designed for refueling helicopters in forward areas. It is lightweight and can be
flown to the refueling point by helicopter or fixed wing aircraft. The fuel for the system is usually flown to the
site in 500-gallon collapsible drums. The FARE system can also use various size collapsible tanks, tank
vehicles, or semitrailers as fuel sources.
PART A - FARE COMPONENTS
Components. The FARE system consists of a pumping assembly, filter/separator, and valves and
fittings.
Pumping Assembly. The pumping assembly is made up of a 100 GPM centrifugal pump and a two-
cylinder, four-cycle, 3-horsepower gasoline engine that powers the pump. The inlet and outlet connections
are 2 inches in diameter. The pump has a priming port on the top of the pump casing. The pumping
assembly and the engine's fuel tank are all housed in a tubular aluminum frame.
Filter/Separator. The 100 GPM filter/separator is an aluminum tank with a removable cover. Five filter
elements, each in a canister, are set in a mounting plate near the bottom of the tank. The filter/separator has
an air vent valve, a pressure differential indicator, a water sight glass, and a water drain valve that is turned
by hand. The flow rate of the filter/separator is 100-GPM, and its top working pressure is 75 PSI. The
filter/separator is mounted in a frame of tubular aluminum.
Discharge Hose, Suction Hose, and Fittings. The FARE system has two sets of discharge hose, fittings,
and nozzles. Each set is mounted in a tubular frame. Two canvas carrying cases hold the suction hose and
their fittings.
Fire extinguishers are not components of the FARE system. Providing the extinguishers is a command
responsibility. Three fire extinguishers are required for each FARE system used in aircraft refueling--one to
be within reach of the pump operator and one for use at each nozzle. The recommended fire extinguisher is
the 20-pound Halon 1211.
No fuel source is provided as a component of the FARE system. Generally, 500-gallon collapsible
drums are used because they can be airlifted, full, to the FARE point. But the FARE system can also be
adapted to use larger fuel reservoirs. The number of drums and tanks, as well as the type of fuel to be used,
is determined by the number and type of aircraft the FARE point is to support.
PART B- FARE LAYOUT
Planning. The S3 of the aviation battalion or the operations officer of an aviation company plans the unit
operations. As part of these plans, he chooses the general area for a refueling point and specifies the
amount and type of refueling support needed. He or a pathfinder team must choose a site that has enough
open ground for the aircraft to land and lift off safely. The site must be flat or have only a slight grade.
When planning the layout of a FARE system, five factors must be considered.
Spacing Between Aircraft: There must be at least 100 feet of space between these aircraft (center
rotor to center rotor).
Wind Direction: Lay out the FARE system so that the helicopter can land, refuel, and take off into
direct head wind or a left or right quartering head wind.
Vapor Collection: The system should beat right angles to the wind for helicopter landing and takeoff,
allowing wind to carry the fuel vapors away from the site.
Drainage: Do not put the equipment in a place where a spill will drain into a stream or river. Choose a
part of the site that is firm enough to support the weight of the aircraft and the fuel drums.
Camouflage: Camouflage is the only protection at a FARE point in a combat zone. Site features are
depended upon because airlifting in camouflage materials is not practical.
5-2
QM 5095
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