(1) Tactical Bulk Fuel Delivery Subsystem (CH-53). This is very similar to the ABFDS of the Air
Force. However, instead of putting the system in a fixed wing aircraft, the Marine Corps uses this system with the
CH-53 helicopter. It is primarily employed to provide bulk fuel at remote locations for both ground and aviation.
The system has a carrying capacity from 2,000 to 2,500 gallons of fuel.
(2) Auxiliary Fuel Kit. The AFK will take advantage of the CH-53's capability to range extend itself
using sponson tanks, and dispense carried fuel at forward sites. The AFK consists of two 650-gallon (1,300 total
capacity) external tanks.
(3) Tactical Bulk Fuel Delivery System (C-130R). The KC-130R tanker can provide aerial refueling
for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft equipped with a refueling boom. The tanker can also air-land to refuel
tactical vehicles and resupply bulk fuel storage systems. The KC-130R tanker can hold a minimum of 4,000
gallons and up to 9,000 gallons of jet fuel in its tanks. It uses a drogue and probe assembly for aerial refueling.
The drogue and probe assemble will be further discussed in the Navy equipment block.
10.
Navy Petroleum Handling Equipment.
The Navy and the Military Sealift Command (MSC) are the primary means of transporting bulk fuel to any
theater of operations for use by other services. In addition, the Navy must be able support its own operations both
afloat and ashore.
11.
DESC Bulk Supply.
a. As sated above, MSC is the primary means of transporting bulk petroleum to a theater of operations.
MSC operates 13 fleet oilers around the world to augment the capabilities of the active Navy. Six oilers support
the Atlantic fleet, six support the Pacific fleet, and one is a prepositioned ship. The top speed of these oilers is 20
knots; with a range of 6,000 miles at 18 knots. Nine of these tankers have a fuel capacity of 180,000 BBLS (7.56
million gallons), while four have a capacity of 159,500 BBLS. The reduced capacity is a result of the
Environmental Act of 1990 requiring double hulls on oil transporting tankers. The following tankers are the most
commonly used:
(1) Sealift Class Tanker.
(a) There are nine Sealift class tankers. Each has a cargo capacity of 225,000 BBLS in seven
tanks.
(b) The tanker has a draft of 34 feet, 6 inches when fully loaded.
(c) It is equipped with four cargo pumps to offload cargo and has a discharge capacity of 24,000
BBLS/hour using all pumps. The discharge pressure of the tanker is 100 PSI maximum and 50 psi minimum for
planning purposes.
(d) The pipe connections on the Sealift class tankers are 12 and 14 inches.
18-9
QM5200
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