News>New fuel system enhances Bagram's refueling capabilities
Photos
Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Whitworth watches the pressure gauge while refueling an aircraft with the new R-12 hydrant-servicing vehicle Dec. 21, 2010, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The squadron recently received five HSVs and completed the new Type III constant pressure system became fully operational and will significantly increase refueling capabilities. Sergeant Whitworth is the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron section chief of fuels refueling. (DOD photo/Senior Airman Sheila deVera)
Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Whitworth supervises a cargo aircraft refueling with the new R-12 hydrant servicing vehicle Dec. 21, 2010, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Sergeant Whitworth is the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron chief of refueling. (DOD photo/Senior Airman Sheila deVera)
by Senior Airman Sheila deVera
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
12/27/2010 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuel Management Flight used a new fuel delivery system Dec. 21 that will change the way large aircraft are refueled here.
The $130 million type III constant pressure system, owned by the 101st Sustainment Brigade, consists of two 1.1 million-gallon storage tanks and more than two miles of pipes.
The new hydrant system allows fuels management Airmen deployed to the 455th ELRS to deliver more than 2 million gallons of JP-8 with the R-12 hydrant servicing vehicle, and closely mirrors what many Airmen work with at their home station.
"The system can allow us to hook up to 11 hydrants outlets refueling aircraft on the spot reducing the manpower impact." said Senior Master Sgt. Arnaldo Rodriguez-Matos, the 455th ELRS fuels flight superintendent.
Typically fuel maintenance would dispatch five or six refueling trucks and tie up a multiple operators at each, the new system allows one R-12 and one operator to handle any size fuel request in about half the time.
"The system upgrades the base refueling capability from tactical storage to a legacy system comparable to a system found in any major airlift base or commercial port," said the 22-year fuels specialist. "It allows us to save wear and tear on the tactical equipment and get quality fuel on demand."
With the new R-12s the fuel truck can pump fuel from any hydrant into the aircraft in record time.
Anatoli Gromov, a crew chief for a contracted air carrier, has been traveling into Bagram Airfield since 1982 when he was a member of the Soviet Army. His 747 was the first aircraft to use the new hydrant system.
"It is easier and safer," Mr. Gromov said. "It's also quicker because we don't have to wait for new trucks."
The new hydrant system improves our refueling capabilities tremendously, especially with the larger fuel loads, said Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Whitworth, the 455th ELRS NCO in charge of refueling maintenance.
"We're very happy to use the new system. It makes everyone's job, including the air crews, much easier and more efficient," he said.
Comments
12/29/2010 2:36:51 PM ET What an efficient system just what the Air Force needs now a days. Also the story is beautifully written. GREAT JOB deVera I'm so proud of you
Marty, Hurlburt Field
12/28/2010 9:26:43 AM ET Looks like a great system. I wouldn't have minded a system like that back in '75 when we had R-5 units and hosecarts. Keep up the good work. Mike Chairess, Civ.
