Aerial Refueling Systems

In addition to systems for KC-130H aircraft, Sargent Fletcher also offers wing-tip pods for conversion of Boeing 707 aircraft to the tanker role.  The wing-tip refueling pods are designed as a ready interface for aircraft tanker conversion.  The pods, self-powered by a Ram Air Turbine, feature a hose-and-drogue refueling system and an integral fuel boost pump which provides a fuel transfer capability up to 450 GPM (1703 L/min) at 45 to 55 PSI (310 to 379 kPa).

Sargent Fletcher has delivered more than 2000 aerial refueling systems to the armed forces of 17 countries.  In addition to the unrivaled performance and reliability of Sargent Fletcher aerial refueling systems, these customers are supported by the dedicated personnel in Sargent Fletcher Field Service and Customer Support organizations.

Sargent Fletcher 48-000 wing pods and FR-300 hose drum units are the standard for KC-130H aerial refueling.  The more than 700 of these systems currently operating in nine countries uniquely qualify Sargent Fletcher to meet your KC-130H tanker requirements.  Click here for system characteristics.

Sargent Fletcher is also the world leader in buddy-store technology.  The buddy store is a combination external fuel tank and hose reel mounted on tactical aircraft.  The 31-301 buddy store is used extensively by the U.S. Navy, converting the S-3 and F/A-18E/F into tactical tankers.  The 31-301 is also being considered for a similar role on the Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft.  Click here for system characteristics.

In addition to the KC-130H and buddy-store systems, Sargent Fletcher manufactures various fuselage-mounted hose reels.  For example, the FR-600 hose reel is mounted in the fuselage of the U.S. Air Force KC-10 tanker, making it suitable to refuel U.S. Navy and probe-equipped aircraft from various allied forces.  The Omega Tanker/Transport conversion of the Boeing 707-300 aircraft features multiple Sargent Fletcher FR-300 Hose Reel systems installed in what was formerly the aft baggage compartment.  Recent U.S. Navy flight tests, with the Omega successfully refueling F/A-18 aircraft, have shown fuel transfer rates in excess of 500 GPM.  Click here for information on this and other Sargent Fletcher aerial refueling systems.

Current product development includes the qualification and testing of the Sargent Fletcher F-16 370-Gallon Aerial Refueling Tank/System (ART/S®).  This unique concept is the product of the vast Sargent Fletcher experience in External Fuel Tank and Probe/Drogue Aerial Refueling systems design.  The Sargent Fletcher 370-Gallon wing tank is modified to accept a retractable probe that will permit a F-16 aircraft to receive fuel from a Probe/Drogue-equipped SkyTanker.  A proof of concept flight test was conducted to verify the compatibility of the design to the hoop-up loads.  No fuel was transferred in this test.  Instrumentation was installed to measure loads, deflection, and stiffness.  The test confirmed the loads placed on the probe and the ease of hook-up including the compatibility of the system to several different tankers.

A later test was conducted with the ART/S® installed on the specially configured F-16 Variable Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA).  The VISTA test flights confirmed that the ART/S® was compatible with various aircraft computer programs.  When a F-16, and many other aircraft in the USAF inventory, is equipped with an ART/S®, it can receive fuel, not only from the boom/receptacle tankers, but also from any SkyTanker in the worldwide fleet.  Click here for system characteristics.

Aerial Refueling Informational Flyers