REDDITCH, England, March 27 (UPI) -- Upgraded self-sealing fuel tanks for British air force Puma helicopters are to be supplied by GKN Aerospace.
The contract for the fuel tanks was issued to the British company by Eurocopter UK and will be part of the British air force's life extension program for its Puma fleet.
"This contract with Eurocopter UK brings greater commonality to the U.K. military's self-sealing fuel tank capability, effectively harmonizing technology across platforms and ensuring efficient in-theatre logistic support," said Richard Dove, general manager, GKN Aerospace-Portsmouth.
"Over the long term, the focus for our market-leading self-sealing fuel systems team continues to be the provision of the best through life costs and in-service support to our customers."
GKN Aerospace said its rapid self-sealing tanks counter damage from 7.62mm to 20mm rounds. The tanks can be retrofitted on aircraft or externally fitted.
The company provides self-sealing fuel tanks for the United Kingdom's fleet of AW101 and AW159 helicopters as well as for a number of land vehicles.
