Integral Fuel Tank Self-sealing Protection

The opportunity presented under this program is to develop next-generation fuel-sealing technology that can be applied to impart self-sealing capability to the most vulnerable areas of integral aircraft fuel tanks. Targeted application of the self-sealing materials will reduce the weight and fuel volume penalty associated with conventional MIL-DTL-5578 self-sealing fuel bladder constructions. New methods and materials developed to support this objective should also provide an enhanced level of reliability with respect to ballistic impact protection performance when compared to conventional self-sealing technology based on natural gum rubber and be compatible with conventional and alternative aviation fuels and blends. High performance lightweight materials should be used to minimize weight and fuel volume penalties. The targeted threat level is Protection Level A, which as described in MIL-DTL-5578, is providing self-sealing capability against .50 caliber straight and tumbled rounds, and 20 mm straight. Self-sealing capability is currently determined relative to a 2 minute time-scale, but faster self-sealing is desired (e.g., 30 sec). METSS plans to address the requirements of this topic by adapting the design of lightweight, self-sealing laminate technology developed and successfully demonstrated under other DoD threat mitigation program efforts.