Modular Lightweight External Fuel Tank System

METSS proposes to develop a lightweight, low cost, modular self-sealing fuel tank system for use on the EFV. METSS will show that existing materials can be combined in a multi-layer, integrated, multicomponent, unibody structure to produce a fuel tank system that is stable to JP-8 fuel, impact and hydrodynamic ram resistant, and will self-seal upon impact from a 14.5 mm projectile. METSS has demonstrated this in a previous SBIR program for the Army. This modular tank construction will not be damaged by the hydrodynamic ram effect from a 14.5 mm strike, nor be subject to the initiation of a fire. The proposed tank system will be considerably lighter in weight than the existing system, and meet the Marine"s weight targets, based on light-weight fuel tank technology developed by METSS in a previous, directly related, fuel tank weight reduction program. This modular tank construction will exhibit durability to dust and sand, temperatures between -25degreesF and +125degreesF, and be resistant to chemicals that the tank may be exposed to.