Low Cost, Low Weight, Self-Sealing Fuel Tank Technology Development

METSS proposes to develop a lightweight, low cost, self-sealing fuel tank for use on the EFV. During Phase I METSS demonstrated that existing materials can be combined in a multi-layer structure to produce a fuel tank that is stable to the JP-8 fuel and will self-seal upon impact from a 0.50 caliber projectile. Under the Phase II program, METSS will demonstrate the effectiveness of this design by constructing a prototype tank of lightweight polymeric materials that provides chemical stability, dimensional stability, low weight, impact toughness, and the ability to seal itself when punctured. The key feature of this design will be the use of a self-sealing plastic exterior layer that reduces he performance demands on a self-sealing rubber layer which will be contained in the core of the tank construction. Additional ballistic resistance will be added to the tank via fibrous reinforcing layers. The self-sealing capability will be enhanced to seal against a 14.5 mm projectile by increasing the expansion capability of the rubber that expands on contact with JP-8. Moreover, placement of that self-sealing layer within the walls of the fuel tank will further improve its sealing capability by directing the swell of the rubber into the puncture site. METSS will show that all of this can be accomplished at a reasonable cost, using existing process technology.