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. METSS will demonstrate that existing materials can be combined in a multi-component structure to produce a fuel tank that is stable to the JP8 fuel and will self-seal upon impact from a 14.5 mm AP projectile. METSS will do this by constructing a multilayer fuel tank of lightweight polymeric materials that provides chemical stability, dimensional stability, low weight, impact toughness, and the ability to seal itself when punctured. The base structure of the tank will be produced from a tougher, more impact resistant form of the HDPE currently used to produce the EFV fuel tanks. 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 JP8. 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.