Ukrainian company launched production of flexible fuel tanks for aviation equipment

The enterprises of the SC “UkrOboronProm”, the SE”Ukrainian Research Design-Engineering Institute of Elastomer Materials and Products” and the SE”Konotop Aircraft Repair Plant “Aviakon”, launched production of flexible fuel tanks for aviation equipment. The cooperation between Dnipro and Konotop enterprises was held in the framework of import substitution program.

The SE “Ukrainian Research Design-Engineering Institute of Elastomer Materials and Products” developed technology, special technological equipment and mastered production of flexible fuel tanks’ kits for the Mi-24 helicopter. Mi-24 fuel system has five flexible fuel tanks, in the production of which rubber – produced by SE “Ukrainian Research Design-Engineering Institute of Elastomer Materials and Products”, using materials of the leading world manufacturers – and other materials of domestic production are used.

The results of tests of flexible fuel tanks, using the materials mentioned, demonstrated their compliance with the normative and operational documentation.

Flexible fuel tanks are currently undergoing all necessary tests and the issue concerning using those for aviation equipment is being discussed. This development will allow replacing regular fuel tanks that are more heavyweight, less durable and more prone to damages. Using new fuel tanks will contribute to an increase in the operational characteristics of Ukrainian military equipment.

The experience and achievements acquired are being used by specialists of enterprises to create flexible fuel tanks for other types of aviation equipment.