101ST AIRBORNE CONDUCTS FIELD EVAL OF RECOIL AEROSPACE’S EXPEDITIONARY FUEL TANK

BOWLING GREEN, Kentucky, August 20, 2025  Recoil Aerospace Inc. (Recoil), designer of the world’s most advanced carbon fiber liquid handling tanks and aerial fire suppression systems (AFSS), recently supported a U.S. military field exercise evaluating a key product.

U.S.-based Recoil’s Expeditionary Fuel Tank (EFT) was utilized by personnel from the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division during this spring’s large-scale training exercise in the southern United States.  

The EFT is a vital improvement over traditional soft-sided ‘blivets’ currently utilized for fuel handling. 

Scenarios using the Recoil EFT included setting up Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARP) for aircraft and vehicles as well as aerial delivery of the tank.

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) plays a key role in advancing the Army’s approach to vertical operations, combining modern equipment with highly trained soldiers to prepare for future conflicts.

The carbon fiber advanced design tanks have a 1000-gallon liquid capacity and are constructed of American-made carbon fiber material, designed and produced in the U.S.

Recoil Expeditionary Fuel Tanks are available for immediate acquisition.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer our U.S. military units this vital new design in liquid handling for austere, expeditionary and domestic operations,” states Recoil Product Support Manager Ray Whaley, also a former UH-60/AH-64 pilot.  

“The U1000 Tank may be deployed in a wide range of aircraft models for fuel, potable water and other liquid handling needs, and with ease in onboard cargo handling systems”

This 1000-gallon carbon fiber composite Expeditionary Fuel Tank delivers high-volume liquid cargo in a lightweight, durable solution.  Compatible with Petroleum, Diesel, Potable Water, Milk, JP8 and Chemical Agents, the EFT is an ideal solution for multiple mission needs with quick install/removal times.  The tank does not modify the aircraft therefore certification is not required.

Team Recoil will attend the National Guard Association of the U.S. (NGAUS) Conference in Milwaukee in August to display the Expeditionary Fuel Tank and also discuss its Tsunami AFSS firefighting tank for the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter series.

Recoil’s team has supported field evaluations with several military units, demonstrating compatibility and effectiveness on a range of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft including vital platforms such as the C-130 and CH-47.

Applicability covers a wide variety of airframes including the following aircraft:

• C-130 series
• C-17
• C-295M
• A400
• CH-47
• CH-53
• V-22

Key features of the utility tank system include ease of integration with existing aircraft or vehicle loading systems, air or ground transportable and versatility for various types of liquids.   

Advantages over traditional soft-sided ‘blivets’ utilized for fuel handling include a rigid, long-life carbon fiber design that is also air-mobile and air-deliverable, filled or empty alike.  Blivets and other soft-sided containers also typically have limited service life of just a few years.

In addition, Recoil provides full U.S.-based support from its Bowling Green, Kentucky headquarters.

Recoil’s EFT tank also has applicability beyond military operations according to Whaley.  

“Our U.S.-made tank also can assist in disaster recovery operations for federal, state and regional emergency services agencies, as a key improvement in fuel and potable water support during hurricanes and other major disasters.”

Expeditionary Fuel Tank Key Features:

US-manufactured & Supported

1000-gallon Capacity

380 pound System Weight

FAA 14 CFR Part 25 Compliant

JP-8 and Petroleum Compatible

40,000-foot Rapid Decompression

4-Inch CamLock Ports

Dry Brake Valves

Air & Ground Transportable

NATO 463L Pallet Compatible

Importantly, Recoil is the only US-based company producing these types of modern, aerospace-grade utility tanks, in partnership with its Kentucky-based affiliate Aerospace Composites Solutions (ACS) which operates an AS9100 Certified Manufacturing facility.  

Visit Recoil Aerospace at Booth 1425 during the upcoming NGAUS General Conference & Expo in Milwaukee, Wis., Aug. 22-25, 2025.

About Recoil Aerospace

Founded in 2008, Recoil Aerospace designs and supports Tsunami AFSS aerial fire suppression tank systems, military carbon fiber liquid handling tanks and lightweight carbon fiber aerostructures. 

For additional information, visit recoil-usa.com/

READ MORE ROTOR PRO: https://justhelicopters.com/Magazine

WATCH ROTOR PRO YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://buff.ly/3Md0T3y

You can also find us on

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rotorpro1

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rotorpro1

Twitter - https://twitter.com/justhelicopters

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rotorpro1