WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (Jan. 31) — K&F Industries Holdings Inc.´s Engineered Fabrics Corp. unit has won a five-year, $11 million contract with the Department of Defense to supply polyurethane-based fuel tanks for C-130 military aircraft.
EFC will supply the flexible bladder fuel tanks to the Warner-Robins (Ga.) Air Logistics Center, which is the U.S. Air Force´s primary service command for the C-130. Initial orders already have been delivered.
"We are very pleased that the DoD has recognized the differentiating characteristics of our EFC fuel tanks, which will be a critical component of this key asset of the USAF fleet of tactical aircraft," said Kenneth Schwartz, K&F president and CEO.
According to K&F, the C-130 is the U.S. military´s main troop and cargo transport aircraft, capable of carrying about 10,000 gallons of fuel, in six internally mounted fuel tanks. The urethane construction of EFC´s tanks "meets the strict environmental and structural requirements of the USAF and Federal Aviation Administration," while also offering "cost-effective, efficient installation and removal during aircraft maintenance," K&F said.
K&F describes Engineered Fabrics as "the leading supplier of flexible bladder fuel tanks for aircraft and helicopters for the U.S. military, worldwide commercial transport and general aviation markets."
Since EFC´s fuel tanks are self-sealing and crash-resistant, the firm said, they "significantly reduce the potential for fires, leaks and spilled fuel."