Schweizer has received FAA approval for its crash-resistant fuel system (CRFS), which is available on new-production S300-series helicopters. The company also plans to offer it as a field retrofit for existing S300s in the near future.
Available for both main and auxiliary tanks, the system is comprised of a rubber puncture-resistant internal fuel bladder mounted inside a carbon fiber external shell. Each tank holds 32.5 gallons (123 liters) of fuel for a dual tank capacity of 65 gallons. The CRFS is 50-foot drop test and 25-hour fatigue test compliant, has a 370-pound puncture resistance, and a breakaway safety shutoff valve.
Schweizer’s new ownership restarted production of the 300C and 300CBi models in 2021, but sales have been limited to the export market because of the FAA Part 27 CRFS mandate that took effect in 2020. The company made foreign military sales to Senegal and El Salvador in 2021 and 2022.
“A certified crash-resistant fuel system was not developed for these aircraft prior to us taking ownership of the company,” said Schweizer v-p of operations Craig Nielsen. “I am exceptionally grateful for the hard work of our engineering team and the Fort Worth Aircraft Certification Office of the FAA. Together they’ve helped ensure the Schweizer S300C and S300CBi are fully compliant with all FAA-mandated fuel system safety requirements.”