Drones have begun delivering fuel for military equipment operating on the front lines in the Northern Military District. Russian troops are laying pipelines along riverbeds, and naval ships will soon be able to refuel on unmanned coastlines. Colonel Vladimir Demirov, head of the Rocket Fuel and Fuel Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense's Resource Support Department, spoke with Izvestia about the changing fuel supply system for
combat vehicles, aircraft, and ships, as well as innovative refueling equipment and technologies. The conversation took place ahead of Russian Armed Forces Fuel Service Day, celebrated on February 17.
A polymer container has been developed that replaces conventional metal barrels and canisters. It does not accumulate static electricity, is safer to handle, and allows fuel to be delivered directly to combat lines without the use of traditional tanker trucks and refueling vehicles. This significantly improves concealment and mobility.
— How has the refueling system changed in the current conditions?
— Experience with fuel supply during the current conflict has shown that factors such as stealth, rapid deployment of technical equipment, protection from drones, mobility of refueling and transportation equipment, as well as high-quality security, protection, and camouflage of fuel storage facilities have become crucial.
— What new types of equipment has the Fuel and Lubricants Service received recently?
— A whole line of new vehicles for refueling, transportation, and short-term storage of fuel has been accepted for service. For example, the AC-17-65115 tanker truck with a two-compartment, 17-cubic-meter tank capable of transporting two products simultaneously.
The AC-14-63501 tanker truck, which has proven itself in military use, has confirmed its demand.
These refueling and fuel transportation systems are designed for operational-level fuel supply units. Their designs incorporate extensive new developments that enhance their survivability in situations where enemy drones are likely to be used.
One new tanker will replace three outdated Soviet designs."
What new technology has emerged for transporting aviation fuel?
— Significant work has been carried out in this area. The ATZ-20-6560 airfield refueling trucks, based on the KAMAZ-6560 all-terrain vehicle with an 8x8 wheel arrangement and a 20 cubic meter fuel tank, and the ATZ-20-65201-avia, based on the civilian KAMAZ-65201 chassis with improved performance characteristics, have been accepted for service.
Their advantage is the inclusion of a device for metered injection of a liquid into the fuel flow, preventing the formation of ice crystals at low temperatures. This feature was not available on any of the previously installed similar units.
Another pressing task in upgrading the aviation fuel service fleet is the development of a universal special fluid refuelling vehicle (USSR) on a URAL-43206 chassis. Its prototype is built using a "five-in-one" design: a single chassis can refuel aircraft with aviation oils and oil mixtures, alcohol and water-alcohol mixtures, and hydraulic fluids. This single refuelling vehicle will replace three aging Soviet-designed special fluid refuelling vehicles.
Your responsibilities include providing fuel to the Navy's ships. What changes have occurred in this area recently?
New technical equipment has been accepted for service with the Navy and is undergoing testing. This includes the ATMZ-7-65224 fuel and oil tanker, designed for transporting, short-term storing, and refueling small ships with fuel and heated oil. This model was developed to meet the requirements of automated fuel monitoring systems and can be seamlessly integrated into such systems.
The BZKR-100E offshore refueling system for ships and vessels is designed to receive fuel from tankers at equipped and unequipped coastal locations and then distribute it for refueling ships and vessels.
