The Technical Group No. 53 (GRUTE 53) of the No. 5, CACOM 5, of the Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC) carried out the innovative IAFTS G53 (Internal Auxiliary Fuel Tank System) system, an auxiliary fuel system that leads to extending the flight autonomy of UH-60 Black Hawk aircraft. This system, completely designed, manufactured and composed by the specialized personnel of the GRUTE 53, has a significant impact on the military operations of aircraft, especially in hard-to-reach areas where refueling options are limited or non-existent.
The IAFTS G53 arose of the need to improve the flight capacity of Black Hawk helicopters, which carry out rescue, humanitarian support and combat missions throughout the national and international territory. Through this breakthrough, helicopters will now be able to operate for longer without the need for refueling, which is crucial to fulfill missions in hard-to-reach areas. Since its inception, the staff of engineers and technicians of CACOM 5 assumed the challenge of creating an efficient solution that would respond to the requirements of the military operation and that, in turn, could be carried out entirely within the FAC, strengthening Colombia's technological autonomy and consolidating its leadership in regional military aviation.
The system was successfully adapted to the different configurations of the UH-60 aircraft, both combat and transport. Once its design certification process is completed, the system will have a lasting impact on the military operations resources of the Military Forces, improving the national technological construction and expanding the operation possibilities of the aircraft.
This progress not only strengthens the capacity of the Colombian Aerospace Force, but in the same way contributes to the strengthening of Colombia's technological autonomy, ensuring a more innovative and autonomous future for all Colombians.
Source: Office of Public Communications CACOM 5
