Systems and engineering consultancy Frazer-Nash has been appointed to work with KBR on an MoD review of fuel supply to frontline defence operations.

Much of the MoD’s equipment relies on a stable fuel supply for efficient operation, yet this can be difficult and expensive to provide in remote locations.  KBR is therefore providing new fuel handling equipment including deployable fuel pumps, power packs, filter water separators, flexible fuel bladder tanks, fuel container filling equipment and the associated integrated logistics support.

Frazer-Nash’s work is particularly focused on justifying a safety case for any alternative systems and undertaking a human factors analysis to ensure any new process is straightforward to deliver.  In order to verify that an alternative is workable, the project will involve environmental trials in a variety of weather conditions, plus testing of a prototype system.  The work is expected to be completed by March 2010.

Commenting on the work, Jason Harris of Frazer-Nash said:
“There is a significant opportunity for the MoD to develop a more efficient and flexible means of supplying defence operations with fuel.  Although there are a range of options available, we’ll be assessing each of these to advise the MoD on the safety considerations and implications for those operating a new system.

“Our partnership with KBR is a great example of the MoD’s ability to build an effective team across companies, bringing together a wide variety of skills sets.”