| M970 5,000 Gallon Semitrailer Refueler | |
| Manufacturer: | The Heil Company |
| Production: | 1980 or earlier[1] |
| Predecessor: | M-131 Series |
| Successor: | None |
| Class: | Large Semi-trailer truck |
| Body Style: | Tanker Semi-trailer truck |
| Layout: | Over and Underwing Refueling |
| Engine: | 4 cyl. inline Diesel Cummins Onan |
| Related: | M-967, M-969 |
| Length: | 366inches |
| Width: | 96inches |
| Height: | 104.5inches |
| Weight: | 15200lb empty, 49150lb loaded |
| Assembly: | Athens, Tennessee |
The M970 Semi-Trailer Refueler is a 5000U.S.gal fuel dispensing tanker designed for under/overwing refueling of aircraft. It is equipped with a filter/separator, recirculation system and two refueling systems, one for underwing and one for overwing servicing. The tanker is designed to be towed by a 5-ton, 6x6 truck tractor or similar vehicle equipped with a fifth wheel. The M970 can be loaded through the bottom or through the top fill openings. A ladder is provided at the front of the semitrailer for access to the top manhole, and a 4-cylinder diesel engine and pump assembly provides self load/unload capability. The body of the refueler is a 5,000-U.S.-gallon, single compartment, stainless steel tank. The chassis is of welded steel construction and is equipped with full floating tandem axles and a manually operated landing gear. There has been talk of retiring the M970, but a suitable off-road replacement has not been found. The Marine Corps also uses R-9 and R-10 tankers, but they are not capable of off road use. The M970 is a part of the "United States Marine Corps Maintenance Center - Albany, Georgia, USA - An Integrated Enterprise Scheduling Case Study" which is working to upgrade the Semitrailer for future use.
The M967 and M969 versions are similar but are configured to carry vehicle fuels (gasoline, diesel). The M967A1, M969A1 and M970A1 versions relocate the top access ladder from the front of the tank to the rear.
The M970 can be used as a stand-alone fuel tanker, delivering fuel directly to aircraft on a flight line. The Semitrailer is also used in Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARPs) delivering fuel to multiple nozzles for quick fueling operations at the front lines or beyond. This is generally used for helicopters, but can also be utilized with AV-8B Harrier II or with an Expeditionary Airfield (EAF). M970's were used to assist in loading the bladders for the Tactical Airfield Fuel Dispensing Systems (TAFDS) in the field as well.
The M969/M969A1 is a self loading and unloading tank semi-trailer designed to carry and dispense fuel to other vehicles at Forward Arming and Refueling Points. The M967/M967A1 is similar but it is designed to only carry bulk fuels between fuel terminals and depots and is not equipped to dispense fuel to other vehicles.[2]
All models of the M970/M970A1, M969/M969A1 and M967/M967A1 share a common basic chassis, motors, etc. The basic tank is a 5000USgal baffled tank. BASIC DIMENSIONS:
FUEL CAPACITY:
FUEL DATA FOR 4-CYLINDER ENGINETYPE : Diesel
GALLONS PER HOUR: Self Onload - 300gpmOffload - 600 pgm
FORDING CAPABILITY:Can ford hard, flat bottoms.Depth depends on prime mover and semitrailer payload (fuel is lighter than water and will float)Without a fording kit the tanker can enter 24inches of water safely.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 24 volt, negative ground, powered by prime mover; pump motor, 12 volt, negative ground, 65 amperes
BRAKES: Air, powered by prime mover
EQUIPMENT OPTIONS:Kits: Vapor Recovery, Recirculation System, Two Refueling Systems - for Underwing and Overwing Servicing
The M970 and M970A1 models use a Cummins Onan four-cylinder inline diesel engine with air cooled compression ignition, producing 27.5hp. It has a fuel tank of 3.2 us gal.
The M970 uses 11:00 R20 tires with two tires per side per axle in the rear
The M970 series includes the following base models:
| Model | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| M970 | 5,000-U.S.-gallon fuel tanker | |
| M970A1 | Same as the M970, but has 3inches more ground clearance |
The M970 is towed by the following Prime Movers:
| Model | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| M-931 | Tractor-trailer truck | |
| M-932 | Same as the M-931, but with a 15000lb winch on the front | |
| M-818 | Tractor-trailer truck | |
| MTVR (MK31) | An MTVR tractor |
Equipped with Filter Separator System which removes water and sediment from fuel; has emergency cut off valve for fuel dispensing; has shear pins and a spring valve in the underwing refuel hose should the hose separate from the hose reel while in use, preventing fuel from spilling into the deck; equipped with Purple-K fire extinguishers.