There was no internal space to integrate new tanks, so we chose to build a new underbelly tank. At first it was plug in, then Leonardo decided to integrate it into the structure of the offshore version. We started with the requirement of external surface and loads and delivered the finished product including tools to assemble it.

Developed from scratch flyable component to be mounted with 4 bolts. It had to be airworthy and crash resistant.

We made two dummy components (helicopter and belly tank to be used as a reference). Assembled in USA, made structural design and sizing, all fabrication and assembly tools, test rig. Everything was made with superlight all-carbon sandwich. Very light. It can load 1,000 kg of fuel. 40 mm thick honeycombs for crash resistance and loads.