Defense Logistics Agency

The Nation’s Combat Logistics Support Agency

Small Business Innovation Programs

Explored Innovations

Securing Resources for US Defense & Commercial Industries 

TOPIC NUMBER:

DLA182-001

TOPIC TITLE:

Rotorcraft Fuel 

Bladder Weight and 

Total Ownership 

Cost Reduction 

CONTRACT 

NUMBER:

SP4701-18-P-0125

SBIP COMPANY:

Response 

Technologies 

Coventry, RI

TECHNICAL 

PROJECT 

OFFICE:

DLA Aviation

PUBLISHED:

2021

RESPONSE TECHNOLOGIES MODERNIZES THE FLEXIBLE FUEL 

CELL

Response Technologies LLC, a Bell Textron company, developed an additive 

manufacturing 3D reinforced composite process currently used in their redesign 

of a decades-old military technology – the flexible fuel cell. Traditional fuel cell 

manufacturers use WWII-era subtractive manufacturing and production

FORCE READINESS AND LETHALITY & SUPPLY CHAIN 

INNOVATION

Flexible Fuel Bladder. Image provided by Response Technologies, 2018

Made in the USA

processes, which does not capitalize on 

advanced manufacturing techniques, 

capabilities or efficiencies. Compared to 

the Response fuel cell technology, 

traditionally manufactured fuel cells are 

more costly, provide less protection and 

have considerably longer procurement 

lead times. 

Response’s innovative, forward-thinking 

manufacturing methods resulted in a 

seamless, crashworthy, ballisticallytolerant and self-sealing fuel cell that is 

universally fuel compatible and 

environmentally sustainable. 

The design improvements are potentially lifesaving, cost effective and reduce 

procurement lead time – all benefits that have a direct impact on warfighter and 

weapons system readiness. The redesign and modernization comes with several

benefits, most notably:

• 20% targeted weight reduction

• 40% reduction in total ownership costs

• 20% reduction in future procurement costs

• Reduces manufacturing lead time from months to days

• Timeline for new product designs using the technologies derived is reduced by 

8x

• Potential to eliminate the need for aromatics in fuel for self-sealing

Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Defense Logistics Agency

The Nation’s Combat Logistics Support Agency

Small Business Innovation Programs

Explored Innovations

Securing Resources for US Defense & Commercial Industries 

TOPIC NUMBER:

DLA182-001

TOPIC TITLE:

Rotorcraft Fuel 

Bladder Weight and 

Total Ownership 

Cost Reduction 

CONTRACT 

NUMBER:

SP4701-18-P-0125

SBIP COMPANY:

Response 

Technologies 

West Warwick, RI

TECHNICAL 

PROJECT 

OFFICE:

DLA Aviation

PUBLISHED:

2021

Response addressed and overcame the usual risks and concerns associated with 

advanced manufacturing techniques by meeting priorities for the DoD rotorcraft

market and by certifying the fuel cell under the rigorous standards of MIL-DTL27422F. 

The Bell UH-1Y Venom is expected to be the first platform to utilize Response 

Technologies’ fuel cell. Additionally, Response is working on fuel cells for the H60 

Blackhawk, H-53K Sea Stallion, AH-1Z Viper, A-10 Thunderbolt, and the F-16 

Fighting Falcon.

Response was acquired by Bell in December 2020.

For more information on Response Technologies, please contact 

DLASBIR2@dla.mil.

Made in the USA

Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.