TCB-XL / TCB-TEU
High-Capacity Transportable Collapsible Bladder Systems
The TCB-XL and TCB-TEU represent Canflex’s high-capacity fuel distribution capability for operations where fixed fuel infrastructure is unavailable, degraded, or impractical. These two systems are closely related in operational use, with a clear distinction in how they are moved and staged:
- TCB-XL is the 3,000-gal class system optimized for 463L palletized movement and rapid handling across joint logistics pathways.
- TCB-TEU is the 5,000-gal class system optimized for TEU (20-ft ISO) container-based logistics, improving deck efficiency, staging control, and container handling workflows.
At a planning level, these systems are defined by the following physical and load characteristics:
Planning Snapshot (High-Capacity TCBs)
| Parameter | TCB-XL | TCB-TEU |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Up to 3,000 gal | Up to 5,000 gal |
| Approx. operating dimensions | ~20 ft × 8 ft × 3 to 4 ft | TEU (20-ft ISO) container-optimized |
| 463L pallet compatibility | (3) married full pallets | N/A |
| ISO container compatibility | N/A | TEU (20-ft ISO) |
These characteristics support integration across air, ground, and maritime platforms, enabling high-capacity TCB assets to be positioned, moved, staged, and redeployed in support of distributed and expeditionary operations.
Mission Application
TCB-XL is employed when the mission requires maximum capacity per move while remaining aligned to 463L pallet workflows for air-ground interface and rapid staging.
TCB-TEU is employed when the mission requires container-based staging and movement, prioritizing deck utilization, standardized handling, and logistics node control using TEU container infrastructure.
Together, TCB-XL and TCB-TEU provide a scalable approach to high-capacity sustainment depending on whether the operation is pallet-driven (463L) or container-driven (TEU).
Typical Military Use
High-capacity TCB systems are commonly used for:
• High-endurance forward staging at logistics nodes and refuel points
• Bulk fuel movement in support of sustained distributed operations
• Ship-to-shore sustainment support and maritime staging
• Extended-duration sustainment where repositioning and redeployment are required
• Containerized sustainment using ISO infrastructure where standardized handling is required (TCB-TEU)
Access, Availability & Engineering Support
Certain TCB configurations and variants are restricted to U.S. Government and approved allied use. Detailed specifications, approvals, and platform-specific integrations are provided through direct engagement and end-user validation.
TCB-XL – AIR Transportation Table
(Representative examples only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended Configuration | Pallet / Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPADS | JPADS Heavy (60K) | Up to TCB-XL (3,000 gal) Air configurations | Rigged per load plan | Mission dependent; rigging and delivery method defined by the load plan |
| Fixed-Wing Tactical Airlift | C-130 (mission-dependent) | Up to TCB-XL (3,000 gal) Air configurations | 463L (3 married full pallets) | Platform constraints may drive configuration; consult Canflex |
| Fixed-Wing Strategic Airlift | C-17 | Up to TCB-XL (3,000 gal) Air configurations | 463L (3 married full pallets) | Palletized movement and forward staging |
| Fixed-Wing Strategic Airlift | C-5 | Up to TCB-XL (3,000 gal) Air configurations | 463L (3 married full pallets) | Palletized movement and forward staging |
Air-enabled fuel configurations restricted to U.S. Government and approved allies. Detailed configurations provided through direct engagement.
TCB-XL – GROUND Transportation Table
(Representative examples only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended Configuration | Mounting / Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Tactical Vehicles | HEMTT variants, LVSR | Up to TCB-XL (3,000 gal) Ground configurations | Bed / flatbed / trailer | Payload and route planning are mission dependent |
| PLS and Load Handling | PLS, compatible flatracks | Up to TCB-XL (3,000 gal) Ground configurations | Flatrack / load handling interface | Supports forward staging and rapid repositioning |
| Trailers / Flatbeds | Tactical trailers, commercial flatbeds | Up to TCB-XL (3,000 gal) Ground configurations | Strapped / secured | Enables bulk distribution flexibility |
| Material Handling Interface | Forklift / MHE operations | Palletized handling when required | 463L / MHE | Supports staging and rapid movement |
Detailed configurations provided through direct engagement and end-user validation.
TCB-XL – MARITIME Transportation Table
(Representative examples only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended Configuration | Deck / Handling Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship-to-Shore Craft | LCUs | Up to TCB-XL (3,000 gal) Maritime configurations | Deck tie-down | Deck handling and tie-down approach are mission dependent |
| Amphibious Craft | LCAC | Up to TCB-XL (3,000 gal) Maritime configurations | Deck secured | Sea state and deck operations drive execution |
| Logistics Support Vessels | Logistics support vessels and similar | Up to TCB-XL (3,000 gal) Maritime configurations | Deck staging | Supports forward sustainment and staging |
| Small-Deck Vessels | Utility boats, small-deck vessels | Up to TCB-XL (3,000 gal) Maritime configurations | Deck secured | Mission-dependent deck space and tie-down approach |
Employment driven by deck handling, tie-down method, and mission profile. Detailed configurations provided through direct engagement.
TCB-TEU – GROUND (Containerized) Transportation Table
(Representative examples only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended Configuration | Mounting / Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Container-Capable Trucks | ISO-capable tractors and trucks | TCB-TEU (5,000 gal) | TEU chassis / ISO handling | Optimized for standard TEU workflows |
| Trailers / Flatbeds | Container chassis, flatbeds | TCB-TEU (5,000 gal) | Twist-lock / secured | Movement control aligned with TEU handling |
| Container-Mounted Vehicles | Container-capable logistics vehicles | TCB-TEU (5,000 gal) | ISO container interface | Mission-dependent routing and tie-down |
TCB-TEU – MARITIME (Containerized) Transportation Table
(Representative examples only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended Configuration | Deck / Handling Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Staging (ISO) | TEU staging on deck | TCB-TEU (5,000 gal) | Container handling | Supports deck efficiency and controlled staging |
| Logistics Support Vessels | Container-capable vessels | TCB-TEU (5,000 gal) | Container handling | Supports sustained staging and distribution |
| Ship-to-Shore Support | LCUs (mission dependent) | TCB-TEU (5,000 gal) | Deck secured / container handling | Execution depends on craft, sea state, and deck plan |
TCB-TEU – AIR Transportation (Mission Dependent)
(Representative examples only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended Configuration | Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Airlift (mission dependent) | C-17, C-5 | TCB-TEU (5,000 gal) | Mission-planned handling pathway | Air execution requires mission planning and approved handling pathway |