TCB-L
Large Transportable Collapsible Bladder
The TCB-L (Large Transportable Collapsible Bladder) is designed to support operational-level bulk fuel movement and distribution sustainment when fixed fuel infrastructure is unavailable, degraded, or impractical. This size class typically supports bulk fuel volumes up to 2,000 gal and is intended to support air, ground, and maritime movement and staging as part of distributed and expeditionary logistics.
At a planning level, TCB-L is defined by the following physical and load characteristics:
• Approximate operating dimensions: ~14 ft × 7.5 ft × 3.5 to 4.5 ft
• Storage capacity: Up to 2,000 gal
• 463L pallet compatibility: (2) married full pallets
• ISO container compatibility: TEU
These characteristics support integration across air, ground, and maritime platforms, enabling TCB-L to be positioned, moved, staged, and redeployed in support of distributed and expeditionary operations
Mission Application
- Tactical ground fuel transport via MTVR or LVSR
- Field deployment for Forward Arming & Refueling Points (FARP)
- Off-grid fuel delivery in austere environments
- Military logistics & re-supply missions
- Emergency fuel storage in mobile command units
- Fuel containment for vehicle-mounted systems
Typical Military Use
TCB-L is commonly used for:
• Forward staging at logistics nodes and refuel points
• Bulk fuel movement in support of distributed ground operations
• Ship-to-shore distribution support and littoral sustainment
• Extended-duration sustainment where repositioning and redeployment are required
Access, Availability & Engineering Support
TCB-L – AIR Transportation Table
(Representative examples only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended TCB-L Configuration | Pallet / Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPADS | JPADS Heavy (60K) | Up to TCB-L (2,000 gal) Air configurations | Rigged per load plan | Quantity and rigging depend on mission profile and delivery method |
| Rotary-Wing Heavy Lift | CH-53, CH-47 | Up to TCB-L (2,000 gal) Air configurations | Internal / external per mission | Load planning and restraint requirements apply |
| Fixed-Wing Tactical Airlift | C-130 | Up to TCB-L (2,000 gal) Air configurations | 463L (2 married full pallets) | Designed to align with air-ground interface operations |
| Fixed-Wing Strategic Airlift | C-17 | Up to TCB-L (2,000 gal) Air configurations | 463L (2 married full pallets) | Palletized movement and forward staging |
| Fixed-Wing Strategic Airlift | C-5 | Up to TCB-L (2,000 gal) Air configurations | 463L (2 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-L – GROUND Transportation Table
(Representative examples only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended TCB-L Configuration | Mounting / Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Heavy Vehicles | MTVR (MK23/25), MTVR trailers | Up to TCB-L (2,000 gal) Ground configurations | Bed / flatbed / trailer | Mission-dependent tie-down and routing |
| Heavy Tactical Vehicles | HEMTT variants, LVSR | Up to TCB-L (2,000 gal) Ground configurations | Bed / flatbed / trailer | Payload and route planning are mission-dependent |
| Load Handling Systems | LHS-compatible platforms | Up to TCB-L (2,000 gal) Ground configurations | LHS / flat-rack interface | Supports rapid staging and repositioning |
| Trailers / Flatbeds | Tactical trailers, commercial flatbeds | Up to TCB-L (2,000 gal) Ground configurations | Strapped / secured | Enables bulk distribution flexibility |
| Material Handling Interface | Forklift / MHE operations | Palletized and TEU-compatible packaging options | 463L / TEU handling | Supports staging and rapid movement |
Detailed configurations are provided through direct engagement and end-user validation.
TCB-L – MARITIME Transportation Table
(Representative examples only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended TCB-L Configuration | Deck / Handling Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship-to-Shore Craft | LCUs | Up to TCB-L (2,000 gal) Maritime configurations | Deck tie-down | Deck handling and tie-down approach are mission dependent |
| Amphibious Craft | LCAC | Up to TCB-L (2,000 gal) Maritime configurations | Deck secured | Sea state and deck operations drive execution |
| Logistics Support Vessels | LSV-class and similar | Up to TCB-L (2,000 gal) Maritime configurations | Deck staging / container handling | Supports forward sustainment and staging |
| Small-Deck Vessels | Utility boats, small-deck vessels | Up to TCB-L (2,000 gal) Maritime configurations | Deck secured | Mission-dependent deck space and tie-down approach |
| Maritime Logistics Nodes | TEU staging on deck | TEU-compatible TCB-L packaging options | Container handling | Enables deck efficiency and forward logistics flexibility |
Employment driven by deck handling, tie-down method, and mission profile.
Detailed configurations provided through direct engagement.