TCB-S / QuadFlex™ (TCB-QUAD)
Small Tactical + Containerized Transportable Collapsible Bladder Systems
The TCB-S (Small Transportable Collapsible Bladder) and the TCB-QUAD (QuadFlex™) are complementary Canflex fuel distribution solutions engineered for operations where fixed fuel infrastructure is unavailable, degraded, or impractical. TCB-S supports tactical bulk fuel distribution at the forward edge, providing a rapidly deployable, flexible fuel storage and distribution capability, while TCB-QUAD (QuadFlex™) extends that same mission set into forward staging and node-based sustainment as a QUADCON-optimized, containerized fuel distribution system designed for controlled handling and logistics-node execution.
- TCB-S systems typically support bulk fuel volumes up to 500 gal, aligning with short-duration, highly mobile missions that require fuel to move with the force. TCB-S is engineered for cross-domain employment, allowing commanders and logisticians to select the most appropriate transportation method based on mission requirements, terrain, and available assets.
- QuadFlex™ extends that same forward-edge mission into container-based staging and sustainment, using standardized container handling workflows to improve handling efficiency, deck utilization, and node control. QuadFlex™ is built around an 850-gal fuel module and can be deployed as a single unit or scaled into multi-bladder kits (example, a 3,400-gal class system).
At a planning level, these systems are anchored by operating dimensions, storage capacity, 463L pallet compatibility, and ISO container compatibility.
Quick Comparison Table (Planning-Level)
| Parameter | TCB-S | TCB-QUAD (QuadFlex™) |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Focus | Tactical distribution, forward edge | Containerized staging, node sustainment |
| Capacity (per unit/module) | Up to 500 gal | Up to 850 gal |
| Operating Footprint | ~7.4 × 4.4 × 3.0–4.0 ft | Containerized execution (module/kit-based) |
| 463L Compatibility | Yes (half/full pallet) | No |
| ISO Container Pathway | TRICON | QUADCON |
| Primary Handling Method | Pallet, vehicle, craft staging | Container handling, deck/node workflows |
Mission Application
TCB-S is employed to extend operational reach and sustain maneuver elements where speed, access, and adaptability are critical. Its compact footprint and transport flexibility make it well suited for early-entry, expeditionary, and forward operations, while retaining the ability to reposition or scale as mission requirements evolve.
TCB-QUAD (QuadFlex™) is employed when operations shift toward container-driven execution and logisticians require controlled staging, standardized handling, and modular scaling at forward logistics nodes. QuadFlex™ supports container-ready execution and may be configured as an 850-gal module or as a scaled kit using multiple modules to increase node capacity without changing the handling concept.
Typical Military Use
TCB-S / QuadFlex™ systems are commonly used for:
- Forward refuel points supporting maneuver units
- Distributed operations with a minimal sustainment footprint
- Early-entry fuel staging, rapidly repositionable as missions evolve
- Containerized staging at logistics nodes and maritime decks (QuadFlex™ / TCB-QUAD)
- Bulk movement and ship-to-shore support using container-capable assets
- Modular sustainment scaled by 850-gal building blocks, including pre-positioned stocks
System Notes
QuadFlex™ may include container-ready accessories and secondary containment options to support controlled staging and logistics-node operations. Detailed configurations and approvals are provided through direct engagement
Access, Availability & Engineering Support
Certain 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-S / QuadFlex™
TCB-S – AIR Transportation Table
(Representative examples only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended TCB-S Configuration | Pallet / Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPADS | JPADS Light (10K), JPADS Medium (30K), JPADS Heavy (60K) | Up to TCB-500 Air configurations | Rigged per load plan | Quantity and rigging depend on mission profile and air delivery method |
| Rotary-Wing Lift | SH-60, CH-47 | Up to TCB-500 Air configurations | Internal / external per mission | Load planning and restraint requirements apply |
| Tiltrotor | MV-22 | Up to TCB-500 Air configurations | Pallet / internal | Final load plan governs |
| Fixed-Wing Tactical Airlift | C-130 | Up to TCB-500 Air configurations | 463L pallet workflow | Designed to align with air-ground interface operations |
| Fixed-Wing Strategic Airlift | C-17 | Up to TCB-500 Air configurations | 463L pallet workflow | Palletized movement and forward staging |
Air-enabled fuel configurations restricted to U.S. Government and approved allies. Detailed configurations provided through direct engagement.
TCB-S – GROUND Transportation Table
(Representative examples only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended TCB-S Configuration | Mounting / Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Tactical Vehicles | JLTV Utility / Passenger | Up to TCB-500 Ground configurations | Bed / secured | Supports mobile refuel and tactical distribution |
| Medium Tactical Vehicles | LMTV (2.5-ton), LMTV (6×6) | Up to TCB-500 Ground configurations | Bed / flatbed / trailer | Common execution method for TCB-S |
| Medium Heavy Vehicles | MTVR (7-ton) | Up to TCB-500 Ground configurations | Bed / flatbed | Supports maneuver sustainment and refuel points |
| Heavy Tactical Vehicles | HEMTT variants, LVSR (K-container compatible) | Up to TCB-500 Ground configurations | Bed / flatbed / trailer | Mission-dependent tie-down approach |
| Pallet Handling / Staging | Material handling equipment | Pallet-compatible TCB-S configurations | 463L / MHE | Enables rapid repositioning and staging |
| Commercial Vehicles | Commercial pickups / flatbeds | Up to TCB-500 Ground configurations | Secured per load plan | Used when contracted support is available |
Detailed configurations provided through direct engagement and end-user validation.
TCB-S – MARITIME Transportation Table
(Representative examples only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended TCB-S Configuration | Deck / Handling Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Craft | RHIBs | Up to TCB-500 Maritime configurations | Deck secured | Limited deck space and sea state considerations apply |
| Amphib / Utility Craft | LARC-V, utility boats | Up to TCB-500 Maritime configurations | Deck tie-down | Common littoral distribution method |
| Ship-to-Shore Craft | LCUs | Up to TCB-500 Maritime configurations | Deck tie-down | Supports ship-to-shore fuel movement and staging |
| Small-Deck Vessels | Small-deck vessels | Up to TCB-500 Maritime configurations | Deck secured | Mission-dependent deck handling and tie-down approach |
| Maritime Logistics Nodes | Container platforms (TRICON staging) | TRICON-compatible TCB-S packaging | Container handling | Transport and staging method supporting forward logistics |
Employment driven by deck handling, tie-down method, and mission profile. Detailed configurations provided through direct engagement.
QuadFlex™ – GROUND Transportation (Containerized) Table
(Representative examples only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended Configuration | Mounting / Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Container-Capable Trucks | QUADCON-capable trucks / tractors | QuadFlex™ 850-gal module or scalable kit | QUADCON handling | Standardized container workflow |
| Trailers / Chassis | Container chassis / flatbeds | QuadFlex™ 850-gal module or scalable kit | Twist-lock / secured | Movement control aligned with container handling |
| Container-Mounted Vehicles | Container-capable logistics vehicles | QuadFlex™ containerized execution | QUADCON interface | Mission-dependent routing and tie-down |
QuadFlex™ – MARITIME Transportation (Containerized)
Representative example only
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended Configuration | Deck / Handling Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Staging (QUADCON) | QUADCON deck staging | QuadFlex™ 850-gal module or scalable kit | Container handling | Controlled staging, deck efficiency |
| Logistics Support Vessels | Container-capable vessels | QuadFlex™ containerized execution | Container handling | Sustained staging and distribution support |
| Ship-to-Shore Support | LCUs (mission dependent) | QuadFlex™ containerized execution | Deck secured / container handling | Mission-dependent craft, sea state, and deck plan |
QuadFlex™ – AIR Transportation (Mission Dependent) Table
(Representative example only)
| Platform Type | Representative Platforms (Examples) | Recommended Configuration | Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Airlift (mission dependent) | C-17, C-5 | QuadFlex™ containerized execution | Mission-planned handling pathway | Requires mission planning and approved handling pathway |