Helicopter Refuelling Systems
DESMI’s ship-based helicopter refuelling systems ensure safe, efficient aviation fuel transfer on board naval and coastguard vessels. They are built in a modular design and compliant with naval classification standards and NATO STANAGs.
Safe fuel operation on board your naval ship:
- Maximum uptime
- Easy access for maintenance & trouble shooting
- Easy handling before first flight of day
- Mission-ready HIFR operations
DESMI helicopter refuelling systems are widely used in defense, expeditionary and offshore applications where mobility and endurance are essential.
Typical setups include:
- Naval vessels such as frigates and amphibious assault ships, supporting deck refuelling of rotary-wing aircraft and complementing our pumps for navy ships.
- Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and expeditionary airfields providing autonomous fuel supply in remote theatres.
- Offshore platforms and installations, ensuring continuous helicopter operations for maintenance and crew transfer.
Designed for rapid deployment in less than 30 minutes, these portable refuelling systems support special operations, logistics missions, maritime patrol and emergency response tasks where rapid turnaround and enduring performance are critical.
A size that fits your ship
No matter which size you choose, we make sure it fits your ship and your operation. We deliver with one or two filter water separators and each system is made in a modular design with bottom plate to save weight and increase strength. Each system is prepared for helicopter in-flight refuelling (HIFR) operations and the latest filter barrier technology.
System sizes
Technical Data - Pump & Filtration Skid
| Model | L x W x H | Capacity | HIFR | Weight |
| DES-150 | 2006 x 1190 x 1736 mm | 150 - 230 l/min | Yes | 1085 kg |
| DES-250 | 1956 x 1905 x 2092 mm | 150 - 230 l/min | Yes | 2157 kg |
| DES-165 | 2300 x 1905 x 2042 mm | 250 - 380 l/min | Yes | 1215 kg |
| DES-265 | 2300 x 1905 x 2042 mm | 250 - 380 l/min | Yes | 2455 kg |
| DES-180 | 2490 x 1785 x 2050 mm | 380 - 680 l/min | Yes | 2550 kg |
| DES-280 | 2490 x 1785 x 2050 mm | 380 - 680 l/min | Yes | 2421 kg |
Technical Data - Dispenser Skid
| Model | L x W x H | Capacity | HIFR | Weight |
| DES-340 | 1500 x 1400 x 1788 mm | 150 - 230 l/min | Yes | 900 kg |
| DES-350 | 1600 x 1500 x 1788 mm | 250 - 380 l/min | Yes | 990 kg |
| DES-365 | 1750 x 1700 x 1946 mm | 380 - 680 l/min | Yes | 1130 kg |
DES Helicopter Refuelling System Video
Key Benefits and Value Drivers
DESMI helicopter refuelling systems are designed for demanding naval and marine operations, where safe fuel handling, reliable performance, and maximum uptime are essential:
- Fast helicopter refuelling: High flow rates enable rapid turnaround and continuous air operation readiness.
- Safe fuel handling: Built-in controls and dry-break couplings help prevent spills and reduce the risk of fuel contamination.
- Reliable onboard fuel supply: Proven technology and durable materials ensure stable performance in demanding marine and navy environments.
- Low-maintenance refuelling system: Modular components and easy access to service points help minimise downtime and simplify servicing.
- Flexible shipboard integration: Available in standard or customised designs to fit your vessel and operational requirements.
- Easy operator control: An intuitive user interface allows operators to manage refuelling, flushing, defueling, and other key functions in just a few clicks.
- Prepared for HIFR operations: Designed for safe helicopter flight deck operation and optimised for helicopter in-flight refuelling.
- Built for long-term cost efficiency: Designed to military specifications with robust engineering, low wear rates, and energy-efficient pumps for a lower total cost of ownership.
Every DESMI helicopter refuelling system is engineered for reliability and field adaptability. Depending on operational requirements, systems can be containerised, skid-mounted or integrated into vehicle platforms.
Key technical features include:
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Pumping options: High-performance centrifugal or positive displacement pumps delivering up to 1,000 l/min at 10 bar - supported by technologies such as the DES-1 emergency diesel-driven fire pump.
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Fuel compatibility: Designed for aviation fuels such as Jet A-1, JP-5 and JP-8, with filtration units down to 10-micron removing water and particulates.
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Control and automation: PLC-based control panels with touchscreen operation, overpressure protection and deadman functionality for maximum operator safety.
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Rugged materials: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel, aluminium bronze or marine-grade alloys ensure durability in saline or harsh climates.
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Power flexibility: Options for diesel-driven units, shore power connection or integration with onboard electrical systems.
All the Approvals Needed - Naval Standards
Approved according to all Class Societies incl. DNV-GL, Lloyds, Bureau Veritas, etc., the DES Helicopter Refuelling System complies with naval classification standards - including NATO STANAG.
The system is designed to cope with “outside events”, meaning it is shock compatible to operate before, during, and after a shock event. Other class society approvals and ATEX ZONE II are available upon request.
