Aviation Fuel Bowsers by Chieftain Trailers

Chieftain manufacture aviation fuel bowsers designed for both Avgas (aviation gasoline, used in piston-engine aircraft) and Jet A1 (kerosene-based fuel used in turbine and jet engines). Each fuel type requires specific materials and seals within the bowser to prevent contamination, and Chieftain's designs meet these requirements.

Chieftain aviation fuel bowsers are built to comply with the regulations governing fuel handling on airfields. Specific airside approval requirements vary by airport authority and country. Chieftain work with airport operators and ground handling companies to ensure their bowsers meet local airside operational requirements.

Chieftain aviation fuel bowsers feature bunded construction for secondary containment, flame arrestors, grounding points for static discharge, and fuel-specific hoses and nozzles. These safety features are essential when handling volatile aviation fuels near aircraft and within airport environments where ignition risks must be eliminated.

Yes. Chieftain's engineering team regularly works with airport operators and military airfields to design aviation bowsers for specific applications. Custom specifications can include particular fuel system configurations, capacity requirements, towing arrangements, and livery to match the customer's operational and branding requirements.

Avgas and Jet A1 require different internal materials, seals, and filtration to prevent fuel contamination. Avgas bowsers must handle a more volatile fuel with stricter vapour control requirements. Jet A1 bowsers handle kerosene, which is less volatile but requires specific seal materials. Chieftain design each bowser type to meet the exact specifications of the fuel it will carry.

The Chieftain Aviation Tug Bowser is designed to be towed by an airport tug or ground support vehicle at low speeds across the airfield. Unlike a standard road-towable bowser, it is optimised for airside operations with features such as low-profile construction, ground-level dispensing equipment, and aviation-grade safety systems for fuelling aircraft on the apron.

Aviation fuel handling is governed by national aviation authority regulations, airport operator requirements, and international standards including Joint Inspection Group (JIG) guidelines. These cover tank construction, secondary containment, fire prevention, grounding, filtration, and operator training. Chieftain aviation bowsers are designed to meet these regulatory frameworks.