Capability enhancement

Capability enhancement

Marshall is proud to work with global OEMs and fleet operators to extend the mission capability and longevity of their aircraft, while self-certifying our own work.

We are able to develop bespoke modifications to enhance the safety and operational capabilities of aircraft, as well as cost-effective, low-risk commercial off-the-shelf systems. Any modifications can be embodied during the entry into service process, or during a later maintenance input as part of the long-term support we provide.

Operating range extension

Marshall has decades of expertise in developing and providing solutions that extend the operating range of aircraft - whether through the production of auxiliary fuel tanks or the installation probes for aerial refuelling.

Fuel tanks

For over four decades, Marshall has produced auxiliary fuel tanks that have been retrofitted to 10 commercial and military aircraft types across five major OEMs including Airbus, Bombardier and Boeing. We offer a safe, reliable and certified solution needed to meet range-extension requirements, today and in the future.

We have been working extensively with Boeing since 1997, initially providing auxiliary fuel tanks for commercial airliner variants such as the 747-400ER and 777-220LR Worldliner. Since 2009, we have been Boeing’s exclusive supplier of auxiliary fuel tanks for the globally successful P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, end customers for which include the United Kingdom, United states, Australia, India, New Zealand and Norway.

The auxiliary fuel tanks extend the flight range of the aircraft and allow for additional time on station. Marshall supplies the tanks in ship-sets of six, along with a number of components. With over 1,200 tanks produced to date, we have achieved an uninterrupted 100% on-time delivery record and 100% quality performance for over a decade.

The certified dual-wall aluminium honeycomb structure we use for our P-8 tanks is a cost-effective solution that maximises strength and reliability while also providing very competitive weight-to-fuel volume performance. Our tank designs offer a 15% increase in fuel volume compared to conventional bladder solutions, while also requiring less frequent maintenance.

We are constantly embedding continuous improvement into our processes and using of new materials such as composite solutions to expand the capabilities of our fuel tanks and systems.

Case Study - Boeing P-8 auxiliary fuel tank design and manufacture

As Boeing’s exclusive supplier of auxiliary fuel tanks for the globally successful P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft since 2005, Marshall has applied its design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities to deliver a market-leading lightweight fuel system solution.


Read our case study

Aerial refuelling probes

Marshall has extensive experience providing fixed-mast receiver probes for aerial refuelling on a variety of civil and military aircraft types, including the Lockheed L1011 Tristar, Embraer 145, and Lockheed Martin C-130K Mk1/Mk3 and C-130J. These are simple, reliable additions to the aircraft with minimal maintenance requirements.

As the sole supplier of aerial refuelling probes for the C-130J, we carry out design, analysis and manufacturing in house, delivering completed probes – along with in-fuselage centre-wing connection kits – to Lockheed Martin’s final assembly line in Marietta. These probes are already installed on the Italian, Indian and Australian C-130J fleets, and can be supported on all non-US operated C-130J aircraft.

  • Aerial refuelling probe modifications we offer:
    • Refuelling MA-2 nozzle
    • Refuelling mast
    • Inner refuel line
    • Purge line
    • Mass balance installation
    • Weak link (for safety in case of separation failure)
    • Breakaway/shut-off valve
    • Metal or composite fairing manufacture and integration
    • Structural mounting and fuselage reinforcement
    • Nozzle illumination - installation of day- and night-compatible lighting
    • Flame arrestor/isolator for lightning protection
    • Fuel and moisture drainage
    • Cockpit panel modification to accommodate aerial refuelling operation
    • Avionic and control logic integration
    • In-fuselage dual-wall system installation

We can also design aerial refuelling probes to be removable, reducing drag and lowering the weight penalty when they are not needed.


Adaptable Role-fit Capability (ARC)

Marshall’s Adaptable Role-fit Capability (ARC) product family includes a range of platform-agnostic systems designed to rapidly enhance an aircraft’s capability within hours, enabling fleet operators to flexibly and efficiently reposition their aircraft for different types of mission - from cargo transport to medical evacuation and even intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).

Radar

Marshall ARC Radar is a modular sensor suite that allows operators of tactical transport aircraft to quickly and temporarily outfit an aircraft for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.



As the first of several products within the Marshall Adaptable Role-fit Capability (ARC) family, ARC Radar is a palletised solution with no permanent integration and no modifications required, utilising only existing aircraft power outlets.

The system’s potential applications are remarkably broad, ranging from military ISR land, sea or air missions to applied civilian operations such as search and rescue, humanitarian support, and disaster relief. Despite being fitted temporarily, the Osprey 30 radar suite maintains full performance during operation.

  • ARC-Radar core system
    • Mission Management System (MMS)
    • AESA multi-mode Leonardo Osprey 30 Radar
    • Compatible with a range of permanent and role fit satcom solutions
    • 463L master pallet system compatible with existing cargo handling systems
    • Two panel radar solution with unrestrictive field of view
    • Discrete conformal radome
    • No permanent modification to the aircraft required and no reduction of aircraft performance
    • Expandable modular sensor functions that can be upgraded at any time to integrate into the core system

View the Marshall ARC-Radar spec sheet

Aeromedical evacuation system (AMES)

Marshall ARC AMES enables fleet operators to outfit aircraft for tactical and strategic medical evacuation missions on demand, giving medium- and high-dependency patients the optimum chance of survival during air transport.

Aero Medical Evacuation Systems

Palletised aeromedical evacuation system onboard C-130 aircraft

The palletised system can be rapidly installed and removed, requiring no modifications to the aircraft and utilising the existing aircraft power supply.

AMES can be configured to specific operational needs, while its modular design allows multiple modules to be connected to support additional patients.

View the AMES spec sheet

Multiplatform cargo winch

Marshall’s roll-on, roll-off multiplatform cargo winch supports the loading of heavy objects - particularly in remote locations where ground support equipment is unavailable.

The system can be installed without any modifications, and makes use of existing electrical outlets for power, meaning it can easily be transferred as needed between multiple aircraft within a single fleet.

View the Multiplatform Cargo Winch spec sheet


Lightweight armour

Thanks to an exclusive agreement with QinetiQ, Marshall is the first company to certify and deliver the latest generation of lightweight armour (LAST Armor® LWA) for the C-130 Hercules, giving operators around the world confidence that their crews are protected against small arms fire in hostile environments.

The armour is manufactured from high tenacity polyethylene, making it extremely robust and remarkably light. It can be quickly and easily installed during scheduled maintenance or as a standalone activity, thus ensuring optimum aircraft mission availability.

“It was an easy decision to work together with Marshall Aerospace to certify and install the LAST Armor LWA onto our fleet of C-130Js. The level of protection provides a greater probability of mission success in harsh environments or potential conflicts and has promoted confidence in our aircrew.”

NATO Air Force representative

View the C-130 Hercules lightweight armour spec sheet


Through-life support

We meet our through-life commitments with a Continued Airworthiness Management Programme that provides the evidence needed to underwrite safe operation throughout the life of a component or structure.

We have the experience and capability to produce, procure and test spares at both platform and system level, drawing on our in-house production expertise and mature global supply chain.

We can undertake all aspects of component repair and refurbishment, with all repairs designed to maintain airworthiness and structural integrity while reducing fatigue.


Supply chain management

We manage the global supply chain for our products and the components we install, leveraging our long-term relationships with equipment and material OEMs to provide the required expertise at the right time in the right place.

Our supply chain processes are audited to AS9100 standard and our extensive knowledge of export regulations, including ITAR, helps ensure we maintain a compliant, sustainable and socially responsible procurement process.

We offer extensive warehouse and distribution services, including the capability to hold inventory in our fully bonded and climate-controlled storage space. Our warehouse team undertake all goods receipts, inspection, storage and handling of parts, including dangerous goods.

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