Why Military Forces Choose Scepter®
A Safer, Lighter and More Durable Alternative to Steel Jerry Cans
For decades, steel jerry cans have been the standard solution for transporting fuel in military and professional applications. Today, however, modern armed forces, vehicle manufacturers and emergency services increasingly prefer Scepter® Military Fuel Containers (MFCs) because they offer significant advantages in safety, durability, weight and long-term reliability.
Manufactured from advanced engineering plastic, Scepter MFCs are designed to meet the demanding requirements of military operations while remaining fully compatible with standard NATO vehicle storage systems.
Enhanced Safety
The greatest advantage of the Scepter Military Fuel Container is improved personnel safety.
If a steel fuel can is struck by a bullet or shrapnel, the impact may generate sparks that ignite the fuel. Because the steel container retains the increasing internal pressure created by the burning fuel, it can eventually explode. Government testing has shown that burning steel fuel cans may explode within only a few minutes, creating a powerful fireball and dispersing dangerous metal fragments over a large area.
A Scepter plastic fuel container behaves very differently. The plastic itself does not generate sparks when struck, and if the fuel ignites, the container softens and melts instead of trapping increasing internal pressure. As a result, the risk of a catastrophic explosion and dangerous metal shrapnel is dramatically reduced.
For military personnel operating around vehicles, this can significantly improve survivability during combat situations.
Why Vehicle OEMs Prefer Plastic Fuel Containers
Modern military vehicle manufacturers invest heavily in technologies that improve crew protection, including advanced armor, blast-resistant V-shaped hulls and other survivability systems.
Installing traditional steel fuel cans on the exterior of these vehicles can compromise those protective measures. If a steel can is penetrated and ignites, it may create a dangerous secondary explosion close to soldiers using the vehicle for cover.
By eliminating the risk of metal shrapnel and significantly reducing the possibility of a pressure explosion, Scepter Military Fuel Containers complement the protective features built into today's armored vehicles. For this reason, many vehicle OEMs and defence organizations recognize plastic fuel containers as the safer solution for modern military platforms.
Lightweight and Easy to Handle
Every kilogram matters in military and professional operations.
- Steel jerry can (empty): approximately 4.3 kg
- Scepter Military Fuel Container (empty): approximately 2.3 kg
The Scepter container weighs almost 50% less than a comparable steel can, making it easier to carry, load and handle while reducing overall vehicle weight.
Outstanding Durability
Unlike steel containers, Scepter MFCs do not dent when dropped, thrown or subjected to rough handling.
A dented steel jerry can loses structural integrity and becomes more susceptible to corrosion. Plastic containers retain their strength and shape even after years of demanding service.
Corrosion-Free Construction
Steel fuel cans inevitably rust over time.
Moisture inside the container can cause internal corrosion that contaminates the fuel with rust particles. These particles may clog fuel lines, filters and injectors, potentially leading to costly vehicle repairs.
Scepter Military Fuel Containers are completely corrosion resistant. They never rust, helping to keep fuel clean and protecting vehicle fuel systems.
Seamless One-Piece Construction
Traditional steel jerry cans rely on welded seams that can weaken and eventually split after years of use.
Scepter MFCs are manufactured as a seamless one-piece blow-moulded container with no welds, eliminating one of the most common failure points found in steel cans.
Visible Pressure Indication
Fuel naturally expands in hot climates.
A Scepter plastic container will visibly expand if internal pressure increases, providing a clear indication that pressure has built up and allowing it to be safely released when opening the cap.
A steel can provides no visible indication of pressure build-up, making potentially hazardous conditions difficult to detect.
Fast Fuel Dispensing
When fitted with the original Scepter 1-inch military pour spout, a full 20-litre Military Fuel Container can be emptied in less than one minute, enabling fast and efficient refuelling in demanding field conditions.
Long Service Life
Because they resist dents, corrosion and rust, Scepter Military Fuel Containers frequently remain in service for 15 years or longer, reducing replacement costs and lowering lifecycle expenses.
Additional Operational Advantages
In addition to superior safety and durability, Scepter Military Fuel Containers provide a number of practical features appreciated by military and professional users.
- Fits standard NATO vehicle mounting brackets without modification.
- Compatible with Scepter military pour spouts and accessories.
- Integrated air-vent tube ensures smooth, fast and controlled fuel flow.
- Internal threads accept adapters for selected military stoves and heaters.
- Built-in air chamber provides positive buoyancy, allowing the container to float if accidentally dropped into water.
- Optional colour-coded retaining straps allow quick identification of diesel, gasoline, kerosene, two-stroke fuel or waste fuel, reducing the risk of fuel contamination.
Why Choose Scepter?
Compared with traditional steel jerry cans, Scepter Military Fuel Containers provide:
- Improved personnel safety with significantly reduced explosion and shrapnel risk
- Nearly 50% lower empty weight
- No rust or corrosion
- No dents during normal handling
- Seamless one-piece construction with no welded joints
- Cleaner fuel and better protection of vehicle fuel systems
- Visible indication of internal pressure build-up
- Fast refuelling with the original Scepter military pour spout
- Long service life, often exceeding 15 years
- Full compatibility with standard NATO vehicle brackets
- Wide range of military accessories and adapters
- Colour-coded identification options for different fuel types
For armed forces, defence organizations, emergency services and professional users worldwide, Scepter Military Fuel Containers deliver a safer, lighter and more reliable alternative to conventional steel jerry cans.
