Katerina Swanson
Airplane fuel tanks can be internal or external. Internal tanks include integral tanks, rigid removable fuel tanks, and bladder tanks. External tanks include conformal fuel tanks and drop tanks. The most common place for internal fuel tanks is within the structure of the wings, which are sealed with a fuel-resistant sealant. This design improves overall structural efficiency by counter-balancing the wing's lift and the fuselage's weight, and improves safety by locating fuel away from the passenger compartment. Fuel tanks in the wings also simplify the fuel supply system, and help isolate passengers from fire and fume hazards.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel tanks are commonly located in the wings
The wings are virtually hollow, providing ample space for fuel storage. This allows for a lighter fuselage, as there is no need for additional fuel tanks inside the main body of the plane. The weight of the fuel in the wings also helps to prevent the wings from flexing during takeoff when the plane is at its heaviest.
The fuel tanks in the wings are watertight and designed to hold aviation fuel. They are equipped with internal fuel pumps, valves, and plumbing to feed the engines, allow for refuelling and defuelling, and isolate the individual tanks. The tanks are sealed with a special fuel-resistant sealant to prevent leakage.
In addition to providing structural benefits and improving flight performance, storing fuel in the wings also enhances safety. The wings have multiple compartments or fuel cells that can prevent a complete fuel leak in the event of a breach, protecting passengers and critical systems inside the fuselage.
Overall, placing fuel tanks in the wings is a practical and efficient way to store fuel, improving the aircraft's overall performance and ensuring passenger safety.
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Internal tanks include integral, rigid removable and bladder tanks
Internal fuel tanks are an essential component of an aircraft's fuel system. They can be categorised into three main types: integral tanks, rigid removable tanks, and bladder tanks. Each type of internal tank offers unique advantages and is designed to optimise the aircraft's performance and safety.
Integral tanks are formed within the structure of the aircraft, typically in the wings or fuselage. The skin of the wing is connected to its internal structure, and the joints are sealed to prevent fuel leakage. These tanks are called integral tanks because they develop as a unit inside the airframe. Integral fuel tanks often feature sophisticated fuel systems, including in-tank boost pumps, which provide fuel to the engines and facilitate fuel transfer between tanks.
Rigid removable tanks, as the name suggests, are separate fuel containers that can be removed for repair or replacement. They are supported by the airframe but do not carry structural loads. These tanks are typically made from materials such as aluminium alloy, stainless steel, or sheet metal and are assembled by welding or riveting. They are held in place by screws or strap arrangements.
Bladder tanks, also known as non-rigid removable tanks, are made from reinforced flexible materials, such as a rubberised substance. Due to their flexibility, bladder tanks can be installed through small openings in the aircraft. They must be attached to the structure with clips or fasteners and must lie smooth and unwrinkled in the bay to prevent fuel contaminants. Bladder tanks are considered highly crashworthy due to their ability to deform without spilling fuel.
The design and placement of internal tanks vary depending on the aircraft's size, type, and performance requirements. These tanks are strategically located to ensure optimal weight distribution, balance, and stability during flight.
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External tanks include conformal and drop tanks
External fuel tanks are an important part of aircraft, allowing them to carry the large amounts of fuel required for flight. External tanks include conformal and drop tanks, which differ in several ways. Conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) are additional tanks that are fitted closely to the profile of an aircraft, extending its endurance. They are designed to be aerodynamic and can be mounted above the wings or on the fuselage, either on top or underneath. Conformal tanks do not occupy ordnance hardpoints, allowing the aircraft to carry its full payload. However, they cannot be discarded in flight and will impose a slight drag penalty and weight gain when empty.
Drop tanks, on the other hand, are auxiliary fuel tanks that are externally carried by airplanes. They are sometimes found in civilian airplanes and are usually used first before shifting to the internal tanks. Drop tanks can be discarded when empty or in emergencies to reduce drag, weight, and increase manoeuvrability. The main disadvantage of drop tanks is the drag penalty they impose on the aircraft.
Conformal fuel tanks have been used in various aircraft designs, including modern fighters like the F-16, F-15E, and F/A-18E, as well as World War II-era Supermarine Spitfires and the English Electric Lightning. Drop tanks have also been utilised by aircraft such as the P-51, which could carry them on its wing hardpoints.
The choice between conformal and drop tanks depends on the specific requirements of the aircraft and its missions. Conformal tanks offer improved aerodynamics and manoeuvrability but cannot be easily discarded, while drop tanks provide the advantage of being detachable but create more drag and occupy hardpoints.
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Integral tanks are formed within the aircraft's structure
Integral fuel tanks are formed within the aircraft's structure, often within the wings or fuselage. These tanks are integral because they are formed as part of the aircraft's structure, with the skin of the wing connected to its internal structure. The joints joining these two elements are sealed to prevent fuel leakage.
The integral tanks are formed within the wing's structure, with the wing ribs and box beam structural members acting as baffles to prevent fuel from sloshing around during flight. This design feature helps to stabilise the aircraft and reduce pressure on the wings. The weight of the fuel in the wings also helps to balance the aircraft, reducing the stress on the wings during takeoff, when the plane is at its heaviest.
Integral tanks are also found in the fuselage of some aircraft, although this is less common as it takes up valuable space that could be used for cargo or passengers. The A320 family of aircraft, for example, has the option to install additional fuel storage in the aft cargo hold.
The use of integral tanks allows for a more efficient distribution of fuel, with the outer tanks filled first and emptied last to minimise stress on the wings. The fuel in integral tanks is pumped to the engines under positive pressure, with at least two pumps in each tank delivering fuel and allowing for the transfer of fuel between tanks, the jettisoning of fuel, and the defueling of the aircraft.
Integral tanks are designed with access panels to allow for inspection, repairs, and maintenance. These panels are sealed with an O-ring and an aluminium gasket for electrostatic bonding. During maintenance, all fuel must be drained from the tank, and strict safety procedures must be followed, including the use of respiratory equipment to protect against fuel vapours.
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Fuel tanks in wings improve structural efficiency and safety
Fuel tanks in aircraft wings improve structural efficiency and safety in several ways. Firstly, they help counterbalance the wing's lift and the fuselage's weight, improving the aircraft's overall structural efficiency. This even weight distribution ensures the plane remains stable during flight and enhances its performance.
Secondly, wing fuel tanks simplify the aircraft's fuel supply systems by minimizing the complexity of fuel tank designs and the associated pumps and plumbing. This reduction in complexity contributes to improved structural efficiency and makes maintenance easier.
Thirdly, wing fuel tanks enhance safety by isolating passengers from fire and fume hazards associated with jet fuel. In the event of a leaking or compromised fuel tank, having the fuel stored in the wings provides passengers with valuable evacuation options during ground fires, as they are isolated from the initial effects of smoke and fire.
Additionally, wing fuel tanks maximize the use of space inside the aircraft. If the fuel tanks were located inside the fuselage, they would occupy valuable space that could otherwise be utilized for passengers, cargo, or essential equipment. By utilizing the wings for fuel storage, the interior of the plane has more room for seating and storage.
Furthermore, the wings are built with reinforced structures and internal fuel tanks that can safely store large quantities of fuel without compromising the aircraft's structural integrity. The wings have built-in safety measures, such as multiple compartments or fuel cells, that prevent the complete leakage of fuel in the event of damage, further enhancing safety.
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