Mercedes Mullins
The fuel tanks on a big jet are typically located in the wings, as this helps to maintain the structural integrity of the aircraft by reducing the structural load on the wings during flight. Some jets, like the Boeing 747, have fuel tanks that span the entire width of the plane. In addition to the wings, fuel tanks may also be located in the fuselage or empane of the aircraft. The A320 family of jets even offers the option to install additional fuel storage in the aft cargo hold.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel tanks in the wings
The wings of an aircraft are specifically designed to carry a significant amount of the plane's weight during flight. Therefore, filling the wing fuel tanks first ensures the aircraft is well-balanced, improving overall performance and stability. The weight of the fuel in the wings provides rigidity, reducing the risk of 'wing flutter'—a dangerous situation caused by airflow-induced vibrations, which can lead to the collapse of the wings.
Wing fuel tanks also improve the structural efficiency of an aircraft by counter-balancing the wing's lift and the fuselage's weight. This helps to cancel' some of the bending moments from lift, reducing the size and weight of wing spars, and allowing for the use of lighter materials. The weight of the fuel in the wings also reduces structural loading, as the aircraft rests on the wings during flight.
Additionally, wing fuel tanks simplify the fuel supply system, minimising the complexity of the tank design and the associated pumps and plumbing. They also provide more room for passengers and cargo by partially or completely eliminating the need for fuel storage in the fuselage. Finally, they improve safety by isolating passengers from fire and fume hazards associated with jet fuel.
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Additional fuel storage in the aft cargo hold
The A320 family of aircraft offers the option of installing additional fuel storage in the aft cargo hold. This is in addition to the most common fuel storage area, which is the wings of the aircraft.
The wings are hollow and provide the perfect space to store aviation fuel. They are watertight and have spars built between sections to prevent fuel from sloshing around. However, the A320 family of aircraft offers an alternative to this standard design.
The additional fuel storage in the aft cargo hold can be a beneficial feature for the A320 family of aircraft. This feature provides more flexibility in fuel storage options and can potentially increase the aircraft's range and efficiency.
By utilising the aft cargo hold for fuel storage, the aircraft may be able to carry more fuel, resulting in extended flight distances. This could be advantageous for long-haul flights or flights that require additional fuel reserves.
Additionally, the use of the aft cargo hold for fuel storage can contribute to better weight distribution and balance during flight. This is because the fuel is distributed along the length of the aircraft, similar to how placing a crumbled brick along your arm is easier than holding it in your hand.
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Fuel tanks in the fuselage
Although fuel tanks are commonly located in the wings of aircraft, there are several instances where fuel tanks are located in the fuselage. Firstly, in smaller aircraft, the fuselage tank is the primary fuel storage location. Tactical fighter aircraft, for example, use fuselage tanks as their primary fuel storage, despite incurring substantial range penalties.
Secondly, in larger aircraft, the use of fuselage tanks is often a necessity. As the size of the aircraft increases, so too does the amount of fuel required, and the wings alone may not provide sufficient fuel storage capacity. In these cases, the fuselage tanks are used to supplement the wing tanks, ensuring that the aircraft has enough fuel for long-duration flights.
The use of fuselage tanks in aircraft can provide several benefits. One advantage is the increased fuel capacity, as the fuselage offers additional space for fuel storage, which can be particularly useful for larger aircraft or long-haul flights. Moreover, the use of fuselage tanks can enhance the structural integrity of the aircraft. By distributing the weight of the fuel between the wings and the fuselage, the overall structural load on the wings is reduced. This reduction in load can lead to improved wing performance, decreased wing bending, and a potential increase in the lifespan of the aircraft.
However, there are also some challenges and considerations when it comes to using fuselage tanks. One significant concern is the impact on cargo space. The inclusion of fuel tanks in the fuselage can reduce the available space for cargo, which may be a critical factor for commercial aircraft. Additionally, the design and construction of fuselage tanks can be more complex and costly. The tanks may require heavy baffling to prevent issues with CG changes during pitch changes and acceleration. Furthermore, the overall shape and size of the aircraft body may need to be adjusted to accommodate the fuselage tanks, potentially increasing weight and drag.
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Temporary fuel tanks in place of seats
The additional fuel in these temporary tanks can increase the jet's range by a substantial amount. In the case of the Boeing 717, the extra fuel tanks added around 120 gallons of fuel capacity. This increase in fuel can extend the jet's range by several hundred miles, making it possible to undertake long-haul flights that would otherwise be out of reach for a short-haul jet.
The process of utilizing temporary fuel tanks in place of seats is a complex and meticulous task. The tanks must be carefully positioned and secured to ensure stability and safety during flight. Additionally, the removal of seats alters the weight and balance characteristics of the aircraft, requiring careful consideration and adjustments to maintain proper flight performance.
The order in which fuel is consumed from the different tanks is also a crucial consideration. Typically, drop tanks or auxiliary tanks are used first, followed by the main wing tanks. This sequence helps maintain optimal weight distribution and aircraft performance throughout the flight. In some cases, pilots may need to manually manage fuel consumption and switch between tanks, especially if there is an issue with a particular tank or pump.
While installing temporary fuel tanks in place of seats can extend the range of short-haul jets, it is not a common practice for regular operations. This method is often employed for specific missions or unique circumstances, such as delivering an aircraft to a distant location. In routine operations, other factors, such as passenger comfort, aircraft performance, and maintenance, take precedence over the need for extended range.
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Fuel tank switching systems
While some aircraft have a "Both" setting, allowing fuel to be drawn from two tanks simultaneously, others do not, resulting in unequal fuel draw. This can lead to fuel starvation, one of the most common reasons for in-flight emergencies. To prevent this, pilots must carefully manage fuel during the flight, including switching tanks when necessary.
When switching tanks, it is crucial to follow the "Look, Change, and Wait" rule. Pilots should first confirm that they are selecting a tank with fuel and then, after making the change, monitor the engine for thirty seconds. If the fuel flow is steady and the engine is running smoothly, the switch has been successful. If not, the previous configuration should be restored.
Additionally, pilots should be cautious when using checklists to avoid inadvertently selecting an empty tank or turning off the fuel selector. It is recommended to think of available fuel in hours and minutes rather than gallons and pounds, and to always ensure a safe configuration before, during, and after switching fuel tanks.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel tanks on a big jet are located in the wings.
Having fuel tanks in the wings helps to maintain the structural integrity of the jet. It also reduces the need for a high structural load that would come from storing fuel in the main body.
Yes, in addition to the wings, some jets have fuel tanks in the fuselage or empange. The A320 family of aircraft also has the option to install additional fuel storage in the aft cargo hold.
On jets without automatic fuel management systems, the engine fuel feed must be manually selected. Pilots must periodically alternate the fuel feed between both tanks to prevent a lateral imbalance and fuel quantity issues.
The Boeing 747 is known for having large fuel tanks that take up the entire wing span of the plane.
