Katerina Swanson
The fuel tank is one of the most important systems in an aircraft. Aircraft fuel tanks can be classified as internal or external. External tanks are commonplace on modern military aircraft and occasionally found on civilian aircraft, while internal tanks are areas inside the aircraft structure that have been sealed to allow fuel storage. The wings on aircraft are watertight and designed to hold aviation fuel, and most commercial aircraft store fuel in the wings. However, some aircraft also have tanks inside the body of the aircraft, and fuel can be stored in the fuselage or empennage.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel tanks are often integrated into the wings of passenger planes
The placement of fuel tanks in the wings reduces the stress on the wings during takeoff and flight. This is because the heavy fuel is placed directly inside the source of lift, reducing the weight that is off-centre from the plane's centre of gravity. This makes the aircraft more efficient by reducing the need for elevators.
The wings' hollow structure makes in-wing fuel storage feasible and an efficient use of space. The weight of fuel must be precisely balanced during refuelling and consumption during flight. Evenly distributing fuel between the wings helps to maintain aircraft balance.
Additionally, placing the fuel tanks in the wings moves them further from passengers and crew in the event of a leak or explosion.
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Additional fuel tanks can be fitted to extend the aircraft's range
Fuel tanks are an essential component of every aircraft and are typically located in the wings. They can be classified as internal or external fuel tanks and can be further classified by their method of construction or intended use. Internal fuel tanks, also known as integral tanks, are areas inside the aircraft structure that have been sealed to allow for fuel storage. These tanks are commonly used in larger aircraft and are positioned in the unused areas inside the wings. On the other hand, external fuel tanks, also known as drop tanks, are auxiliary tanks that are carried externally by the aircraft.
Another option for extending the aircraft's range is to utilize drop tanks, which are external fuel tanks that can be jettisoned when empty or in an emergency. Drop tanks were first introduced during World War II to extend the range of fighter aircraft and are still commonly used in modern military aircraft. They can provide a significant amount of extra fuel, such as the 1,700 litres (450 US gallons) of extra fuel provided by drop tanks during Operation Vengeance in 1941.
It is important to note that adding additional fuel tanks can increase the weight and drag of the aircraft, which may impact its performance and maneuverability. Additionally, the placement of fuel tanks is carefully considered to maintain the aircraft's center of gravity and structural integrity. In-wing fuel storage is often preferred as it reduces the weight that is off-center from the plane's center of gravity and helps maintain the wings' structural integrity.
Overall, the addition of auxiliary fuel tanks can provide increased range and endurance for aircraft, but it is important to carefully consider the potential impacts on the aircraft's performance and structure.
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Fuel tank explosions have caused aviation disasters
Fuel tanks are an essential component of aircraft, and they come in a variety of designs and placements depending on the type of aircraft. The most common placement for fuel tanks is in the wings of the aircraft, which helps maintain the structural integrity of the wings by reducing off-center weight and stress on the wings during takeoff and flight.
While fuel tanks are essential for aircraft operations, they have also been implicated in aviation disasters due to explosions. One notable example is the crash of TWA Flight 800 on July 17, 1996, which resulted in the deaths of all 230 people on board, making it the third-deadliest aviation accident in US history. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that the probable cause of the accident was the explosion of flammable fuel vapors in the center fuel tank, creating an explosive fuel/air mixture.
Similarly, in 1990, there was an explosion in the center tank of a Philippine Airlines Boeing 737 as it was being towed along a runway in Manila, resulting in eight deaths and dozens of injuries. Initially, investigators presumed that a bomb caused the explosion, but American aviation experts found no evidence of an attack or mechanical cause.
To address the risk of fuel tank explosions, some aircraft have implemented fuel tank inerting systems or firefighting foam in the tanks. For example, the Boeing 737 has two systems in place to reduce the chance of fuel tank ignition. One system shuts off fuel pumps when fuel output pressure is low to prevent them from heating up, as they rely on the fuel for cooling. The other system enriches the nitrogen levels in the air in the fuel tank, reducing the oxygen levels and decreasing the risk of burning.
Additionally, the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996 was passed in the wake of the TWA Flight 800 crash to give the NTSB responsibility for coordinating services to the families of victims. Furthermore, the final rule was designed to prevent accidents caused by fuel-tank explosions, requiring airlines to pump inert gas into the tanks of new passenger and cargo airliners.
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Fuel tanks can be internal or external
Fuel tanks are an essential component of an aircraft's fuel system. They can be classified as internal or external fuel tanks and can be further classified by their construction or intended use.
Internal fuel tanks, also known as integral tanks, are areas inside the aircraft's structure that have been sealed to allow for fuel storage. These tanks are commonly found in larger aircraft, such as passenger planes, and are often integrated into the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The placement of internal fuel tanks reduces stress on the wings during takeoff and flight by placing the heavy fuel directly inside the source of lift. It also reduces the amount of weight that is off-centre from the plane's centre of gravity. Additionally, the hollow structure of the wings makes in-wing fuel storage a feasible and efficient use of space.
External fuel tanks, on the other hand, are auxiliary tanks that are mounted outside the aircraft. They are commonly found on modern military aircraft and occasionally on civilian aircraft. These external tanks, also known as drop tanks, are typically jettisoned when empty or in emergencies to reduce drag and weight, increasing manoeuvrability and range.
Another type of internal fuel tank is the rigid removable tank, commonly found in smaller general aviation aircraft. These tanks are installed in a compartment designed to accommodate them and can be removed for inspection, replacement, or repair. They are typically made of metal, plastic, or fibreglass construction.
Bladder tanks, also known as bag tanks or fuel cells, are another type of internal fuel tank used in many high-performance light aircraft, helicopters, and some smaller turboprop aircraft. They are reinforced rubberised bags installed in a section of the aircraft structure designed to accommodate fuel.
The choice between internal and external fuel tanks depends on various factors, including the aircraft's size, purpose, and specific fuel storage needs.
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Fuel tank placement impacts the aircraft's centre of gravity
The placement of fuel tanks in an aircraft is critical to its overall performance and safety. While the most common placement for fuel tanks is in the wings, some aircraft also have tanks in the fuselage, empennage, or even external drop tanks. The location of these tanks can impact the aircraft's centre of gravity, which is crucial for maintaining control and stability during flight.
The centre of gravity (CG) of an aircraft is the point at which the weight of the aircraft is evenly distributed. It is essential that the CG remains within an allowable range during all phases of flight, as an out-of-balance aircraft can become difficult to control and may even experience a loss of manoeuvrability. The CG can shift during flight as the aircraft's weight changes, particularly due to fuel burn.
Placing fuel tanks in the wings can help to reduce the amount of weight that is off-centre from the aircraft's centre of gravity. This is because the wings are the main source of lift during flight, and by putting the heavy fuel directly inside them, the weight is more evenly distributed. Additionally, the hollow structure of wings makes in-wing fuel storage a feasible and efficient use of space.
However, the placement of fuel tanks in the wings can also create challenges. Different gravitational forces and wing-bending between full and empty tanks can result in repeating stresses that shorten the aircraft's lifespan. This is why some aircraft have fuel tanks in the fuselage or empennage, which can help to distribute weight more evenly.
Overall, the placement of fuel tanks in an aircraft is carefully considered to ensure the centre of gravity remains within safe limits during all phases of flight. By understanding the impact of fuel tank placement on the centre of gravity, aircraft designers can optimise the aircraft's performance, stability, and control.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel tank in an aeroplane can be found in the wings, fuselage, empennage or stabiliser.
The wings have a lot of empty space and creating additional space for fuel would make the aircraft larger and heavier. Placing the heavy fuel inside the source of lift also reduces stress on the wings during takeoff and flight.
Yes, fuel tanks can be internal or external. External tanks are commonplace on military aircraft and occasionally found on civilian aircraft. Internal tanks can be integral (sealed areas inside the aircraft structure) or rigid removable tanks.
Fuel tanks have been implicated in aviation disasters, with explosions causing accidents or worsening them. However, safety measures such as fuel tank inerting systems or firefighting foam in the tanks can reduce the chances of explosions.
