All About Aircraft Fuel Storage

Fuel is paramount to the operation of an aircraft, allowing for an engine to produce propulsion through the combustion of fuel and air mixtures. While there is a heavy focus on the distribution and combustion of aircraft fuel, much attention is also given to how aircraft fuel may be stored. This is because storage affects the ability of an aircraft to supply an engine with fuel and its performance as well as ensures the protection of pilots, crew members, and passengers.

While there are a variety of aircraft designs that may present their own systems and solutions for aircraft storage, the most common area in which aircraft fuel is placed is within the wings. There are a variety of reasons for this decision, ranging from effects on performance to safety endeavors. During a typical flight, a great amount of force is induced to the wings, often resulting in flutter. Flutter in significant degrees may result in damage or failure of a wing, and the additional weight of fuel tanks within wings can deter such hazards with increased rigidity. By placing fuel tanks within each wing, an aircraft can also better control its center of gravity for safer flying and stability. This also increases the amount of payload that can be stored within the fuselage without affecting stability. Lastly, placing the aircraft tanks in the wings is important as it maintains a distance between the source of fuel and the fuselage where individuals are. As such, safety is increased in the potential occurrence of a fire.

While many aircraft may store their fuel within wings, the type of fuel tank present in a particular model may also vary depending on various needs or limitations. Integral fuel tanks are a type that may be installed in a variety of locations on the aircraft. Nevertheless, such fuel tank types are most commonly placed within the wings and then sealed with a fuel resistant material. To ensure that such tanks accommodate the space of their installation, they are initially designed with structural requirements in mind. With the addition of seals and baffling, the sloshing and leaking of the tank can be avoided for safety and performance.

Rigid removable fuel tanks are another option that provide high strength for protection while being a separate, standalone unit. As tanks that are placed in structures specifically designed for their implementation, rigid removable tanks are secured with the use of a quilted strap assembly. Oftentimes, the wing ribs may act as baffles to prevent the sloshing of fuel within the tank. The main benefit of removable tanks is that they are not an integral part of the wing structure, meaning that they can be removed and maintained as necessary in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Bladder fuel tanks are another very common type used for aircraft, and they provide similar features as seen with rigid tanks all while requiring less space for installation. As reinforced rubberized bags, bladder fuel tanks can serve all types of aircraft for fuel storage needs. To ensure that they are well protected from damage, they are placed within a collapsible tank. As bladder fuel tanks are more flexible, they require moisture at all times. Despite this, the fuel cells themselves are negatively impacted by heat and humidity, thus care should be taken to protect them such as keeping an aircraft within a cooled hanger when not in use.

Beyond such examples, there are a variety of options one may use to safely and optimally store their aircraft fuel. At ASAP Supply Chain, we operate as an online distributor of aircraft parts and components that have been sourced from top global manufacturers that we trust. As the only independent distributor with a no China sourcing pledge, we ensure that every item ships alongside its qualifying certifications or manufacturing trace documentation. Furthermore, we enact rigorous quality assurance testing for our inventory so that customers only receive the best items possible. Begin the purchasing process today and see why customers steadily rely on ASAP Supply Chain for their operational requirements.