Contents
Can external fuel tanks be used as bombs?
Known as “drop tanks,” these simple devices extend the range of the aircraft they’re hooked up to by carrying extra usable fuel. Back during World War II, however, attack pilots found a secondary use for drop tanks as improvised bombs, used to bombard enemy ground positions.
What is the current FAA rule on fuel tank inerting?
Within two years, all new aircraft must include technology designed to significantly reduce the risk of center fuel tank fires as part of a final rule announced Wednesday by U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters.
What does SFAR 88 stand for?
Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88
The acronym stands for Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88. By December 2004, operators must include Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved provisions in their inspection and maintenance programs to assure the safety of their aircraft fuel systems. …
Why are fuel tanks jettisoned in the Vietnam War?
In real combat, external fuel tanks are jettisoned when empty or as soon as the aircraft needs to get rid of them to accelerate and maneuver against an enemy fighter plane or to evade a surface to air missile. Several thousand drop tanks were jettisoned over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.
Why did Japanese planes explode with empty fuel tanks?
In the case of a partially empty aircraft fuel tank, enough force to blow the plane apart. This is why the Japanese aircraft in WW2, that didn’t use self sealing tanks, often exploded when hit. A half empty unsealed tank could blow up from a single incendiary hit, if the vapor/oxygen mix was conducive to an explosion (not always, but often).
When do you jettison an auxiliary fuel tank?
However, the auxiliary fuel tanks represent an additional weight, additional drag, and they will reduce the aircraft maneuverability. In real combat, external fuel tanks are jettisoned when empty or as soon as the aircraft needs to get rid of them to accelerate and maneuver against an enemy fighter plane or to evade a surface to air missile.
Can a tactical jet be refueled by an aerial tanker?
Indeed, even if they can be refueled by aerial tankers, tactical jet planes heavily rely on the JP-8 fuel loaded on the external fuel tanks. However, the auxiliary fuel tanks represent an additional weight, additional drag, and they will reduce the aircraft maneuverability.