Elastomeric inserts for aircraft fuel tanks - to maximise fuel availability at low residual levels

摘要

Inserts for the base recesses of non-pressurised aircraft fuel tanks comprise impermeable elastic pockets at atmos. pressure and sized to fit between the internal ribs. The individual pockets are less complicated to make, install or maintain than conventional linked inflatable jackets or spring loaded base plates between each pair of ribs. Weighs less and provides higher max fuel capacities than incompressible spacer of expanded epoxy resins. Pref. the pockets are made of a nitrile modified PVC and enclose a block of flexible polyurethane foam of a 15 kg/m2 apparent density.