Fuelling the Skies: Discover the Aircraft Fuel
Have you ever wondered where airplanes keep all the fuel required to power their gigantic jet engines? If yes, then you’re not alone.
Fuel is one of the most crucial components that enable airplanes to function. The fuel systems on commercial aircraft are complex and comprehensive. They play a vital role in the smooth operation of airplanes. They are devised to store and deliver fuel to the engines efficiently to ensure optimal performance and safety. Different aircraft types have varying fuel storage systems depending on their size, range, and engine type.
Commercial aircraft are designed to carry as much payload as possible. The payload comprises passengers, luggage, and cargo. If you took a cross-section of the plane, you’d notice that the bottom is for cargo and the top half is for passengers. This leaves the nearly hollow wings as an ideal location to store fuel. The wings of an airplane, like those of a car with a separate fuel tank, are watertight and built to contain aviation fuel. Spars between portions of the wing also prevent fuel from splashing around. These spars have holes in them, allowing fuel to get through but at a much slower rate.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of aircraft fuel storage systems, including the types of fuel used, the locations where fuel is stored, and essential facts about each system. Let’s dive in!
Fuel Storage on Large Commercial Airliners
In the airport terminal, we watched the fuel truck pull up to the airplane and start refueling. You might always have this question in mind: how much fuel do airplanes hold?
Fuel is not only expensive, but the aircraft’s weight also impacts the fuel needed for take-off.
If you want to know the specific amount of fuel airplanes carry, keep reading.
Large commercial airliners are designed to carry a significant amount of fuel to support long flights and ensure uninterrupted travel. They utilize advanced fuel storage systems to maximize capacity while maintaining structural integrity and balance during flight.
1. Wing Tanks
One of the primary locations for fuel storage on large commercial airliners is in the wing tanks. These tanks are specifically designed to store a substantial amount of fuel while ensuring the stability and balance of the aircraft. The wings themselves may act as fuel tanks, utilizing the available space efficiently. This design not only maximizes fuel capacity but also helps maintain the structural integrity of the wings.
2. Fuselage or Belly Tanks
In addition to wing tanks, some commercial airliners have additional fuel storage in the fuselage or belly of the aircraft. These tanks are strategically placed in the lower portion of the aircraft’s body and are often used to store extra fuel for extended-range flights. The positioning of these tanks ensures even weight distribution and stability during flight. It allows airlines to operate long-haul flights without the need for frequent refueling stops, providing increased flexibility in route planning. The aircraft with a Centre Tank (Fuselage Tank) will utilize fuel from this tank before consuming fuel from the Wing Tanks. Aside from the engines, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) in commercial jet aircraft takes fuel from the same tanks. An auxiliary fuel tank for extended range may be located in different areas of the aircraft, such as at the rear cargo hold.
Note: An APU is a small engine used solely to provide electrical and pneumatic power to aircraft when the engine is not functional.
3. Fuel Pumps and Distribution
Efficient fuel distribution is crucial for maintaining the stability and performance of large commercial airliners. These aircraft are equipped with fuel pumps and an intricate fuel distribution system to transfer fuel from the storage tanks to the engines. Any engine or auxiliary power unit can draw fuel from any of the installed tanks. There is also a facility for transferring fuel from one tank to another. The fuel distribution system consists of pumps, valves, and pipes that deliver a steady and controlled fuel flow to optimize fuel efficiency and maintain the aircraft’s balance. Safety measures are in place to prevent fuel leaks and other potential hazards.
Types of Aviation Fuel
Different types of aircraft use diverse fuels depending on their engines and requirements. The two main types of fuel used in aviation are Aviation Gasoline (AvGas) and Jet Fuel. Let’s take a closer look at each
Aviation Gasoline (AvGas)
Aviation gasoline, often known as AvGas, is a specialized fuel used in piston-powered airplanes. It is a high-octane fuel that contains lead, which improves engine performance and efficiency. It is available at smaller airports and airfields that are often used by general aviation aircraft. Its availability in these areas makes it an ideal choice for pilots operating smaller planes. It is crucial to note that AvGas is not suitable for turbine engines used in larger commercial aircraft, whereas it is fit for Reciprocating or Piston engines. These engines need a different sort of fuel.
Jet Fuel
The most often used fuel type is jet fuel, also called aviation turbine fuel (ATF). It is utilized in commercial and military turbine-powered aircraft. It is a kerosene-based fuel intended specifically for jet engines. It gets thoroughly refined and purified to assure optimal performance and safety. It has a lower flashpoint and a higher energy density than AvGas, making it more suited for high-performance engines seen in jet aircraft. Jet fuel grades, such as Jet A and Jet A-1, vary slightly depending on geography and climate. These fuels are commonly accessible at airports across the globe. It gets delivered by specialized fuel trucks.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
The perfect alternative to conventional fuel is SAF. It is another type of JET A/A1 fuel, not refined from Fossil Fuel. This aviation fuel combines kerosene with a synthetic component derived from waste products like cooking oil or agricultural waste. It emits 80% less carbon over its lifespan than regular jet fuel. The CO2 emission is the same when burning synthetic fuel or kerosene. When SAF is burned, the emitted CO2 is captured by the Biomass used for Biofuel, keeping the cycle going. Reducing these emissions can improve air quality around airports and surrounding communities.
Fuel Capacity and Consumption Rates
Range Requirements
The range requirement of an aircraft is the distance it needs to travel without refueling. Various aircraft types have varying range capabilities due to engine power, weight, and aerodynamics. For example, commercial airliners like the Boeing 747 have a much greater range than smaller regional jets. Calculating the fuel capacity needed for a specific range requirement involves considering the aircraft’s fuel consumption rate.
Check out the maximum fuel capacities of these known commercial aircraft. These values are indicative and based on research data from open source. This may change based on actual aircraft configuration operated by individual airline.
| Aircraft | Fuel Capacity (US Gallons) | Fuel Capacity (Liters) | Fuel Weight (Kg) | Fuel Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320 | 7,190 | 27,200 | 21,760 | 48,173 |
| Airbus A380 | 85,472 | 323,546 | 253,983 | 559,937 |
| Boeing 737 Max | 6,853 | 25,940 | 20,752 | 45,9155 |
| Boeing 747-8 | 63,034 | 238,610 | 190,888 | 422,327 |
| Cessna Citation V | 861 | 3,272 | 2,618 | 5,771 |
Fuel Consumption Rates
Fuel consumption rates are the amount of fuel burnt by an aircraft’s engines during a given period. These rates fluctuate based on the aircraft’s speed, altitude, and engine efficiency. Aircraft manufacturers permit comprehensive fuel consumption rates for various flying conditions, allowing pilots and operators to calculate the required fuel load for specified ranges.
Summery
To summarize, the various types of airplane fuel and their storage systems are critical for aviation professionals and enthusiasts. For fuel storage, large commercial airliners use wing tanks as well as fuselage or belly tanks, whereas small propeller aircraft generally use wing tanks. Aviation gasoline (AvGas) and jet fuel are the two most common fuels used in aviation, each servicing a unique engine type and requirement. Efficiency, range needs, and safety are all essential factors in aviation fuel systems. Understanding the complexities of airplane fuel systems allows us to grasp their relevance in the aviation industry.