GB509043A - Improvements in or relating to liquid-fuel containers and aircraft incorporating such containers - Google Patents

Abstract

509,043. Tanks ; aircraft structures. MARTIN CO., G. L. Oct. 8, 1937, No. 27396. Convention date, Dec. 2, 1936. [Class 69 (i)] [Also in Group XXXIII] A liquid-fuel container, particularly for aircraft, comprises a collapsable receptacle of flexible material supported in a rigid structure of which the internal space is of less volume than that which would be occupied by the receptacle when filled without being stretched. In the form shown, the supporting structure for the receptacle or tank is formed by the ring structure of an aircraft, and consists of the longitudinal beams or spars 14, transverse members 15, end partition members 17, 18 and the wing covering 16. In addition, intermediate partitions or bulkheads 22 are secured to the intermediate transverse members 15 and are each formed with an opening 23 providing access to the compartments formed by them, the operator entering the central compartment through a manhole in the lower side provided with a cover 48. The tank, Fig. 7, which is preferably formed of fabric treated with the synthetic rubber product known as neoprene, comprises three compartments which correspond to those of the supporting structure and are preferably formed separately and joined. The partitions or bulkheads 25 of the tank are formed of double walls 43, Fig. 4, connected to one another only at the edges of central apertures in them corresponding to the apertures 23 in the bulkheads 22 of the supporting structure, so that the latter bulkheads lie between the walls 43 when the tank is'inserted by way of the manhole and the apertures 23. The central compartment of the tank is formed with an opening 21' corresponding to the manhole, the wall of the tank around the opening being clamped by an annular plate 49, Fig. 13, to the bottom 16 of the supporting structure to form a leak-proof joint. The compartments are connected at the upper parts by vents 27, and at the lower parts by drains 28 which maintain a common fuel level in them, these members extending through the bulkheads 22 and serving to support the tank in position. Each comprises a tube 37, Fig. 11, surrounded by tubular flanged members 38, which may be of neoprene, tightened around it by clamps 42 and secured to the walls 43 of the compartments, preferably by glueing and sewing. The tank may be additionally supported by hooks 45, Fig. 6, on the supporting structure engaging flaps 46 on the tank and by lugs 56, Fig. 4, which are moulded from neoprene or the like and have flanges secured to the tank, and which pass through apertures in the side walls of the supporting structure. The corners of the tank are provided with reinforcements 40, Fig. 7, and the stitched seams are impregnated with neoprene or like composition and covered internally with a strip of neoprene.