FireMedic_2009
Well Known Member
I have an RV3B which has the wing tanks. I do a fair amount of xcountry flying and would like to add a 10 gal header tank. I figure that wouldn't be a big deal since the early RV3's had a 25 gal header tank. One cubic foot = 7.5 gal so 10 gal = 1.33 cubic foot. (10"L x 10"W x 24"H or somewhere along those dimensions). I do have avionics behind the panel mounted on a tray takes up half the depth behind the panel but there is room extend the tank behind the tray with the avionics.
Any suggestions as to aluminum thickness and attachment points and/or anything I should consider. I figure attachment points on the bottom corners and 3 along each side of the vertical attached to the firewall and have a couple of internal ribs horizontally for strength. I can put a float at the top of the tank with a rod that floats up as the fuel gets to the top of the tank so I don't over fill spilling out.
Empty wt = 760 lbs
w\Wing tanks (30 gal) = 180 lbs
Gross wt as test by builder = 1200 lbs
That leaves 260 lbs - 60 lbs for header tank = 200 lb pilot
Any suggestions as to aluminum thickness and attachment points and/or anything I should consider. I figure attachment points on the bottom corners and 3 along each side of the vertical attached to the firewall and have a couple of internal ribs horizontally for strength. I can put a float at the top of the tank with a rod that floats up as the fuel gets to the top of the tank so I don't over fill spilling out.
Empty wt = 760 lbs
w\Wing tanks (30 gal) = 180 lbs
Gross wt as test by builder = 1200 lbs
That leaves 260 lbs - 60 lbs for header tank = 200 lb pilot