RV-10 Extra Fuel Tank

rv6ejguy · #1 07-07-2005, 03:11 PM

I'm contemplating adding a 14 gallon fuselage tank just behind the baggage bay bulkhead in my -10 to extend range a bit when I've got less than 4 people aboard. This would be about the same C of G condition as with another 180 lb. person in one of the rear seats. Anyone else looked at doing something like this. Adding fuel to the wings seems like a lot of work or a lot of $$. Wished Van's had put 75 gallons or so in the -10 for the long legs with only 2 or 3 on board.

Plan on using a Facet pump to transfer to one of the mains and a float switch to turn on a light when the aux tank is pumped dry. Flush filler door in upper fuselage skin, vent line out the top of the fuselage skin. Any thoughts?

kentb · #2 07-07-2005, 03:25 PM

I don't like the idea of 180 lb of fuel behind me, but if you go that way do what you can to make it rupture proof. The vent will need to run from the top of the tank down the side and out the bottom skin.

Kent

1911pilot · #3 07-07-2005, 03:28 PM

Wouldn't the vent on the top create a siphon?
Jeff
Ordered 9a emp this morning!

atreff · #4 07-07-2005, 08:02 PM

Why don't you buy the ER tanks from Hotel Whiskey Aviation for the RV-10. Slides into the lightening holes in the nose ribs fwd of the spar. 8 hrs work and you're done, it's been engineered, flight tested and it's safe.

www.hotelwhiskey.com

I have em in my RV-8, and there will soon be an article on the install in Sport Aviation.

Art

rv6ejguy · #5 07-07-2005, 11:23 PM

What kind of math do you use for C of G calcs? 14 X 6= 84, not 180. I said the effect on C of G was the same as a 180lb person in a rear seat.

Like I mentioned, Not keen on spending $2000+ for some aluminum wing tanks.

How is fuel gonna siphon out a forward facing vent line on the top of the tank?

I've given the crash worthiness some thought already. Maybe go with a cell and a dry break as in race cars.

Any USEFUL comments welcome!!

speed · #6 07-08-2005, 08:13 AM

A few thoughs came to minde reading this.

"The right tool for the job"
"You get what you pay for"
"the try'd and true"

Its hard to argue with the apparent success of those HW extended range tanks, but to each is his own. Good luck

I hope you find what you are looking for.

atreff · #7 07-08-2005, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rv6ejguy

Like I mentioned, Not keen on spending $2000+ for some aluminum wing tanks.

Any USEFUL comments welcome!!

RV6ejguy,

Sorry that you did not find my input USEFUL. You obviously have a preconceived notion of what you're looking for. Have at it.

I'm done spending time posting to builder threads.

Art

1911pilot · #8 07-08-2005, 09:38 AM

Didn't think about the forward facing part until later... Diamond has all the fuel in the fuse. (at least in the eclipse(right behind the pilot) IIRC They have never has a post crash fire.
Jeff

rv6ejguy · #9 07-08-2005, 10:17 AM

Sorry, should have mentioned that I've already looked at the tubular wing tanks. Just too much money in my view which is why I mentioned $$$. Very nicely done however. I was really seeking people who were contemplating something other than these tanks or an extended wet wing, both of which are already discussed on this forum.

Didn't mean to ruffle feathers. Not afraid to design something new as I already fly an EFI Sube -6A and this -10 will also be Sube powered with EFI. Is everyone else installing a 540 with 60 gallons or are there some other thoughts out there?

Yes 1911 pilot, I don't think fuselage mounted fuel tanks have to dangerous as lots of aircraft doit. Just needs to be designed correctly. Like you mention, Diamond Aircraft have a lot flying.

attson · #10 07-08-2005, 11:38 AM

I like your idea of an aft fuse tank...would like to learn more from you if you decide to go that route...I am waiting for my slow built fuse kit...
I like the idea of productive use (extra fuel) instead of useless ballast in the baggage compartment

Son
flying RV6A Lyc O360
about to complete RV10 emp. plan to have Lyc O540