What Fuel Is Used In The Aeroplane: Ever pondered on how airplanes get their fuel? It’s not as simple as pulling up to a gas station like we do with our cars. And when it comes to fuel, do you know what airplanes actually use? Today, we’re going to discuss the details of aircraft fuel, octane rating, consumption, and a whole lot more.
What Fuel Is Used In The Aeroplane
Jet Fuel and Aviation Gasoline (AVGAS). These are two primary types of aircraft fuel. Although they may seem similar to the unleaded gasoline you use in your car, they possess distinct properties that are vital for flying.
You might assume that the gasoline you pump into your car is the same stuff that powers commercial airplanes, private jets, and general aviation aircraft. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
But wait, there’s more to know about the fuels used in internal combustion piston engines, known as AVGAS, and the distinct fuels utilised in turbine engines, which are called Jet Fuels.
Jet Fuel
Jet fuels play a crucial role in powering turbine engines, particularly in commercial aircraft. The most prevalent variant, known as Jet-A1 or paraffin, is widely used in the aviation industry.
Jet-A1 is known for its high efficiency in producing power while consuming fuel at a low rate. In addition to its role as a fuel, it is also utilised as a coolant for engine oil.
The ignition of Jet-A1 requires a minimum temperature of 38°C to initiate the combustion process.
As stated above, the realm of Jet Fuels encompasses several subtypes. Among these, Jet-B holds significant prominence as the second most well-known variant after Jet-A1. Particularly, Jet-B is extensively utilised in cold climates owing to its unmatched suitability and prevalence.
Aviation Gasoline (AVGAS)
Just like Jet Fuels, AVGAS also has multiple subtypes, with AVGAS 100 LL being the most popular among them.
In general aviation, the emphasis is on safety rather than power when selecting fuels. Since most aircraft in this category are equipped with single engines, it is of utmost importance to avoid any issues during the flight.
AVGAS fuels are highly efficient due to their minimal weight in relation to the energy they produce, resulting in very little waste.
What Is The Colour Of Airplane Fuel
Jet-A1 fuel is typically transparent or straw-yellow in colour, whereas AVGAS fuel can vary in colour, appearing as red, green, or blue, depending on the specific subtype of fuel.
The colours of AVGAS are not the actual colours of the fuel, but rather added pigments for easy identification:
- AVGAS 80 appears in a red hue.
- The colour of AVGAS 100 is green.
- AVGAS 100 LL can be identified by its blue colour.
What Is The Role Of Octane Ratings In Airplane Fuel
The octane rating, also known as the octane number, represents the anti-knock capability of a specific fuel. Now, let’s break it down into smaller parts and understand it better.
Detonation occurs when the fuel undergoes instantaneous combustion within the cylinder, rather than burning progressively. It is crucial to prevent detonation at all costs, as it can cause severe damage to the engine and greatly diminish the power output.
The resistance to detonation in fuel increases with a higher octane rating, making it a preferred choice for engines with higher compression ratios for improved efficiency.
Pre-Flight Fuel Drainage
It is important to drain the aircraft before the first flight of the day to maintain its operational integrity and safety standards.
Aircraft drainage involves extracting a small fuel sample to ensure the absence of water or sediment.
Moreover, this technique is implemented to ascertain that there are no hindrances in the fuel lines that run towards the engine.
If water is detected in the sample, the procedure needs to be repeated until no further traces of water are detected.
What Is The Fuel Capacity Of An Aircraft
Undoubtedly, not all aircraft can accommodate the same quantity of fuel, nevertheless, here are few examples.
The Airbus A320, the most popular short-haul aircraft in Europe, can hold up to 27,200 litres of fuel. Impressive, right? But that’s not all.
With a fuel capacity of over 200,000 litres, the Airbus A380, renowned as the largest passenger aircraft globally, requires this amount to reach its maximum tank capacity.
Considering the fact that the fuel tanks in our vehicles can hold anywhere from 45 to 65 litres, these numbers are truly remarkable, don’t you think?
Why Fuel Is Stored In The Wings
Commercial airplanes are equipped with an interior lining on their wings that transforms them into a sealed tank capable of holding fuel, commonly referred to as a wet wing.
You may be questioning why inside the wings and not another location, are we right? The explanation is quite simple, which are given below:
- Wings create lift for the airplane to fly, with force pushing them up. Conversely, the fuselage experiences a downward force.
- By storing fuel in the wings, the weight generated helps balance the difference between the wings and fuselage, eliminating the need to reinforce the wing socket.
- Commercial airplanes aim to maximise passenger and cargo capacity, so carrying fuel in the wings helps increase payload capacity.
- Achieving stability in an aircraft involves proper mass and balance, ensuring that weight is distributed as close as possible to the centre of gravity.
Commercial airplanes generally have their centre of gravity positioned between the leading and trailing edge of the wing, which plays a crucial role in maintaining stability.
Fuel Management Of Aircraft
In commercial aircraft, there is a system in place that enables the engines to be fuelled from the main fuel tank. Nevertheless, pilots have the option to manually select a different tank for fuel transfer if necessary.
Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with cross-feed valves that provide the flexibility to feed any engine from any tank. These valves are specifically designed to be utilised in case of emergencies or when there is an uneven distribution of fuel among the tanks.
Different Kinds Of Fuel Deposits
Now that you are aware of the predominant tank type utilised by commercial aircraft, let us delve into the various other types that are in existence:
- They are similar to the ones found in cars. These tanks, as their name implies, are inflexible and are typically constructed from aluminium or stainless steel.
- On long ferry flights, collapsible tanks are employed to enhance the aircraft’s range. These tanks are crafted from a flexible material that shrinks in size as the fuel is utilised.
Engine Fuelling System In Aircraft
Fuel can be transferred from the tank to the engine using two different approaches:
- Gravity: It is the primary method employed in general aviation aircraft. As the name implies, the fuel tank is positioned above the engine carburettor, allowing gravity to effortlessly facilitate the fuel flow. This is the operational principle observed in our aircraft.
- Pumping: It is the preferred method utilised in commercial aircraft, where dedicated pumps actively transfer fuel from the wings or different tanks to the engines. This ensures a consistent and efficient fuel supply for optimal performance.
How Do Planes Refuel During Flight
You might have come across videos or photographs showcasing planes refuelling while in the air. This highly intricate manoeuvre is regarded as one of the most complex in the world. The pilot not only has to maintain close proximity to another aircraft but also needs to meticulously arrange the necessary couplings.
However, there is no need to worry as military pilots take care of this responsibility. Commercial aircraft are designed with fuel tanks of ample capacity, allowing them to complete their journeys from one location to another without the necessity of refuelling during the flight.
Types Of Refuelling In-Flight
Basket: The basket, known for its simplicity, is essentially a basket connected to a hose that is required to be inserted into the aircraft stand.
Boom: Another method of in-flight refuelling is using the boom system. This system includes a telescopic boom that is operated from the aircraft and, similar to the basket, needs to be inserted into the aircraft mount.
To optimise the manoeuvre, the tanker aircraft is equipped with an operator who plays a crucial role in providing feedback to the pilots, ensuring accurate contact is achieved.
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