Advises on Making Functional External Tanks
 

Hi All,

I plan to convert my F15 external tank to a functional smoke tank or aux. tank. How do I keep oil from moving back and forth inside the fuel during flights? Any example of internal layouts that you can share?

Do I need an additional fuel pump in addition to turbine pump that's already come with the turbine?

Thank you.

Mike

RE: Advises on Making Functional External Tanks
 

Mike,

I built mine by cutting off the back and front ends of the dummy tank, then capping off the middle section. This section is only about 10 inches long, and fuel or oil moving around in that area won't cause you any problems. This mod is easy (though it consumes a little time) and works great.

The center section with the ends cut off is basically a tube. I glassed the inside of that tube with a couple of layers of 6-oz cloth, then epoxied a couple of hardwood blocks to the inside (for the mount to screw into). After I capped the ends with epoxy-soaked hardwood, I drilled a hole in the front cap and installed a standard gas tank stopper. I glued the back end back on, then screwed the front end on (so that I could access the plumbing from the front). Voila.

Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions: 619-944-7574

RE: Advises on Making Functional External Tanks
 

Thank you Shuan for the great idea. I would start cutting off my SM F15's center tank. Mike

RE: Advises on Making Functional External Tanks
 

Hey Shaun,

Looks good.... one question. Did you conceal the feed tube anywhere as it enters the plane (inside the pylon?) or is it just plugged into the bottom somehwere? I've got a Yellow F-15 going onto the building board next & was going to do similar for an aux smoke tank. I just don't want the lines to be visible from the outside of the plane.

Thanks,

Bob