Aircraft fuel tanks are a major component of aircraft fuel

systems. They can be classified into internal or external

tanks and further classified by method of construction or
intended use. Safety aspects of aircraft fuel tanks were
examined during the investigation of the 1996 TWA Flight
800 in-flight explosion accident.

Integral tank
Main article: Wet wing
Integral tanks are areas inside the aircraft structure that
have been sealed to allow fuel storage. An example of this
type is the "wet wing" commonly used in larger aircraft.
Since these tanks are part of the aircraft structure, they
cannot be removed for service or inspection. Inspection
panels must be provided to allow internal inspection,
repair, and overall servicing of the tank. Most large
transport aircraft use this system, storing fuel in the
wings, fuselage, and empennage of the aircraft.[1]

Rigid removable tankt

Main article: Self-sealing fuel tank
Rigid removable tanks are installed in a compartment
designed to accommodate the tank. They are typically of
metal, plastic or fibreglass construction, and may be
removed for inspection, replacement, or repair.[2] The
aircraft does not rely on the tank for structural integrity.
These tanks are commonly found in smaller general
aviation aircraft, such as the Cessna 172. Combat aircraft
and helicopters generally use self-sealing fuel tanks.[1]

Bladder tanks
Bladder tanks, bag tanks or fuel cells, are reinforced
rubberised bags installed in a section of aircraft structure
designed to accommodate fuel. The bladder is rolled up
and installed into the compartment through the fuel filler
neck or access panel, and is secured by means of snap
fasteners or cord and loops inside the compartment. Many
high-performance light aircraft, helicopters and some
smaller turboprop aircraft use bladder tanks.[1]

Tip tanks
Many aircraft designs feature fixed tip tanks mounted
at the end of each wing. The weight of the tanks and fuel
counteract wing bending loads during manoeuvres and
reduce fatigue on the spar structure.
External tanks
Main articles: Conformal fuel tank and Drop tank

F-4E Phantom carrying two underwing pylon tanks and a

centreline tank
Conformal fuel tank
Conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) or 'Fast Packs' are additional
fuel tanks fitted closely to the profile of an aircraft which
extend either the range or endurance of the aircraft, with a
reduced aerodynamic penalty compared to external drop
tanks.[3]

Drop tank
Drop tanks, external tanks, wing tanks, pylon tanks or
belly tanks are all terms used to describe auxiliary
externally mounted fuel tanks. Drop tanks are generally
expendable and often jettisonable. External tanks are
commonplace on modern military aircraft and occasionally
found in civilian ones, although the latter are less likely to
be discarded except in the event of emergency.[1]
Drop tanks were originally designed to be jettisoned when
empty or in the event of combat or emergency in order to
reduce drag and weight, increasing manoeuvrability and
range. Modern external tanks may be retained in combat,
to be dropped in an emergency and are often not
designed for the stresses of supersonic flight.[1]
Safety[edit]
See also: TWA Flight 800 and Inerting system
Fuel tanks have been implicated in aviation disasters,
being the cause of the accident or worsening it (fuel
tank explosion).
The official explanation for the explosion and subsequent
crash of TWA Flight 800 is that an explosive fuel/air
mixture was created in one of the aircraft's fuel tanks.
Faulty wiring then provided an ignition source within the
tank, destroying the airliner.[4] While the accuracy of the
official findings is still questioned in this case, similar
explosions have occurred in other aircraft. It is possible to
reduce the chance of fuel tank explosions by a fuel tank
inerting system or fire fighting foam in the tanks.[5]