An Israeli company has developed a concept that it claims will allow fighter aircraft to carry additional fuel tanks on their weapon stations.
The FAR Technologies concept is based on utilizing military aircraft weapon stations (on the F-16: stations 3 and 7), and adapting them to carry fuel tanks.
Through this the aircraft's mission envelope is extended, and its operational capabilities expanded.
The adaptation can be carried out at a relatively low cost, as no major changes will be necessary on the aircraft and fuel tanks already in the air force's inventory can be used.
The proposed system uses a stores transfer kit to allow fuel transfer from "dry" weapon stations to dual-function "wet/dry" stations.
The company claims the new system can be installed with no changes to wing structure, and without the structural fatigue problems common in other solutions.
Another benefit, according to the company, is the use of existing fuel tanks or the adaptation of surplus tanks.
According to FAR technologies, the new system will allow up to 40% increased range for ferry flights, up to 25% wider mission radius and up to 100% increased patrol time.
The FAR Technologies concept is based on utilizing military aircraft weapon stations (on the F-16: stations 3 and 7), and adapting them to carry fuel tanks.
Through this the aircraft's mission envelope is extended, and its operational capabilities expanded.
The adaptation can be carried out at a relatively low cost, as no major changes will be necessary on the aircraft and fuel tanks already in the air force's inventory can be used.
The proposed system uses a stores transfer kit to allow fuel transfer from "dry" weapon stations to dual-function "wet/dry" stations.
The company claims the new system can be installed with no changes to wing structure, and without the structural fatigue problems common in other solutions.
Another benefit, according to the company, is the use of existing fuel tanks or the adaptation of surplus tanks.
According to FAR technologies, the new system will allow up to 40% increased range for ferry flights, up to 25% wider mission radius and up to 100% increased patrol time.
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