CFT Equipped Eurofighter photo:BAE Systems BAE Systems is conducting high speed wind tunnel tests on a conformal fuel tank equipped Euro...
 |
| CFT Equipped Eurofighter photo:BAE Systems |
BAE is using two fuselage-mounted 1500 litre representative conformal fuel tanks.
The geometrically perfect 1/12th scale model of the aircraft,is made from light alloy and hardwood, with the new fuel tanks created to scale using 3D printing – or Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) techniques.
Conformal fuel tanks increase the operational range and flexibility of an aircraft due to increased fuel capacity with a reduced aerodynamic penalty compared to external drop tanks.
Unlike wing pylon mounted expendable drop tanks, CFT cannot be expended and can be removed only on the ground.
CFT's also free up valuable hardpoints for weapons with only a small increase in aircraft's radar signature.
