Adaptation of Weapon Stations for Fuel Tanks Carriage

Background

• Extending aircraft range and endurance are a common requirements
• Most military aircraft configurations are below maximum take off weight limits, allowing for additional carriage
• Aircraft weapon stores are not in use for various missions scenarios

Concept
Increase available fuel by carrying additional fuel drop tanks on modified aircraft weapon stations/hard points.

Technical Overview and Benefits The proposed system uses a Stores Transfer Kit (STK) to allow fuel transfer from “dry” weapon hard stations to a dual function “wet/dry” hard stations. The STK includes: Modification of the existing "wet" inboard pylon to a dual purpose pylon (addition of “fuel receipt”) Auxiliary aerodynamic covers low drag external fuel line linked between the existing and new fuel pylons Modified fuel tank pylon (for new "wet" outboard “supplier pylon”) The benefits of the proposed system are: No changes to wing structure No structural fatigue problems common in other solutions Quick and simple flight line installation Easy maintenance Transferable between aircraft Fuel tank option: Use of existing fuel tanks (part of inventory) or adapt surplus tanks

Configuration potential

A/A, RECCY and FERRY configuration	Asymmetric 1*MK-84 JDAM carriage

Performance Benefits

• Up to 40% increased range for ferry flights
• Up to 25% wider mission radius
• Up to 100% increased patrol time

Economical Benefits

• Low acquisition price
• Extremely low life cycle costs
• Reduce cost of operations by reducing need for expensive land based and/or aerial refueling

Potential Market
Current development efforts are focused on the F-16 Falcon, however the technology is applicable to other combat, trainer, and cargo aircraft as well as helicopters.

Status: For the F-16 aircraft a marketing cooperation agreement has been signed.

Patent Protection: Israel 149988 granted Patent. PCT was filed in 2002.