Converting Fuel Drop Tanks into Mass Dispensers

Background
The carriage and deployment of new munitions and payloads require development of unique suspensions means and pods, as well as certifying the new configuration (typically by analysis, wind tunnel tests and flight tests). This development process involves risks and is extremely expensive.
The fuel drop tank is the largest external payload carried by military aircraft. The aerodynamic configurations of the various drop tanks have proven to be compatible with their respective aircraft.

Concept
Utilizin g the available volume and certified aerodynamic envelope of fuel drop tanks to house and deliver different payloads:

• Active/Passive Weapons
• Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs)
• Electronic countermeasures (ECM)
• Intelligence systems/sensors
• Rockets
• Satellites
• Small type ordnance 
• Massive Chaff

Performance & Technical Benefits

• Being the largest "container" attached to an aircraft provides significantly improved payload capability in comparison to existing dispensing systems
• Proven drop tank geometry results in no change to aircraft’s flight envelope and performance
• Certified configuration for every type of aircraft means minimal development testing, risks and cost
• Reduces modification efforts to house a variety of small type munitions
• Utilization of existing fuel tank/aircraft interfaces eliminates/minimizes need for modifications
• Maintains center of gravity within allowable limits
• Use of existing aircraft support equipment

Economical Benefits

• Interchangeability between aircraft
• Dispensing system interchangeability between different aircraft fuel tanks
• Off aircraft maintenance

Operational Benefits

• Significantly improves payload carrying capability
• Enables rapid ground turnaround 
• Allows fewer numbers of sorties to achieve similar results
• Development of new tactics

Potential Market: Actively marketing the concept and its derivatives to aircraft and armament industries & air forces.

Status: Currently, developing Massive Chaff Dispersal System for the F-16. Fuel tanks hold up to 5 times more chaff than existing methods.

Patent Protection: Israel granted Patent 149786 ; US Patent Number: 7,610,841.