Fuel Transfer System in the Conceptual Design Phase

As the time between different development projects of new aircraft (a/c) extends, experienced personnel in the field of basic a/c system design are difficult to employ when being on the onset of a new design. Further on basic a/c system design is a field neglected in literature and in the educational system.

A text is under development that summarizes the Saab experience of the complete fuel system design with respect to the fighter a/c Viggen and Gripen, the commuter a/c 340 and 2000, the trainer a/c SK60 and also the conceptual a/c B3LA.

This paper is an extract of this text and describe early considerations that have to be made when designing a fuel transfer system. Emphasis is put on the top requirements on a/c level.