Lindbergh Tank Mark II

[planeolbob]

Hi Everyone,
Well, I am at it again. Here is some shots of the latest version of my "Lindbergh Tank".

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32288421@ ... 4730304783

As you can see I have cut it down a bit and made it wider than the Mark I version made from aluminum. This one was cobbled together using fiberglass. The goal was 4.5 to 5.5 gal. I have 5.5 gal in this one so I could cut it down some more. The view out for the pilot is acceptable.
I will be giving a talk on this during the MWSFI on May 28th.

See you there

Bob (always causing trouble) Mika

[peter anson]

Gee, I don't know Bob. There's a lot more air traffic around now than there was over the Atlantic in 1927. The view out the front of the Sonex is not exactly outstanding in the first place and stopping to stretch your legs every couple of hours is not really a hardship. If you must have extra range, Steve Woodham managed to fit an 8.45 gallon removable tank behind the seat of Sonex 892. See http://sonexaus.wikispaces.com/Steve%27s+Sonex+892
It's a very neat design.

Peter

[samiam]

Sorry Bob, I'm with Peter here... this seems like too much of a safety hazard to be a good idea

[NWade]

How is this securely attached to the airframe? How will it handle turbulence? Does its weight when filled put instruments or the fuel tank below it at risk of being overloaded (especially if you get hit with a few G's in previously-mentioned turbulence)? How will this affect your CG when full and when empty?

If you want a few extra gallons, why not just use a Turtle-Pac "Turtle Buddy" strapped in the passenger seat? Its not like you're going to operate a Sonex with 2 pax, full fuel, and an extra 40 pounds (aux fuel + tank weight). At least, not if you have any regard for the safety of the people you take with you...

--Noel

[andrewp]

Bob,

I am not passing comment on safety or anything here, but I wanted to give you a whole lot of points for ingenuity, having fun and for sharing it with others. Adding fuel in that position isn't necessarily my cup-o-tea, but I am in awe of you trying.

Cheers,

Andrew

[Bryan Cotton]

I think one of the Austrailian guys should put in the seatback aux, Bob's Lindbergh tank, and come visit me at C77. That would be cool!

[peter anson]

Hi Bryan, just checked the longest leg in the trip and it's 2750 nautical miles from Fiji to Hawaii so need to carry 130+ US gallons. I guess with that much fuel on the Sonex, seeing where you are going would be the least of your problems.

Peter

[Bryan Cotton]

So, we agree it's possible. Cool! Let me know when you set off then.

[planeolbob]

Hi Everyone,
OK, here is the low down. This is a design study, nothing more. If you could make a RMP tank it would have a slide in tab at the front and screw in clips a the aft. The only time you would need to use this set up would be if there was weight in the baggage area so that the W/B would not be a problem. After over an hour the tank would drain into the main.

I was looking for a way to have my extra 4-5 gal and no pumps or other moving parts except a valve. Also, This space within the fuselage was not being used. The turtle buddy and other designs have these conditions.

Blue skies and see you at the MWSFI on May 28th

Bob

[Darick]

Peter Anson wrote..."Hi Bryan, just checked the longest leg in the trip and it's 2750 nautical miles from Fiji to Hawaii so need to carry 130+ US gallons. I guess with that much fuel on the Sonex, seeing where you are going would be the least of your problems."

So, we agree it's possible. Cool! Let me know when you set off then.

Ah yes, another bit to submit to that famous collection "Poor Cotton's Almanac". You do remember Ben Frankln's "Poor Richard's Almanac", don't you?