A Current Survey of Aircraft Fuel Gauging Systems

670263

02/01/1967

Event
3rd Annual Business Aircraft Conference (1967)
Authors Abstract
Content
Fuel gaging systems in over 90% of small civil aircraft use the automotive float type sender with an electrical indicator. Considering such factors as dihedral, summing, temperature, variation in specific gravity of fuel used, and input voltage, the accuracy is approximately ±5% of full scale and ±10% of the reading. A more accurate system is highly desirable for weight control, flight planning, and possible c. g. consideration.
Among other gaging systems available are improved float types at moderate costs, capacitive systems with good accuracy at comparatively high initial cost and increased maintenance, and a mass sensing system at moderate cost. The pros and cons of each system are discussed.
Factors contributing to errors in readout and often overlooked are variations in height versus volume of fuel tanks because of manufacturing tolerances, and changes in shape and relative position of tanks under different loading when in flight.
Meta TagsDetails
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4271/670263
Pages
4
Citation
Weixelman, L., "A Current Survey of Aircraft Fuel Gauging Systems," SAE Technical Paper 670263, 1967, https://doi.org/10.4271/670263.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Feb 1, 1967
Product Code
670263
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English