Some Developments for Greater Crash Safety in Aircraft

THE author believes that the flexible bladder-cell tank may be a good, practical solution to the fuel tank crash fire problem. He reports further that this type of tank need not carry with it an unreasonably high weight penalty.

These tanks have successfully withstood some simulated crash tests corresponding to approximately 20g, so they are undergoing further tests to determine their ultimate crash strength.

The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Civil Aeronautics Administration.