#2066: TubeTanks

Today’s invention is a new form of fuel tank for commercial aircraft.

This would take the form of aerodynamically-profiled rings attached to the front of each jet engine. These would increase drag only marginally whilst lessening the dangers associated with pumping fuel.

Tanks would simply clip into place from a truck equipped with a small lift. Less fuel loading time has to be popular with airline schedulers too.

Wings could concentrate on providing lift and the tanks would be much more easily inspected and maintained.

The number of rings would be increased for longer flights and there would still be internal pipework to allow transfer between tanks for trim maintenance.