Aermacchi is to modify the fuel system on the third prototype of its new M346 advanced/ lead-in fighter trainer after reporting sloshing problems.
Supplier Secondo Mona, based in Somma Lombardo near Milan, is developing the entire fuel system for the aircraft as a risk-sharing partner and concluded an intensive testing programme before the aircraft's first flight earlier this year. These tests revealed slight sloshing concerns and fuel not reaching all 37 cells during fast refuelling, says Ermanno Fossa, senior design engineer at Secondo Mona. The company will redesign the system for the third prototype.
The modifications will include a different interior shape to the wing, which will be incorporated simultaneously with efforts to reduce the mass of the fuel system by simplifying pipe routings, says Fossa.
"We are examining the opening and closing of valves and the switching on and off of pumps to overcome the issues," he adds. The new fuel tank, with some partitions removed and a new position within the wing, will add 40 litres (10.5USgal) to the aircraft's 2,500 litre capacity, but will have extra probes to improve fuel gauging.
Secondo Mona conducted tests on a specially constructed full-scale iron bird at its facilities, and has been able to simulate ±180¡ movement on each axis.
Aermacchi is promoting the M346 as the backbone of the planned 12-nation Advanced European Jet Pilot Training, or Euro training system.
JUSTIN WASTNAGE / MILAN
Source: Flight International
