Quote:
Originally posted by Yuri:
I too fell in love with the SR71 Blackbird!!
I have heard that when filled with aviation fuel, it actually leaks through the metal skin of the plane. Any truth to this seemingly far-fetched tale? As an engeneer perhaps you could comment on this?
Yuri
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Very good question Yuri.
My souvenir of that visit to
Hills AFB Aircraft Museum
Purchased in their well-stocked shop
was a beautifully illustrated 80 page book:-
“Walk Around SR71 Blackbird”
and one photo answers your very good
question Yuri
the caption alongside says:-
You think you might have a fuel leak? Just look at
the floor of this hangar. During peacetime operations,
the SR-71 was usually fueled up with 40,000
pounds (18,144 KG) of non-flammable JP-7. All
Blackbirds leak what Is the equivalent of having a
standard garden hose running at a good clip atop of
each wing. During wartime operations, the SR-71A
was typically filled with 60,000 pounds (27,216 KG) of
fuel. Once the Blackbird taxied out of its hangar with this
much fuel, there would be as much as three Inches
(7.6 CM) of fuel on the floor! From the time the
engines were started until takeoff, the Blackbird
will leak or consume approximately 5000 pounds
(2268 KG) of JP-7.
(Lockheed via Tom Pugh)