Does any one know if the drop tanks used on the F/A-18E are the same size/type/style used on the F/A-18A/B/C/D? I have several drop tanks in my spare parts, used on the early models and was wondering if I could use them on my Revell F/A-18E?
My understanding is that the drop tanks are indeed similar.
One of the detailing things you MUST be aware of is the support tip at the aft end of the tank that actually touches the aft end of the pylon.
The purpose of this is to provide additional support to carry the weight of the tank, which is quite heavy when loaded with fuel.
If you want to see photos of the auxiliary fuel tanks mounted on pylons, you should consult the DACO book which has several good photographs showing the aft support point on the tank.
Jim…
No. The E/F uses the FPU-11 480 gallon external (not “drop”) tank, the legacy Hornets use the FPU-8 330 gallon tank. The 480 is physically larger, and the aft end is blunt/rounded vs. the pointed rear of the 330. The only Super Hornets that flew with the 330 were the very first test birds, and then only for the early part of development. The 330 is not an authorized external store on the E/F. I have seen reference that the Canadians use a 480 gallon tank on some of their Hornets, though, but don’t know if it’s the same as the FPU-11. Those would be the only legacy birds I’m aware of that use the big tank.
Break, break;
Jim, the aft fitting on the tank doesn’t carry weight. The tank is supported by the bomb rack and tank suspension lugs. The aft fitting is to ensure that the tank pivots postitively away from the pylon in the event it must be jettisoned.
Joe
Well, that shoots down that idea. Thanks Joe. I’ll have to find some other way to get another set of tanks for the wing pylons.
Thanks for the information Joe. Particularly the part about the rear attachment not taking any weight but more for making sure the tank falls away nicely in the event it has to be jettisoned.
A ground crew member has steered me wrong on that one.
As for tank size, it would make sense the Super Bug would carry bigger tanks because it is a bigger plane with larger engines needing more fuel.
Jim…