Custom built fuel tank for UAVS

[jlcortex]

I am tring to design a simple and efficient UAV, i am trying to get 8 hours autonomy and i need 6.5 liter fuel tank, I am designing it in solidworks and i can see than airframe is very big if i want to place this tank into airframe, the logical place to fit fuel tanks are wings but then i have to build a custom fuel tanks, Do some one have experience building fuel tanks for gasoline?

i have 3 ideas:

- full fiberglass + polyester, it works because i know old racing motorbikes have this kind of tanks.
- build a custom thin aluminium sheet glued with fuel grade sealant
- buy a custom made fuel tanks to ATL or other providers.

i attach a solidworks preview, i have calculated (with Solidworks) than each tank have 3.2 liter.

any experience?

Thanks

[patrickegan]

What is the end purpose for the design?

[ios]

Sullivan Unmanned Vehicle specializes in unmanned vehicle subsystems. I'd talk to these guys if you want to build fuel tanks integral to your wings.

http://www.sullivanuav.com/products/fu_fueltanks.html

By the way, great looking airframe, can you share any more information? Dimentions, powerplant, estimated weight.

[kd7ost]

And you're probably aware of it, but that is a lot of weight in fuel. It will need to be placed at the c of G of the wing or you will have balance issues to deal with as the fuel level (weight) changes.

I would go with a Fiberglass tank or a custom tank. Thin aluminum will flex and could split/leak in the airframe if you just glue the seams. Soldered is better. Go with a smaller carb to gain economy but you will need to have enough engine to compensate for the small power loss with a lower fuel/air ratio.

Dan

[CenTexFlyer]

You can vacuform and weld the appropriate plastic easily to any shape dictated by your fuselage.

[airmcn_3]

Personally I have been most pleased with building custom Kevlar fuel tanks...... Might want to look into that option.

Chris