Nurse Tank (Aerial Refueling)

Nurse Tank (Aerial Refueling)

Developed and certified by Safran Aerosystems, the N220B aerial refueling pod provides Rafale fighter aircraft with an aerial refueling capacity that meets the highest performance standards. Lightweight (312 kg unladen), it can withstand the high mechanical stresses associated with use on aircraft carriers and a high electromagnetic environment. The N220B aerial refueling system is equipped with a new electronic system to monitor and control the pod (more than 15 sensors and 1 computer). It also incorporates software developed by Safran Aerosystems to improve the availability of the N220B pod.

In the context of aerial refueling, a "nurse tank" refers to a smaller, supplemental fuel tank, often installed in the cargo area of a tanker aircraft, that is used to provide fuel to the main refueling system.

Purpose

Nurse tanks are used to supplement the main fuel tanks of a tanker aircraft, allowing for extended refueling operations or the ability to refuel multiple aircraft.

Location

They are typically located in the cargo area of the tanker aircraft, providing a readily accessible source of fuel for the refueling system.

Function

The nurse tank feeds fuel to the main refueling system, which then transfers the fuel to the receiving aircraft through a hose or boom.

Example

The C-2A aircraft, for example, had two 150-US-gallon (570 L) tanks installed in the cargo cabin to serve as nurse tanks.

Other Uses

Nurse tanks are also used in other contexts, such as in snowplow trucks with brine tanks, to reduce sloshing and ensure proper operation of the system pump.

References

• SAFRAN