joeflyer

My Feedback: (48)

I'm building a FEJ F-16 and would like to get the air tanks out of the nose so that I can mount a base loaded antenna there. The only other location in the plane where there is room for the air tanks is on each side of the tailpipe. They would have about 2 inches clearance from the outer pipe and of course I would shield them with some ceramic blanket and aluminum tape.

I have seen a few installation photos of air tanks in similar locations. My question is whether or not they would get hot enough to noticeably increase air pressure or present any functional concerns? I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has mounted their air tanks in a similar location.

The alternative is to go with much smaller tanks and I'd rather not do that.

Thanks,
Joe

3DHELINUT

My Feedback: (3)

I have my air tanks mounted in my Rafale along the side of the pipe and I have never had a temp problem. you should have enough air flow in that area to negate any heat from the pipe that may cause any problems. I also do not use any heat shielding for the tanks.



Alan

ianober

My Feedback: (12)

Thats exactly where I have mine in my Tams F-16 adn they are fine. I dont even have any ceramic blanket on them. I double walled pipe should be fine for keeping the heat off them.

Wayne22

My Feedback: (2)

How big an antenna are you putting in? I have two air tanks and a Deans antenna in the nose of mine......

seanreit

My Feedback: (60)

Actually, I have always mounted air tanks back in that space and justified it by saying the increased heat gives me more air pressure!

joeflyer

My Feedback: (48)

I have a Revolution antenna. Most likely the batteries will be as far forward as I can get them in the nose. The space I have available is actually under the front of the canopy. I would not want to leave the tanks there also because in certain orientations it might block the signal to the antenna.

Joe

Harley Condra

My Feedback: (4)

I have the air tanks in my Super bandit mounted aft, below the tailpipe, since I built it in March of 2003, and have had no issues in that location.
They are mounted in the lower corners of the fuselage, a couple of inches below the pipe.
A double walled pipe and a bypass tube keeps the temperature below a dangerous level. I have no heat shielding around the tanks, but I would not hesitate adding it if necessary.
See my thread entitled "Fabricating a Thermal Blanket" for a tutorial if necessary.


Harley Condra
BVM REP
JetCat REP