BC12D wing tanks

[taylorukuk]

Could someone please enlighten me as to BC12D wing tanks...

At manufacture was only 1 fitted or 1 in each wing?

Thanks in advance.

[3Dreaming]

A BC12-D had 1 wing tank, and the second was optional. A BC12-D1 did not have any wing tanks.

[LostnSpace]

It was always seemed strange to me to see the TCDS show 18 gallons of fuel for the '46 BC12-D, when the T that's been in the family for a very long time sure looks like both wing tanks are original from the factory

[3Dreaming]

It was always seemed strange to me to see the TCDS show 18 gallons of fuel for the '46 BC12-D, when the T that's been in the family for a very long time sure looks like both wing tanks are original from the factory

Many had the second optional tank installed from the factory.

[taylorukuk]

If you were rebuilding one and had 4 wing tanks available would you put 1 in or 2 or none?

[PA1195]

In addition to carrying extra fuel wing tanks can be used to adjust the aircraft CG.

Gary

[3Dreaming]

If you were rebuilding one and had 4 wing tanks available would you put 1 in or 2 or none?

It depends. In the USA if you want to use the 85 HP engine you will need more than 12 gallons to meet the regulatory requirements for fuel based on horse power. That means at least one wing tank. If you are going to be taking long trips you will want as much fuel as you can haul. That would be 2 wing tanks. If you are just flying short hops locally, and it is a model that allows just 12 gallons that would be my choice. In any sense I would chose the lightest configuration for your normal mission. In these small airplane weight is king.

[Scott]

I think if you do some sample wieght and balance calculations you'll see that 18 gallons, one person and some baggage is about all you can legally carry.

Assuming stock 65 with mixture control, thats about 4 hours endurance so about 3.3 hours with vfr reserve. That's a reasonable leg in comfortable aircraft. How comfy is your BC12D? It's also not particularily easy to p in a bottle in the T!

[n6346m]

All these people with a sore butt and small bladder (me included) often forget to mention that someday you may actually want to go somewhere that does not have fuel and it would be nice to have enough fuel for the return trip. In bush Alaska the saying goes like "the only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire".

[astjp2]

Taylor there is a 337 for 4 wing tanks in an F-19 I did before you was born...look for it in the tech references section on the .org webpage and not on the forum. that is 36 gallons of fuel so you can fly out and back without refueling. Tim

[N96337]

They don't weigh much and they're pretty easy to have there. I'd definitely install a couple if I didn't already have them!! Just because they're there, doesn't mean I have to fill them all the time, but it's sure nice to have that option!
John

[Robert Lees]

When I rebuilt my 1946 BC12-D [which had the RH tank already fitted], I installed the optional LH wing tank (it's there in TCDS A-696, so no need for approval in the UK) (337 in the USA).

As already mentioned, an empty tank & plumbing doesn't weigh very much, and the ability to stop & pee without needing to refuel is of benefit! Having 5 hours endurance is a distinct selling benefit too.

Installing a wing tank can only be done during a partial or full wing re-cover of course.

Rob

[taylorukuk]

Thanks Rob

The wings are now stripped and in process of rebuild.

[Robert Lees]

Are you going for the Harer/Gilberti STC for the increased gross weight whilst the wings are uncovered?

Rob

[taylorukuk]

We were originally going to but have now decided due to other circumstances to stick with the original.