초록 ▼

A plurality of resilient bladders filled with an inert gas line the walls of a fuel tank to protect fuel in the tank from explosion or leakage in the event that the tank is punctured by a ballistic projectile. The thickness of the bladders is controlled by a plurality of cords extending from one sid

A plurality of resilient bladders filled with an inert gas line the walls of a fuel tank to protect fuel in the tank from explosion or leakage in the event that the tank is punctured by a ballistic projectile. The thickness of the bladders is controlled by a plurality of cords extending from one side of each bladder to the other. The inert gas is continuously supplied to the bladders so that the gas escaping from a puncture in a bladder prevents fuel from leaking from the tank through the puncture. During normal operation, the gas is vented into the tank to fill the ullage space of the tank with the insert gas. A conduit extends into the tank through the bladder. The walls of the bladder are sealed to each other around the conduit, thereby making it unnecessary to seal the walls of the bladder to the conduit.

대표청구항

An apparatus for protecting a fuel tank from explosion and leaking after penetration by a ballistic projectile, comprising a flexible bladder lining the inside of said tank, said bladder being filled with a pressurized inert gas.

An apparatus for protecting a fuel tank from explosion and leaking after penetration by a ballistic projectile, comprising a flexible bladder lining the inside of said tank, said bladder being filled with a pressurized inert gas.