Why aviation fuel is poured not into the fuselage of the aircraft, but into the wings: an unobvious answer to a simple question

In modern aircraft, fuel is mainly stored in tanks built into the wing planes. This may seem illogical, because fuel impairs maneuverability and loads the aircraft's wings.

At the dawn of aviation, this is exactly how the designers of the first aircraft reasoned, and most often they built fuel tanks into the fuselage, closer to the center of gravity. This makes it easier for them to regulate the weight distribution in the aircraft, and the tank is under the supervision of the crew.

However, by the middle of the 20th century, views on the design of tanks had changed. They began to be increasingly integrated into the wings.

Strength, safety and streamlining

Calculations and practice have shown that the scheme with fuel tanks in the supporting surfaces allows for a more even distribution of load and weight. Long, thin wings have to carry the weight of the aircraft.

If the fuel is moved closer to the area where lift is generated, the load on them is reduced. Therefore, the wings can be made lighter and thinner, improving aerodynamics.

Also, when fuel is consumed from the wings, designers need to think less about the "wandering" center of gravity of the aircraft - it remains in the same place.

In addition, fuel is sometimes placed not only in the wings - their internal volume may not be enough to take on board a supply for a long flight. For example, the domestic airliner Tu-204 has additional tanks in the tail fin and center section.

Such tanks create inconveniences for pilots: when fuel is consumed from the tail tank, the tail becomes lighter, so you have to take this into account, emptying the tanks in the rear and front of the aircraft at the same time.

Safety plays an important role. For example, when a Bombardier passenger plane crashed at Toronto Airport in early 2025, it lost its burning wings and overturned during landing. At the same time, the fire did not affect the fuselage, and no one died.

Earlier, Rostec refuted rumors on the Web aboutthe suspension of operation of Ansat helicopters, stating that there are no objective prerequisites for this.

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