| Fuel Tanks | |
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The SR-71 burned JP-7 fuel. A one-of-a-kind fuel that used an additive to raise its flash point so the fuel would not break down at extreme temperatures. All 80,285 pounds of JP-7 were carried in six main fuselage tanks numbered 1 through six, moving forward to aft. Located in each cockpit was a large fuel quantity gauge, with a selector switch beneath it, to read each tank quantity individually or total fuel on board. The fuel was actually used to cool the aircraft itself and as a cooling medium for other components throughout the aircraft. |
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The fuel tanks formed the exterior skin of the aircraft and, consequently, always leaked when the SR-71 was cool. Shallow drip pans were placed under the aircraft after refueling to capture the dripping JP-7. Over the years, many sealants have been tried to permanently stop the leaks between the six main fuel tanks, but were never successful. The extreme heating and cooling cycles, as well as the large pressure changes of the fuel tanks, created a situation where all maintenance could do was minimize the amount of leakage. As the aircraft and fuel warmed up with increasing speed, the sealant did its job, and the tanks were tight. |
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| © Copyright Richard Graham | |
