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How Big Are Fuel Tanks on Planes?

Published in Aircraft Fuel Systems 2 mins read

The size of fuel tanks on planes varies significantly depending on the aircraft type, ranging from a few hundred gallons for small planes to tens of thousands of gallons for large commercial airliners.

The fuel tank capacity is a critical factor in determining a plane's range and payload. Larger fuel tanks allow planes to fly longer distances without refueling, but they also add weight, which can reduce the amount of cargo or passengers the plane can carry.

Here's a table illustrating the fuel capacity of a few different aircraft:

Aircraft Fuel Capacity (US Gallons) Fuel Capacity (Liters)
Boeing 737 MAX 6,853 25,940
Airbus A300 'Beluga' 6,303 23,860
Dassault Falcon 6X 5,042 19,156
Gulfstream G500 4,514 17,151

As you can see, even within the jet category, there is a significant range. Smaller private jets like the Gulfstream G500 have smaller tanks, while larger commercial aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX and specialized cargo planes like the Airbus A300 'Beluga' have significantly larger capacities. The specific fuel needs are determined by the aircraft's mission and desired range.

In summary, aircraft fuel tank sizes are highly variable and depend heavily on the specific aircraft model and its intended use.

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