Lockheed Martin Corporation
Variable geometry fuel sump pads

Abstract:

A fuel system for providing fuel to a downstream component includes a fuel tank container having a hollow interior for storing a volume of fuel and a fuel line fluidly coupling the hollow interior with the downstream component. A first end of the fuel line is arranged within the hollow interior such that a fuel pick-up location is defined between the first end of the fuel line and an adjacent surface of the fuel tank container. A sump pad is positioned within the hollow interior. The sump pad is transformable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration to direct fuel within the hollow interior toward the fuel pick-up location.