Eagler's Nest

General Category => Off Topics and General Interest => Topic started by: BrianInVA on September 03, 2024, 07:42:02 AM

Title: Fuel Seat Tank?
Post by: BrianInVA on September 03, 2024, 07:42:02 AM
Hi folks,
Thanks for the ad. We’re going to be purchasing the LE XL plans soon to start our build.

I am curious if anyone has used an ultralight Fuel Seat Tank instead of the usual seat and fuel tank placement? I realize some form of fuel pump may be necessary as gravity feed would be negatively affected by seat fuel tank placement and the airframe may need to be slightly modified to accommodate it.

Thanks!
Brian
Title: Re: Fuel Seat Tank?
Post by: Brock on September 03, 2024, 01:57:34 PM
Hi Brian,
I've seen at least one other post, on a builder's page, about seat tanks (search might find it).  While the rotationally molded seat tanks are robust, they are heavy.  If you are going to keep it under 254#'s then that might not be the tank for your project, especially if it causes you to add the weight of the a pump.  Might want to ask the seller to weigh it to the nearest ounce.  That way you'll be able to
compare with other options.
Title: Re: Fuel Seat Tank?
Post by: BrianInVA on September 03, 2024, 02:16:24 PM
Thanks Brock. I’ve seen specs for the 5g fuel seat tanks weighing 11 pounds. I’d assume an average 5g wing tank weighs 2 to 3 pounds and the original aluminum sling seat weighs 2 pounds. So the fuel tank seat would add 5 to 7 pounds plus a fuel pump.

I have low back trouble so I know I couldn’t tolerate the original sling seat, and I don’t like the idea of a wing tank when I plan on folding the wings when stored. But maybe I’m making a bigger deal out of that in my head than necessary.
Title: Re: Fuel Seat Tank?
Post by: DA Miller on September 03, 2024, 04:37:22 PM
Brian, I'm in VA. Waynesboro.  Where are you?
Title: Re: Fuel Seat Tank?
Post by: BrianInVA on September 03, 2024, 05:08:11 PM
Brian, I'm in VA. Waynesboro.  Where are you?
Strasburg,near Winchester.
Title: Re: Fuel Seat Tank?
Post by: DA Miller on September 04, 2024, 03:30:43 PM
email me. damiller@lumos.net. You may want to look at my LE-XL project.
Title: Re: Fuel Seat Tank?
Post by: pappyadkins on September 04, 2024, 06:11:18 PM
Original seat only 1 pound (mine is only 10 ounces) and I think SUPER comfortable... I think some may make the tails too long or too short... Too short & it can feel like your being dumped out... Too long & you can feel the front bar, but you can always put in cushion to fix that... I have flown in several air-commands (the maker of this seat) and I wouldn't call it more comfortable by no means...  A bigger problem you WILL face, you do not have the room under the seat for your control stick, the way the LE is designed... Just FYI, it will have to be addressed!!! and as others have said, TOO HEAVY to make weight... I would also agree you could possibly get the FG tank in around the 2-3 pound mark... Ultimentantly, it is your plane, so you get to build it as you want, but to me it's not worth the extra 7-8 pounds (plus pump) & the redesigning the controls... Good Luke & keep us posted....
Title: Re: Fuel Seat Tank?
Post by: BrianInVA on September 05, 2024, 07:43:52 AM
email me. damiller@lumos.net. You may want to look at my LE-XL project.
Great, thanks. Email sent.
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