Fuel Tanks

[danweseman]

To clarify, you do not need flop tubes unless you are going to fly inverted for extended periods (more than about 5 seconds). The reason I said you don't need flop tubes unless you have fuel injection is that the engine will quit instantly with a carburetor when exposed to 0, or - G so of course you not flying upside down. The elision ,Rotec and UL engine will all run perfectly without flop tubes (as long as you are not flying inverted for extended periods)

The UL dose not need anything special for the fuel tank for the return. you just get a different fuel vale from us that is setup to return to tank you've selected, its really simple. We do not have the Capacitance fuel valves worked out just yet. I would rather have the float type , but they get in the way of flop tubes (which you don't need). For the immediate future if you want capacitance your on your own....

Dan If you want a UL Contact Rachel for the Best pricing, We have a OEM in place!

[PlaneDan]

So does the UL Power 350iS require flop tubes and capacitance senders?

I certainly prefer capacitance senders, so if anyone out there wants to use the standard ones, they came with my hardware kit and I can make you a good deal on them. Have not even taken them out of the box.

Finished my wings today, so am very interested in the options for the fuel tanks because the time for building them should be coming quite soon. Not sure if I will use the UL Power yet, but will build the tanks as if I were, so I don't rule out the option.

[PlaneDan]

Should I assume that the requirement for a flop tube with an Ellison is for aerobatics, since it does not have a float bowl?

[rlweseman]

The builders manual for the Fuel Tanks is still awaiting some final touches, like photos, but here is an explanation of options for fuel tanks.
Fuel tank options

Like all aspects of the Panther we give you some options. This is one of the reason it is such a versatile aircraft. Below are a few options to consider before building fuel tanks.

Capacity

Fuel tank capacity is the first option to choose. You can have 10.5 gal per tank for 21 gal total or 13.5 for 27 total. Each tank “bay” is roughly 2.7 gal. The original design for the LSA, and smaller engine Panthers called for 21 gal capacity (10.5 gal per side). A Panther with a Corvair, 0-200, or Jabiru will have a cruise fuel burn of 5-6.5 gal per hr. (or less ) All of the engines will cruise at 150 mph true or more @ 8000 ft. DA. This gives a 2.5 hr. endurance, with a 1 hr. reserve. (We consider a 1hr reserve min for sport flying.) This gives a solid (real) 375 mile range. If you routinely want more than 375 range capacity build the 27 gal tanks.

Note: The kit comes with 27 gal skins. You would simply seal of the outermost bay of the tank for 21 gal operation.

Aerobatic Options

Flop tubes for inverted fuel systems are another option. They allow positive fuel pick up in almost any attitude except extreme nose down angles. The Panther Builds speed so quickly in this attitude that the power must come back and the nose raised within a few seconds to avoid violating VNE, so this attitude isn’t a problem.
If you are not adding fuel injection or a TBI (Ellison, Rotec) you have no need for flop tubes. They slightly complicate the build, require capacitance fuel senders, and the flop tubes need to be replaced every 5 years per manufacturer’s suggestions.

Note: if you choose the flop tube option see supplemental instructions and incorporate during tank build.

Other Options

Smoke Tanks

Another “Possible” Option would be to build one, or two of the shorter tanks, at 10.5 gal capacity and use the out board 2.7 gallon bay for a smoke oil tank. This keeps the messy oil out of a tank in the cockpit which is hard to fill etc. Contact SPA directly for advice and parts to needed for this “possible” option.

Sending Units

Alternate fuel level sending units, such as capacitance rod or plates, or something more compatible with your choice of instruments system. Use manufactures suggestions for installation.

[ynkster]

The Panther info refers to 21 and 27 gallon fuel tanks. How or what are our options for LSA builders?