Abstract: An inflatable bladder is placed between the wall of an aircraft inlet duct nd the liquid fuel to reduce the potential damage caused by hydrodynamic ram effects from a projectile penetrating the fuel tank. The inflatable bladder is inflated by a regulated gas source prior to combat. The inflatable bladder may be formed as a double layered section of a rubber bladder fuel cell type fuel tank, or an inflatable bladder may be bonded to the inner surface of an integral fuel tank wall.

Abstract: An elastomeric sway bracing and ejector system for aircraft is provided by wo different apparatus. In one, an elastomeric cushion is placed on the aircraft in a position to be crushed by a carried aircraft store. In the other, an elastomeric bladder is filled with gas, which is compressed to the sway brace store. This acts as a cushion between the aircraft and the store. In both apparatus, the release of the store permits it to be ejected by the compressed force of the elastomeric material. Insertion of pressurized sections in the elastomeric cushion permit both the cushion and the bladder to be inflated by different air pressures to control the resilient force exerted against the store.

Abstract: A composite or metal baffel system around a fuel tank collapses after punre from an explosive round. The collapse is caused by the overpressure that follows penetration. The collapse delays fuel leakage until the incendiary effect of the explosive round is passed. The delay of fuel leakage is caused by the time it takes for fuel to follow a serpentine path through the collapsed baffel system.