Abstract: A method of aircraft fuel distribution includes selecting a longitudinal center of gravity and predicting a rate of change of the center of gravity during flight. Fuel is located in a tail fin tank of a vertical tail fin of the aircraft, and is transferred from the tail fin tank forward at a predetermined transfer rate to counteract the predicted rate of change thereby maintaining the selected center of gravity. An aircraft fuel distribution system includes a center main fuel tank, a tail fin tank and a tail fin fuel pump to pump fuel between the tail fin tank and the center main fuel tank. An electronic controller operates the tail fin fuel pump such that fuel is flowed between the tail fin tank and the center main fuel tank at a predetermined transfer rate to maintain automatically an optimal position of a longitudinal center of gravity of the aircraft.

Abstract: A bypass valve includes a housing for directing fluid flow through the bypass valve. A disc is positioned within the flow path having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. The bypass valve further includes at least one strain gauge disposed on the disc. One of the inner and outer perimeters of the disc is fixed to the bypass valve housing and one of the inner and outer perimeter of the disc is free to deflect from the bypass valve housing in response to fluid flow through the bypass valve such that a measurement of deflection of the disc induces strain on the strain gauge.

Abstract: A method of aircraft fuel distribution includes selecting a longitudinal center of gravity and predicting a rate of change of the center of gravity during flight. Fuel is located in a tail fin tank of a vertical tail fin of the aircraft, and is transferred from the tail fin tank forward at a predetermined transfer rate to counteract the predicted rate of change thereby maintaining the selected center of gravity. An aircraft fuel distribution system includes a center main fuel tank, a tail fin tank and a tail fin fuel pump to pump fuel between the tail fin tank and the center main fuel tank. An electronic controller operates the tail fin fuel pump such that fuel is flowed between the tail fin tank and the center main fuel tank at a predetermined transfer rate to maintain automatically an optimal position of a longitudinal center of gravity of the aircraft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor assembly including a port, which may support one or more headers, and a header affixed to the port by a weld joint. The header may support a sensor, such as a pressure sensor. A backing ring protects the assembly from damage that may be caused by welding.