Novel Layout of Dutch Refueller
Page 77
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
ADUTCH approach to the design of big aircraft refuellers is typified by an articulated outfit which the D.A.F. concern, of Eindhoven, are building for Shell Nederland. It is the first of a number to be used at Schiphol airport, and it is stated that two such outfits could replenish the tanks of an aircraft such as a Douglas DC-8 in about 16 minutes.
The prime mover is a four-wheeler, and behind the cab is a box-type body housing the pumping equipment and controls. One side opens to form a canopy. Over the rear axle is a pivot for the beam of the front bogie of the tank component. The rear of this beam is supported by four wheels suspended in pairs by laterally mounted leaf springs.
The centre of the beam carries the forward end of the tank, the union being another pivot to accommodate up-and down movement. The 8,800-gallon tank is a truncated cone with an elliptical cross-section at the front and circular at the rear, where it rests on two pairs of single wheels in line.
A device known as a fuel monitor is incorporated in the pumping gear. Developed by Shell engineers, this detects traces of water in the kerosene and stops the delivery flow if necessary. It is experimental but good results have already been shown.
Special traffic arrangements had to be made When the outfit travelled from Eindhoven to Schiphol.