rv-10 & Rv-14

New Photos coming soon!! We have switched to composite tanks.

Van's RV-10 lends itself very well to additional fuel for owners who use their aircraft for cross country operations. Standard fuel load is a little light for many owners wishing to fly non-stop while keeping their "personal" minimums high. Shortly after the RV-10 hit the market, RV-10 "drivers" were wanting ER Tanks for their "rides". Of course, HWA stepped up to the plate!

Specifications:

Weight - Total System Weight = 15 pounds
Capacity = Approximately 15 Gallons (~7.5 per side)
Method of Transfer = Electric Fuel Pump Transfer
Wing Tips we can accommodate - Standard RV-10 Tips from Van's

System Description / Operation:

ER Tank Systems are comprised of two tanks (one for each wing), pumps, hoses, tubing, fuel caps, hardware, and all the fittings required to perform the installation. The only components not supplied are electrical switches (X2), circuit protection, and a dollop of Pro-Seal. Each tank holds approximately 7.5 gallons, adding nearly 15 gallons to the total capacity of the RV-10.

ER Tanks, for the RV-10, utilize a "Pump Transfer System". This system uses an electric fuel pump, mounted outboard of the main fuel tank, to transfer fuel from the ER Tank to the main tank. When the pump not energized (OFF), it acts as a valve, preventing the fuel from flowing in either direction.

Fuel flow is controlled by single pole, single throw switches in the cockpit. A single 18 gauge wire is sufficient for the circuit. The pumps are grounded "locally". When the switches are flipped, fuel moves from the ER Tanks to the MAIN tanks. (Each ER Tank is vented individually).

If we were to feed the engine directly from the ER Tanks, which we do not, each ER Tank would require a sump and fuel indicator. By pumping the fuel into the mains, we can utilize the sump and fuel indicators from the main tanks. The Installation Manual goes into further detail but the gist of it is to transfer fuel the same time, every time. By doing so, you learn what a normal transfer "looks" like. Once you complete the installation and testing, you'll have total confidence in the system.

Normal operation (in flight) will require you burn enough fuel from the MAIN tanks to transfer the entire contents of the ER Tanks. Fuel should be transferred simultaneously from both ER Tanks only during straight and level flight. This prevents imbalances in the aircraft, and eliminates the requirement to keep re-trimming the aircraft. If you transfer individually, one wing would keep getting "lighter", requiring constant trimming of the aircraft. Although we recommend transferring both tanks simultaneously, we recommend using individual switches for each ER Tank. In the event of an electrical failure, such as a popped circuit breaker, you would still have access to the fuel in one of the ER Tanks. If both transfer pumps were on the same circuit, and you had a failure (circuit breaker/fuse), you would not have access to fuel in the "other" ER Tank.

Below you can see how the ER Tank is located just ahead of the wing spar. This configuration minimizes changes to the empty and operational C.G. characteristics of your airplane.

The empty weight of the entire ER Tank System (Left & Right) is 15 pounds but you will still need to re-calculate the weight and balance data for your aircraft and incorporate this information in your revised flight operations manual.

All ER Tanks are pressure tested for integrity before shipping. No welding is required by the customer. (Some images may depict ER Tanks during the fabrication process, and may not represent the finished product.)

ER Tank Systems include a SAMPLE Flight Manual Supplement and recommendations for testing and transferring fuel. However, it is up to the owner/builder to perform proper flight testing, procedures, and insure proper in-flight ER Tank operation.

See the "Benefits" link from the horizontal menu bar above to learn why ER Tanks might be an excellent addition to your RV-10.

Aerobatics:

Aerobatics are not authorized when ER Tanks contain ANY amount of fuel. In addition, Van's does NOT consider the RV-10 top be an aerobatic aircraft. We have NOT conducted Spin Testing with ER Tanks, as a result, we DO NOT recommend spins in aircraft equipped with ER Tanks

Things to Consider:

If you're contemplating the installation of ER Tanks in your RV-10, you should consider purchasing a "Bung Kit". Select the "Bung Kit" link from the horizontal menu bar above to learn why this might be a good idea.

Options:

The only option we offer is an Inspection Panel Kit for $75. One kit has enough components for both wings. In other words, one kit per aircraft is all that's required.

The kit contains panels, reinforcement rings, hardware, and instructions that allow the installation of an access panel beneath the wing for pump/hose access. The panels keep you from having to pull the main tanks every time you want to perform an inspection or maintenance. I think it's a great idea whether you buy our kit or fabricate your own. If you're "on the fence" as to whether you'll be installing ER Tanks, we suggest installing the Inspection Panel Kit before you paint the aircraft!

Installation:

ER Tanks must be installed in a completed wing. If you install the tanks before the wing is finished, you may not have access to buck the wing skin rivets. Of course, it's more efficient to install ER Tanks in a aircraft that's under construction but they are intended to be easily installed in flying aircraft, too. I would estimate 25% of ER Tanks sold are installed in aircraft that are already flying.

Allow three full days for installation. If you're aircraft is still under construction with the wing root fairings and wing tips removed, and no worries regarding paint, you're installation will go a little quicker. However, nothing about installing ER Tanks is difficult, it's just takes some time. For the most part, ER Tanks can be installed by one person but there are a few "moments" when having two people can really speed the process.

ER Tank Kits are very complete. About the only thing not included in the kit is Pro-Seal. You'll only need a dollop (about the size of a golf ball) for the entire installation. If you don't have any, check with builders in your local area or put a request out on one of the online forums. (Make sure it's not expired)

Installation Services:

If you're not up to installing ER Tanks yourself, HWA offers installation services. For more information, click on the "Installation" tab of the horizontal menu above (Under "Fuel Tanks")

How to Order:

Due to the popularity of ER Tanks, and the expansion of our product line, there has been a backlog for ER Tanks for quite some time.

Please click here to order.

Wing Tips:

We only offer ER Tanks that fit the factory RV-10 wing tips.