Fuel tank assembly and associated method

摘要

A fuel tank assembly and associated method are provided which may limit the damage otherwise occasioned by the impact of a ballistic projectile. The fuel tank assembly may include a bladder (12) defined between exterior (14) and interior (16) bladder walls, with the interior bladder wall defining a volume (18) for storing fuel. The exterior bladder wall is at least as or more rigid than the interior bladder wall. The fuel tank assembly can also include connectors (25) between the exterior and interior bladder walls to at least partially limit expansion of the bladder. The fuel tank assembly can also include an inlet opening (20) into the bladder to permit a pressurized gas to be introduced into the bladder. The fuel tank assembly may also include a valve (24) through the interior bladder wall into the volume for storing fuel to permit at least some of the pressurized gas to he introduced therein.