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The use of Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT) on fighter jets has various advantages, besides there are weaknesses in technical aspects and operating costs. And among the advantages of CFT, the most dominant is the increase in the operational range of the fighter jet itself.
After the CFT design is quite well known on the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet and Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, what may be forgotten is the fact that the Dassault Rafale fighter jet has also been equipped with CFT.
The adoption of CFT is basically put forward for the Air Force which does not want to depend on tanker aircraft support or the presence of forward bases in operations for long-range flights.
Specifically regarding the Rafale fighter jet, which starting in 2026 will strengthen the TNI AU's arsenal, historically it has been prepared by Dassault Aviation to be fitted with a CFT, especially for the needs of the French Navy which operates fighter jets from aircraft carriers.
The CFT design on the Rafale was launched by Dassault Aviation in June 2001, the CFT with a capacity of 1,150 liters (300 US gal) per tank was flight tested several months before launch. At that time, the French navy's first squadron, Flottille 12F, had received five Rafale fighter jets, four of which took part in exercises aboard the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.
Dassault calls CFT a ‘fast package’. The CFT length on the Rafale reaches 7.5 meters. The CFT can be installed on single and two-seat Rafales. Dassault Aviation says that CFT components and systems can be removed in less than 2 hours. Dassault Aviation claims the additional 2,300 liters of fuel provides a 20-25 percent increase in range.
Dassault Aviation said at the time that the Rafale configuration with CFT was expected to attract interest from many countries that do not have air refueling capabilities. However, so far, none of the Rafale user countries have adopted CFT in their Rafale fleet.
In addition to increasing operational reach, CFT adoption can improve resilience and mission continuity. Some CFTs are designed to integrate into the aircraft's shape more seamlessly, which can help reduce the aircraft's radar signature, increasing the aircraft's ability to avoid detection by enemy radar.
In addition, the CFT can be installed or removed according to mission requirements. The aircraft can be configured with or without CFT depending on specific mission requirements.
Disadvantages of Using CFT
Installing CFTs can increase the total weight of the aircraft and increase aerodynamic drag, although good design can reduce this impact. This can affect aircraft performance, especially in terms of speed and maneuverability.
CFT development, manufacturing, and installation can be expensive. This could be a significant cost consideration in an aircraft development program. Complex CFT systems can increase aircraft maintenance levels. Maintenance and repairs to these systems may require additional time and resources.
Then, installing a CFT on an aircraft may limit the use of some weapons stations or payloads that could normally be installed on an aircraft without a CFT.