Original Flight Hardware: Fuel System

The fuel control on the Lockheed L-1011 take a prominent spot on the lower section of the flight engineer panel. There are several tank configurations for the -1, -200 and -500 models of the L-1011. The configuration that I have a tank panel for is shown below.


Here is a general description of the L-1011 fuel system as described in a 1977 Eastern Airlines flight manual:

The fuel system consists of four wing tanks which operate as a three-tank system. The inboard tanks (No. 1 and No. 3) supply ENG1 and ENG3. The outboard tanks (No. 2L and No. 2R) are manifolded together through a flow equalizer to supply ENG2 with fuel. Tanks 2L and 2R are divided into inboard compartment and outboard compartments. The compartments are connected by a fuel line equipped with a float valve. Fuel is used first from the inboard compartment until 1000 pounds remain. Fuel from the outboard compartment then transfers through the float valve to maintain the 1000 pound level in the inboard compartment until the outboard compartment is depleted.

The No. 2 engine fuel lines supply the APU. When the ENG2 tank valve is closed, the APU can be supplied from tank No. 3.

The picture below shows the panel as I have it today (12/31/2009). There are 3 tank gauges missing (the one on the left hand side is actually a tank gauge from the external fuel control panel of the L-1011).


Each tank has two fuel pumps and fuel flow can be controlled with cross-feed valves (see below). An in-transit light for each fuel valve is illuminated, while the valve motor is engergized, during valve operating or closing.

Tanks 2L and 2R normally act as one tank. Fuel from tanks 2L and 2R feeds through the flow equalizer even during crossfeeding.


The fuel temperature in each tank can be displayed with the FUEL TEMPERATURE INDICATOR and the FUEL TEMPERATURE TEST SWITCH located on the lower left of the Fuel System panel.






Panel Location