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ABLE Instruments & Controls teamed up with Hawker Hunter Aviation to develop a non invasive, ultrasonic based, prototype secondary fuel flow measuring system for aerial use, to augment the existing fuel indication displays in aircraft.

Hawker Hunter Aviation Ltd (HHA), based at RAF Scampton, is a CAA and MoD approved and regulated fast jet contractor with a proven track record of offering private sector outsourcing of realistic, high speed Aerial Threat Simulation, Mission Support Training and Trials Support Services to Armed Forces and Defence Contractors.

The equipment’s main prerequisite was for a measurement to be taken externally to avoid cutting the fuel lines, thus avoiding the lengthy and involved process of design change acceptance for the aircraft fuel line. The equipment also had to be able to operate in adverse conditions (i.e. wide temperature range, non pressurised, high g-loadings).

ABLE’s ultrasonic flow meter, designed for adverse conditions within the offshore oil industry was the perfect match for the job. This new application is non aircraft specific and can be configured for any flow rates with a variety of display settings & formats.

Mat Potulski, Hawker Hunter’s Managing Director, commented, “The flow meter is giving excellent results which closely match that of the fuel gauges and the fuel total ties up with the amount put back in by the fuel truck. The pilot who has been operating the aircraft is very impressed with the system and feels that we could have potential for further installations. There has evidently been a large amount of interest within the engineering community at Boscombe Down.”

An extensive test flying programme has provided information on reliability and accuracy and, with ABLE’s metering expertise, Hawker Hunter Aviation can now design, fit and certify similar installations to most aircraft types.

For more information, please contact ABLE Instruments on +44 (0)118 9311188 or by email: info@able.co.uk