What distinguishes gravity feed systems from pressurized fuel systems?

Gravity feed systems are distinguished by their reliance on gravitational force to move fuel from the fuel tanks to the engine. In these systems, the fuel flows downward through the lines simply due to gravity, without the need for dedicated fuel pumps. This method is effective at low altitudes and for certain types of aircraft where fuel delivery does not need to overcome significant pressure differentials or where complexity is minimized.

On the other hand, pressurized fuel systems actively utilize fuel pumps to ensure that the fuel is delivered to the engine at the appropriate pressure. These systems are designed to provide consistent fuel flow under various operating conditions, which is essential for engine performance, especially at high altitudes where the atmospheric pressure is lower.

The effective use of pumps in pressurized systems allows for greater control over fuel flow and enables aircraft to operate efficiently in a wider range of environments and conditions. Understanding these differences is crucial for evaluating the design choices in various aircraft types and their fuel management systems.