Which tank configuration allows for the use of crossfeed systems?

The configuration that allows for the use of crossfeed systems is integral tanks. Integral tanks are built into the structure of the aircraft, often within the wings or fuselage, which provides several advantages, including weight savings and optimized aerodynamics. The design of integral tanks facilitates a piping system that enables fuel to be transferred between tanks, not just from the tanks to the engines.

Crossfeed systems specifically rely on interconnected tanks to supply fuel to engines from either side of the aircraft, enhancing operational flexibility and safety, particularly in the case where one engine encounters a fuel supply issue. This allows an aircraft to utilize fuel stored in either wing tank, ensuring that operations can continue smoothly even if a fuel imbalance occurs.

Bladder tanks, while effective in their own right for fuel storage, are typically not designed with crossfeed capabilities in mind. Rigid tanks can be more complex in their construction and use, and while they may support some fuel transfer, they are not as adaptable for crossfeeding as integral tanks. Self-sealing tanks are primarily designed to reduce fuel loss in the event of a breach but do not imply a system for crossfeeding fuel between tanks. Thus, the integral tank configuration stands out for its suitability for implementing crossfeed systems in aircraft fuel systems.