Jettison (aviation) explained
In aviation, to jettison is to discard fuel, external stores or other expendable items.[1] [2] The item is usually jettisoned by operating a switch or handle; external stores may be separated from the aircraft by use of explosive bolts or a mechanism.
Fuel jettison
See main article: Fuel dumping.
Fuel jettisoning or fuel dumping is an emergency procedure used by crews to reduce the weight of an aircraft in an emergency when the aircraft has reached its maximum landing weight.
External stores jettison
Some military aircraft can carry weapons (for example bombs or rockets) and fuel tanks on external hardpoints. The pilot can jettison them if necessary, so they do not inhibit actions during combat or in an emergency. Airports may establish specific safe areas for the jettison of external stores, when required.[3] [4]
See also
Notes and References
- Book: Gunston, Bill. Jane's Aerospace Dictionary. Jane's Publishing. London. 1986. 0 7106 0365 7.
- Crane, Dale: Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms, third edition, page 292. Aviation Supplies & Academics, 1997.
- Web site: Jettisoning of External Stores. 15 July 2022. Federal Aviation Administration. Federal Aviation Administration . faa.gov. https://web.archive.org/web/20220120195822/https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/atc_html/chap9_section_5.html. 20 January 2022. live.
- Web site: Watch the Moment an Indian Air Force Jaguar Jet Has a Bird Strike, Jettisons External Loads.. 15 July 2022. Demerly. Tom. theaviationist.com . 29 June 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20210724051126/https://theaviationist.com/2019/06/29/watch-the-moment-an-indian-jaguar-has-a-bird-strike-jettisons-weapons/. 24 July 2021. live.
