Tank identification

[RonnieLee1]

Hello. My name is Ronnie Lee and I've registered here in hopes of gaining a little knowledge. If I am
in the wrong forum I understand if this gets deleted, just steer me the right direction please.

I have had these two tanks in my yard for many years without knowing what they were. I had planned
a giant retro-tin-toy-rocket art project with them but...... I would like to ask if anyone can help me ID
these pieces. I thought a site like this would be a good place to find expertise and knowledge regarding
these types of aircraft parts. After much research and chatting in various sites, all I have been able to
gather is that they are "drop tanks" with several aircraft mentioned that they might belong to. I can't
seem to verify anything about them and just get guesses. I can find no matching photos on the net to
reference either. I do not know the approximate age or the manufacturer or really, if they even are parts
of an aircraft at all.

Here is what I do know.

They are 17' long, 24" in the middle, have tail fins, have a fuel cap, guessing weight at around 250 - 300lbs,
seem to be all aluminum, have marking such as "no step", "ok for atomized fuel", "320 US gals.". There are
one or two rectangular hatch looking plates which are rather small. Perhaps a service entrance of some kind.
I know there is no liquid but unsure if there is anything inside. I would really appreciate and help getting the
correct info on these units. I do not know how to post photos here so I put them on Photobucket. Here is the
link.

http://s1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee4 ... lackerman/

Thanks for your time,

Ronnie Lee
Irving, TX

[RandolphB]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lockheed_XF-104.jpg

Perhaps these?..or something of this era at least...

[Randy Wilson]

In the one image showing the fuel filler and red/white stencil, I read it as "CAPACITY 230 U.S. GALS. 192 IMP. GAL. SUITABLE FOR AROMATIC FUEL" The position of the NO STEP suggests underwing tanks to me. Hope that helps someone ID the tanks.

Randy

[The Inspector]

F-84F/RF-84F underwing tanks?

[Pogmusic]

Aren't the F/RF 84 tanks fins downward swept?

[Clifford Bossie]

They remind me somewhat of Hunter tanks.

Will have to look through a few books when I get home.

[viking73]

Looking at the fins, I thought they might be A-4 or F4D-1 tanks?

-Derek

[RareBear]

I wouldn't think that tanks belonging to a US aircraft would have the capacity listed in Inperial gallons. That would tend to steer me toward British aircraft.

Walt

[51fixer]

I wouldn't think that tanks belonging to a US aircraft would have the capacity listed in Inperial gallons. That would tend to steer me toward British aircraft.

Walt

The fuel quantity is labeled in both US and Imperial Gals. A standard practice.
Probably US produced.
A close up of the attachment points would help. Could be under the wood board.
Any numbers that are stenciled or stamped on any of the individual parts would be a help.
Looks like Navy and 60s to 70s era.

[RonnieLee1]

Thanks guys! I REALLY appreciate the feedback. Tonight I'm going to drag one in the garage and set it up on sawhorses. I'll clean it up and try to get more detail in the photos along with clear markings. I will also try to open the "service panels" and have a peek. Then I'll repost the photos.

They are not as needle shaped like the ones on the XF-104. Nose is more blunt and front to back very uniform until the rapid rear taper which ends in a point.

Again, a big THANKS for your replies!!!

Ronnie Lee
Irving, TX

[RonnieLee1]

I have taken photos of some of the drop tanks details. I hope this helps ID these tanks.

I was mistaken in my original description, They are 230 gal. NOT 320 gal.

I did finally see some that could be the same. They were for Hawker Hunter FGA.9, Mk5.8, F.Mk.6, F4, F6A, FR10
and maybe F-84F "Thunderstreak" Can't get good enough photo for pos. ID however.


the photos are here: http://s1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee4 ... lackerman/

Thanks

Ronnie Lee
Irving, TX

[Fouga23]

I'm thinking F-84