Can the F-35 or F-22 Utilize a MOAB-esq Shaped Fuel Tank in Their Internal Weapons Bay?

While the F-35 and F-22 were originally designed for high-performance aerial operations, questions arise regarding their ability to incorporate unconventional features such as a MOAB-esq shaped fuel tank in their internal weapon bays. Let's explore the practicality and feasibility of such an idea.

Theoretical Possibility and Practicality

From a theoretical standpoint, it is technically possible to modify the F-35 and F-22 to integrate a MOAB-esq shaped fuel tank into their internal weapon bays. However, practical considerations such as design, plumbing, and operational logistics make this endeavor far from practical.

Design and Plumbing Constraints

The F-35 and F-22 were not designed with the capability to receive fuel from tanks within the internal weapons bay. The presence of necessary equipment for this functionality is not standard, and the aircraft currently do not have the plumbing to support an internal fuel tank directly from a contained within the weapon bay.

External Jettisoned Fuel Tanks: The F-22, for instance, was briefly tested with external jettisoned fuel tanks. This does not indicate a long-term design suitability for housing fuel within the weapon bay, but rather an emergency solution to extend operational range.

Lack of Necessary Equipment and Plumbing

Weapons Launchers (WLA) do not come equipped with the necessary fuel supply vent line hook-ups for external fuel tanks. These vent lines are typically found on pylons, which can accommodate external fuel tanks. In the case of the internal weapons bay, there is simply not enough space to accommodate the plumbing required for a fuel tank.

MOAB (Massive Ordnance Air-Burst Bomb) Certification and Usage

There is currently no MOAB weapon certified for use on either the F-35 or F-22. While certifying such a weapon would be relatively simple, the practicality of doing so is questionable. The aircraft are capable of carrying and deploying an extensive range of conventional weapons including GBU (Guided Bomb Units), SDB (Small Diameter Bombs), and Stormbreakers, which can often meet or exceed the destructive potential of a MOAB.

Moreover, even if a MOAB-like weapon were to be certified, it is unlikely that this would be a common requirement for the F-35 and F-22. The existing payloads are strategically versatile and can handle most combat scenarios effectively without the need for such extreme ordnance.

Conclusion

In summary, the F-35 and F-22 were not designed with the capability to utilize a MOAB-esq shaped fuel tank in their internal weapons bays. While it is theoretically possible to make such modifications, the practical challenges, including the lack of necessary plumbing and space, make this an impractical solution.

The current design of these aircraft prioritizes performance, stealth, and multifunctionality in conventional combat roles, where they have proven highly effective. Any attempt to modify them to include such a fuel tank would be a significant deviation from their original design and operational philosophy.