I asked this basic question a few years ago. In essence, Beech did this with some Bonanzas and Cessna did it with 310's. It turned out to increase acceptable gross weight because it changed the spanwise weight distribution to reduce flexing loads on the wing. With proper design, the tanks also acted like winglets to reduce drag in some flight regimes.

Ted Noel

Does anyone know of a valid reason for not installing 15 gal tip tanks on a Lancair IVP turboprop?  I made provisions for

this when I was building, but to my knowledge it has not been widely done.  Adjustment of the angle of attack on the tanks would be welcome.

 

Most comments on this would be appreciated.

 

Jim Hankins

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