Extra fuel

Arguably one of the most important debates about The Jensen Flight is "extra fuel".  Numerous accounts, including that of expert Scott Gifford say Jensen was carrying 450 gallons of aviation gas.

Bear in mind 450 gallons of "av gas" would weigh 2,700 pounds, PLUS the weight of the tank(s) to carry it.  And bear in mind the gross rated weight of the aircraft was 3,300 pounds.  And bear in mind that the weight of the lion, the cage, the milk tank, the water tank, the pilot, his sandwiches and the 84 gallons of "stock fuel" added up to 1,500 pounds. And that all adds up to at least 3,300 pounds.

So, how did Jensen's Ryan B-1 carry extra fuel? Scott Gifford is "all over that" by telling us the airframe was fitted for an extra wing tank and two belly tanks.  But could those extra three tanks carry 450 gallons?  That's highly unlikely because of the sheer volume 450 gallons would occupy.

There's NO doubt The Jensen Plane was carrying extra fuel.  Is there a doubt about whether it was 450 gallons? You betcha!

 Take a look at a "stock" Ryan B-1 as displayed at the Yanks Air museum in Chino, California.  Look at that sleek underbody of a classic 1920's airframe design!  It's Beautiful.  Now see comment below next photo.

Just check out Martin Jensen's aircraft.  You can clearly see the bottom of the Center of Gravity of the airframe has been modified...presumably to fit in two belly tanks.  There's no doubt the aircraft was at its rated maximum gross weight BEFORE adding the extra fuel.  So, how did that extra fuel affect the final outcome of the famous flight?  Oh, so many questions!