[Test-Pilot Notes] issued 15th Feb 2026
In one of my conversations with Mr. BC Thomas (who contributed his precious 1st hand knowledge and information), I asked him about the nitrogen tanks and if they ever was bothered regarding the consumption during flight.
He told me that they had enough liquid nitrogen to last at least 10-11 hours (!).
He only lost nitrogen pressurization once, in a 10.5 hours mission, which included 5 air refueling, then due to the climbs and descends the system consumed more than just cruising (for fuel tank pressurization). It was over the Atlantic Ocean and they had to slow down to Mach 2.6 or less, so he slowed down to Mach 2.4 (not taking a chance with the heat).
The deal with the nitrogen is that is serves to pressurize the fuel tanks, keeping them from collapsing due pressure changes in climbs/descends), so multiple profiles consumes more nitrogen.
The fuel-tanks nitrogen pressurization system (for tank pressurization management) is a WIP and will be implemented once ready, in the near future.
It will add an additional factor for blowing the plane...
Huss
VSKYLABS
