Aircraft fuel tank inerting system

A method of operating an aircraft fuel inerting system comprising a fuel tank having a plurality of interconnected bays, the method comprising:

• inwardly venting air along a vent duct, and distributing the inwardly vented air to substantially each one of the interconnected bays.

An aircraft fuel tank system comprising at least one fuel tank and a vent configured to allow inward venting of air, the system being arranged so as to direct inward venting atmospheric air along a duct, the duct having a plurality of exit apertures arranged so as to deliver the inwardly vented air to a plurality of different locations in the at least one fuel tank.

An aircraft fuel tank system comprising at least one fuel tank and a vent configured to allow inward venting of air, the system being arranged so as to direct inward venting atmospheric air via a valve, the valve interfacing with a duct arranged so as to deliver the inwardly vented air to a plurality of different locations in the at least one fuel tank.

An aircraft fuel tank system comprising at least one fuel tank and a vent configured to allow inward venting of air, the system being arranged so as to channel the inwardly vented air along a duct, the duct interfacing with a plurality of valves which are located at a corresponding plurality of different positions in the at least one fuel tank and which are configured, in an open position, to allow the inwardly vented air to exit the duct and to enter a main volume of the at least one fuel tank.

An aircraft fuel tank system comprising at least one fuel tank having a plurality of interconnected bays and a vent arranged so as to allow an inward venting of an inerting gas along a duct, the duct being arranged so as to convey the inerting gas to substantially each one of the interconnected bays, the duct being formed from one or more stringers or a reinforcing member of the at least one fuel tank or aircraft wing.