In aviation, to jettison is to discard fuel, external stores or other expendable items.Crane, Dale: ''Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms, third edition'', page 292. Aviation Supplies & Academics, 1997. The item is usually jettisoned by operating a switch or handle; external stores may be separated from the aircraft by use of

explosive bolts A pyrotechnic fastener (also called an explosive bolt, or pyro, within context) is a fastener, usually a nut or bolt, that incorporates a Explosive material, pyrotechnic charge that can be initiated remotely. One or more explosive charges embedde ...

or a mechanism. ;Fuel jettison : Fuel jettisoning or fuel dumping is an emergency procedure used by crews of to reduce an aircraft's weight in an emergency when the aircraft meet its maximum landing weight. ;External stores jettison :Some military aircraft can carry weapons (for example bombs or rockets) and

fuel tanks A fuel tank (also called a petrol tank or gas tank) is a safe container for flammable fluids. Though any storage tank for fuel may be so called, the term is typically applied to part of an engine system in which the fuel is stored and propelled ...

on external

hardpoint A hardpoint is an attachment location on a structural frame designed to transfer force and carry an external or internal load. The term is usually used to refer to the mounting points (more formally known as a weapon station or station) on the ...

s. The pilot can jettison them if necessary, so they do not inhibit actions during

combat Combat ( French for ''fight'') is a purposeful violent conflict meant to physically harm or kill the opposition. Combat may be armed (using weapons) or unarmed ( not using weapons). Combat is sometimes resorted to as a method of self-defense, or ...

or in an emergency. Airports may establish specific safe areas for the jettison of external stores, when required.

References

Emergency aircraft operations {{Aviation-stub

See also

References