Question on Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT)

How are the Conformal Fuel Tanks attached to the fuselage, and when they are removed are the attachment points and fuel plumbing points visible?

Well, there are 4 connections to the fuselage:

1. Called "Dry Bay", which is a pannel that comes instead of a regualr Access pannel in the center of the fuselage. It contains all the fuel connections. The smart thing is that you can choose if you want the dry bay, or just regular access panel.
2. Forward connector that includes 2 electric connections and a somekind of a hang screw.
3. Aft connector.
4. The gun pannel, that must be removed in order to put the cfts.

Thanks hpman

Does the airframe have to be strengthened to accept the extra weight of the CFT's and fuel.

You can't choose whether or not you want the dry bay. All new aircraft will have it. It's easier to build just one configuration in the factory.

I think hpman meant you choose which panel you fit over the dry bay - the CFT-specific panel or the regular (non-CFT) panel.

The gun pannel, that must be removed in order to put the cfts.

Is this just to mount/install the CFTs or does carrying CFTs preclude use of the gun?

I'm under the impression it is door/panel 3411/3409 (holdback tool access) that must come off, butthe gun is still operational. hpman, can you confirm?

What does the rack that holds the CFT look like? They are obviously removed for some types of maintenance. It apears that it would be harder to install than the FAST packs on the F-15E's.
stik

What does the rack that holds the CFT look like?

Source: https://www.iai.co.il/