How does the fuel capacity of an aircraft typically vary?

The fuel capacity of an aircraft is primarily determined by its design, purpose, and intended use. Different aircraft models serve various roles; for instance, some are designed for short flights or smaller cargo loads, while others are built for long-distance travel or heavy payload capabilities. This variation in design leads to a broad range in fuel capacities, often stretching from several hundred to several thousand gallons, depending on the specific operational needs of the aircraft.

For example, a small private plane may have a modest tank size for short flights, while a large commercial airliner has the capacity to hold thousands of gallons to ensure it can operate on long-haul routes without needing to refuel frequently. Thus, the answer that highlights this variability based on the aircraft model accurately reflects the range of fuel capacities found in aviation. The other options present overly narrow ranges or fixed amounts that do not accommodate the diversity of aircraft types.