Rajan Wilcox
The capacity of military fuel cans varies depending on the historical period and the military in question. At the beginning of World War II, the British Army used 2-imperial-gallon (9.1 litres) and 4-imperial-gallon (18 litres) fuel cans. In contrast, the German military had stockpiled thousands of the predecessor to the modern jerrycan, which had a capacity of 5 gallons (18.9 litres). The US military also adopted the 5-gallon metal gas can early in World War II, and it has since been used by militaries worldwide, including NATO countries.
Characteristics and Values of Military Fuel Cans
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container capacity | 2-imperial-gallon (9.1 L; 2.4 US gal), 4-imperial-gallon (18 L; 4.8 US gal), 5-gallon (18.9 L; 6 US gal) |
| Production material | Pressed steel, tin plate, plastic, metal |
| Usage | Fuel, gas, water, other liquids |
| Producers | GELG, Noblitt-Sparks Ind Inc. |
| Features | Rustproof, anti-blast protection, small screwable stopper to allow air inflow |
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What You'll Learn
The US military's five-gallon metal fuel cans
The German military had thousands of these cans stockpiled by 1939, and their advantages were recognised by the British Army during the Norwegian Campaign in 1940. The US version of the jerrycan is covered by military specification MIL-C-1283 F and has been produced by several US manufacturers since the early 1940s. They were also produced by the millions in many countries for about 50 years.
The five-gallon metal fuel cans offer versatility and durability. They are now available in various capacities, including 5, 10, and 20 litres, and are painted in RAL colours, rustproof, and offer anti-blast protection. They comply with strict durability standards, making them suitable for use on NATO missions.
The standard-issue fuel cans for the US and Canadian Armed Forces are the Scepter lightweight MIL-spec fuel cans. These cans are made from rugged HDPE, providing excellent mechanical strength and superior impact resistance while being virtually indestructible. They are designed to safely and securely transport auxiliary fuel, lightening the soldier's load and withstanding extreme weather conditions.
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British Army's steel and tin plate cans
At the beginning of World War II, the British Army used two types of fuel containers: the 2-gallon (9.1-litre) container made of pressed steel, and the 4-gallon (18-litre) container made from tin plate. The 2-gallon containers were strong but expensive to produce, while the 4-gallon containers, primarily manufactured in Egypt, were cheap but prone to leaking after minor damage. These 4-gallon containers were also referred to as 'flimsies' by the troops due to their tendency to burst open during transport, especially over rough terrain.
The British Army's experience with their steel and tin plate fuel cans during World War II highlighted the importance of robust and reliable fuel containers in military operations. The shortcomings of the tin plate cans led to the adoption of improved designs, such as the German "Wehrmachtskanister" or "Jerrycan," which offered superior durability and functionality.
The German Jerrycan, designed in the 1930s, held 20 litres (approximately 5.3 US gallons or 4.4 imperial gallons) of fuel or water. It featured three handles for easy carrying by one or two people and had cross-like indentations on the sides that provided strength and allowed for the expansion of the contents. The interior was lined with impervious plastic, making it suitable for water or fuel.
The British Army recognised the advantages of the German Jerrycan design during the Norwegian Campaign in 1940 and adopted it for their own use. British companies such as Briggs Motor Bodies, Vauxhall Motors, and the Pressed Steel Company manufactured copies of the German design, which became widely used during World War II. The name "Jerrycan" stuck due to its German origins, with "Jerry" being slang for Germans.
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German design jerrycan
The German design jerrycan is a standard container for fuel and other liquids in the armies of NATO countries. The name "jerrycan" points to its origin, as "Jerry" was a slang term for Germans used in the early 20th century by Allied forces. The original German name for the jerrycan was the Wehrmacht-Einheitskanister, which translates to "armed forces unit canister".
The German jerrycan was designed by Vinzenz Grünvogel, chief engineer with the firm Müller of Schwelm. The design featured flat sides that were rectangular in shape and was made in two halves that were welded together like an automobile fuel tank. The cans were stockpiled by the German military in anticipation of World War II and played a critical role in their rapid invasion of Poland. The German jerrycan had a capacity of 20 litres and was made of steel.
The German jerrycan was superior to the British fuel containers used at the beginning of World War II, which had a tendency to leak and were prone to punctures. When the British Army first saw the German fuel cans during the Norwegian Campaign in 1940, they immediately recognised the advantages of the superior design. The German jerrycans were also preferred by the British over their own containers because of their handles, which allowed for two empty cans to be carried in each hand.
The US military also adopted a five-gallon metal gas can during World War II, which evolved from the German design. The US version of the jerrycan has been produced by several US manufacturers since the early 1940s. The US design was slightly lighter than the German can, weighing 4.5 kg compared to 5.2 kg for the German version. The German recessed welded seam was replaced with rolled seams, which were prone to leakage, and a spanner and funnel were required for pouring.
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Plastic jerrycans
The jerrycan was first developed in 1937 by the Müller engineering firm in Germany. The design was copied and modified by the Allies during World War II. The original German design was made of steel, but the US version of the jerrycan has been produced in plastic since the early 1940s. Plastic jerrycans are now widely used by the US military, NATO, and many other countries.
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Civilian copies of military cans
The jerrycan, originally designed to be used as a fuel container, has become a widely recognised basic item of military equipment. Its design was later copied by the Soviet Army and accepted as the standard container for liquids. This container is still being produced and used in modern Russia. In civilian use, this container is primarily used for automotive fuel and lubricants.
Civilian copies of military fuel cans are available in various materials, including metal and plastic, and in different capacities to cater to diverse needs. Metal jerry cans are known for their superior sealing ability and rigid structure, making them ideal for secure storage and transport. They are also preferred for their nicer pour spouts, which can be crucial for controlled dispensing. Metal cans are available in capacities of 5, 10, and 20 litres, offering options for different usage scenarios. These metal cans are painted in RAL colours, are rustproof, and provide anti-blast protection, making them a durable and safe choice.
Plastic jerry cans, on the other hand, offer their own advantages. A plastic jerrycan designed by Finnish designer Eero Rislakki in 1970 features a small screwable stopper on the top side behind the handle. This innovative design allows air to flow in, ensuring smooth fuel outflow during use. Plastic cans are also more lightweight than their metal counterparts, making them easier to handle and transport, especially when empty.
When considering the use of military fuel cans for civilian purposes, it is important to be aware of any regulations or restrictions. In the United States, civilian users have expressed interest in using military-style fuel cans, particularly the Scepter plastic 20L can, for carrying extra fuel in their vans. To comply with regulations, it is recommended to clearly label the cans with a hazard class 3 DOT label (flammable liquid). Additionally, using a red container for gasoline is advised, as it enhances visibility and recognition. For long-term storage, it is suggested to keep a small container of octane boost to prevent fuel degradation.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel a military Jerrycan can hold depends on its type and design. The British Army used 2-imperial-gallon (9.1L) and 4-imperial-gallon (18L) containers during World War II. The US military adopted the five-gallon (18.9L) metal gas can early in World War II, which has since been replaced by high-density polyethylene versions. Today, GELG produces metal Jerrycans with capacities of 5, 10, and 20 liters.
The early British 4-gallon containers were made of tin plate and prone to leaking, earning the nickname "flimsies" due to their tendency to split and puncture during transport, especially off-road. This resulted in fuel losses of up to 25% and increased the risk of vehicle fires. They were also hazardous when transported by cargo ships, as leaking fuel would accumulate in cargo holds.
The German design of the Jerrycan featured crimped or soldered seams to address the issues with early British containers. This design was adopted by the British Army after witnessing its superiority during the Norwegian Campaign in 1940. The German cans were stockpiled by the German military and played a role in their rapid invasion of Poland. Today, Jerrycans are made from high-density polyethylene or metal, offering improved durability and anti-blast protection.
