Katerina Swanson
Tanks are armoured fighting vehicles that are used as primary offensive weapons in front-line ground combat. They are designed to balance heavy firepower, strong armour, and battlefield mobility. The engines of tanks are powerful but require a large amount of fuel. The M1 Abrams tank, for example, uses jet fuel and has been criticised for its high fuel consumption. Tanks are susceptible to mechanical failure of engine and transmission systems, especially when operating at maximum burst speeds. In recent times, there has been interest in exploring the use of electric-powered tanks to reduce fuel consumption and simplify supply delivery.
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What You'll Learn
The M1 Abrams tank's fuel consumption
The M1 Abrams is a third-generation American main battle tank, weighing in at nearly 73.6 short tons (66.8 metric tons). It is one of the heaviest tanks in service. The M1 Abrams was designed by Chrysler Defense (now General Dynamics Land Systems) and is named for General Creighton Abrams.
The M1 Abrams is a highly advanced tank with a powerful multifuel turbine engine that can run on diesel, gasoline, marine diesel, and jet fuel (JP-4 or JP-8). The jet fuel has poorer fuel economy and operating range compared to diesel. The tank's engine weighs less and provides more power than reciprocating engines, allowing the M1 Abrams to accelerate from 0 to 20 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 30 miles per hour cross-country.
Despite its impressive performance, the M1 Abrams has been criticized for its high fuel consumption. The tank gets less than a mile per gallon, burning between 1.5 and 3 gallons per mile. This has been a significant logistic problem for the US military and has led to proposals for more fuel-efficient engines. The M1 Abrams also suffers from reduced fuel economy when operating in sandy environments, as sand can clog the filters, causing reduced fuel efficiency or, in some cases, engine damage.
To address the issue of high fuel consumption, the Army has made efforts to improve fuel efficiency. The introduction of the LV100-5 engine in the 1990s reduced fuel consumption by 33% and by 50% when idle. Additionally, the use of external auxiliary power units (APUs) allows some functions of the M1 Abrams to run without the main engine, further conserving fuel. Despite these improvements, the M1 Abrams still has higher fuel consumption compared to similar tanks such as the Leopard 2.
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Electric-powered tanks
Secondly, electric and hybrid systems are easier to upgrade and replace than internal combustion engines, making them more adaptable to evolving technology. They also offer more space, as there are no fuel tanks, and provide instant acceleration from a standing start.
Thirdly, electric tanks would be quieter, reducing the noise signature, and produce less heat, reducing the heat signature. This could increase the survivability of the crew by making the tank harder to detect.
However, there are also challenges to implementing electric tanks. Batteries are much heavier than gas/diesel fuel, so an electric tank would weigh significantly more. This could be an issue for tanks that are already at the upper weight limit for bridges and roads. In addition, electric tanks would require massive electrical infrastructure to support charging, which may not be available in remote areas or near battlefields.
Another potential issue is the range of electric tanks. Batteries would need to be extremely high capacity to provide sufficient range for tanks, and even then, the tanks may not be able to go as far as their fossil fuel-powered counterparts.
Despite these challenges, armies are considering the potential benefits of electric tanks. Prototyping of a hybrid-electric Bradley tank was proposed in 2014, and the U.S. Army has expressed interest in reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to electric vehicles where possible. The Australian Army is also exploring the potential of electric and autonomous vehicles, recognising the benefits beyond fuel efficiency, such as increased flexibility and manoeuvrability.
While all-electric tanks may not be feasible in the near future, hybrid systems could provide a bridge, offering some of the benefits of electric power while retaining the range and refuelling advantages of fossil fuels.
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Gas turbine technology
The M1 Abrams, a third-generation American main battle tank, is a prominent example of a turbine-powered tank. Its multifuel gas turbine engine, originally made by Lycoming and now Honeywell, can operate on diesel, gasoline, marine diesel, and jet fuel. The turbine's light weight and torque provide the tank with exceptional mobility and acceleration, allowing it to manoeuvre effectively in hostile environments.
The basic operation of a gas turbine involves atmospheric air being compressed to higher pressure, followed by fuel injection and ignition for combustion. This combustion generates energy to rotate a turbine, with the rotational energy then utilised to drive a compressor and other devices like an electric generator. The M1 Abrams' engine operates similarly, with a low-pressure compressor initially compressing air, which is then sent to a high-pressure compressor. After heating the compressed air with exhaust gas energy, fuel is injected, mixed, and combusted. This high-energy combustion drives the rotation of the first turbine, generating auxiliary power for electricity and compressed air.
The gas turbine technology in the M1 Abrams offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides unmatched acceleration and high mobility due to its lightweight design. Secondly, it features a stealth aspect, reducing noise, vibrations, and conspicuous exhaust gases, earning it the nickname "Whispering Death". Thirdly, it is easy to maintain, with a low failure rate and easy replacement. Finally, it has a rapid start-up capability, even in cold environments, without requiring a warm-up operation.
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Fuel efficiency
Military tracked vehicles, including tanks, are known for their poor fuel efficiency. The M1 Abrams tank, for example, consumes about four gallons of fuel per soldier per day, with a range of about 265 miles (426 km) in its most recent model, which holds 490 gallons (1,850 L) of fuel. This equates to less than one mile per gallon, or 0.26 mpg according to another source.
The M1's high fuel consumption has been a point of criticism, with comparisons drawn to other tanks of similar power and effectiveness, such as the Leopard 2, which has better fuel efficiency. The Sherman tank, while considered a formidable opponent during its time, also had very low fuel efficiency, estimated to be under 1 mpg.
While tanks are notorious for their poor fuel efficiency, some vehicles offer better fuel economy. The FV101 Scorpion light tank, for example, is likely more fuel-efficient than the Maus, which is often regarded as one of the least efficient military vehicles.
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Fuel delivery
The delivery of fuel to tanks in the field is a complex and risky operation. Fuel is typically transported from its source to rearming and refuelling points near the front line by truck. This process is vulnerable to attack and can put the lives of soldiers at risk. The large fuel requirement of tanks also creates a logistical challenge, as a significant amount of fuel must be delivered and stored near the front line to support tank operations.
The Australian Army's M1s have successfully used diesel fuel, and there have been discussions about converting Abrams tanks to diesel engines. Diesel fuel is more readily available and familiar for repairs, as many other armoured vehicles use diesel. However, diesel engines tend to have more moving parts, and jet fuel burns cleaner.
To reduce the demand for liquid fuel and simplify supply delivery, there has been interest in transitioning to electric-powered tanks or hybrid drive systems. Electric drive systems would decrease the amount of fuel needed to reach the front lines and reduce the number of vulnerable fuel convoys. They are also easier to upgrade and replace, and potentially cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly.
In summary, fuel delivery for tanks is a complex and critical operation that impacts the effectiveness of tank warfare. The choice of fuel and engine type influences a tank's performance and range, and the delivery process can be risky for soldiers. As technology advances, transitioning to electric or hybrid systems may simplify fuel delivery and reduce the demand for liquid fuel on the battlefield.
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Frequently asked questions
Traditional tanks use diesel or gasoline. However, some tanks, such as the Soviet T-80, American M1 Abrams, and the M1A2 Abrams, use jet fuel.
Tanks are notorious for being gas guzzlers. The M1 tank, for example, gets less than a mile per gallon. The Abrams MBT is also known for its high fuel consumption, using an estimated 1.5 to 3 gallons per mile.
Electric-powered tanks could reduce the demand for liquid fuel on the battlefield and save the lives of soldiers delivering fuel to the front lines. They are also easier to upgrade and replace, cheaper to run, and more environmentally friendly.
The most recent M1 model holds 490 gallons (1,850 liters) of fuel, allowing the tank to go about 265 miles (426 km) without refueling.
A U.S. Army armored division with all armored vehicles online and on the move can consume up to 500,000 gallons of fuel per day.
