Ameer Randolph
Army tanks are versatile mobile land weapons platforms that require a lot of fuel to operate. The type of fuel used by tanks varies, with traditional tanks running on diesel or gasoline, while some modern tanks, like the M1A2 Abrams, use jet fuel. Gas turbines, which are powerful per unit weight, are used in some tanks, such as the Soviet T-80 and American M1 Abrams, but they are fuel-hungry. The mobility of tanks may be improved in the future with the use of diesel-electric or turbine-electric series hybrid drives, which would enhance fuel efficiency and reduce the size and weight of the power plant. The large fuel consumption of tanks has logistical implications, with an armored division of the Army consuming up to 500,000-600,000 gallons of fuel per day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel |
| Fuel efficiency | Less than 1 mile per gallon, M1 tanks get about 0.6 mpg, M1 Abrams gets 0.6 mpg |
| Fuel consumption | A U.S. Army armored division can consume up to 500,000 gallons of fuel per day, an armored battalion deployment requires a cargo plane |
| Engine type | Gas turbines, diesel-electric or turbine-electric series hybrid drives |
| Engine weight | Less than 1 metric ton |
| Engine power | 1,500 horsepower |
| Engine speed | M1 tanks can accelerate from 0 to 20 mph in 7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 30 mph cross-country |
| Engine fuel control system | Advanced digital fuel control system |
| Engine volume | Less than 1 cubic meter |
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What You'll Learn
- Army tanks use a variety of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel
- Gas turbines are powerful but fuel-hungry, limiting the range of tanks like the Abrams MBT
- An M1 tank gets less than a mile per gallon, with a fuel capacity of 490 gallons
- An armoured division of the Army can use up to 600,000 gallons of fuel per day
- The US Department of Defense is the world's largest consumer of fuel
Army tanks use a variety of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel
Diesel fuel is another option for tanks. Diesel is a popular choice for military vehicles due to its fuel efficiency and power. The M109 Paladin howitzer and the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle use diesel, as do other vehicles in the US military. Diesel engines are also being considered for future tanks, as they can provide similar fuel efficiency to gasoline engines while being smaller and lighter.
Jet fuel is used by the Air Force, accounting for 71% of the military's petroleum consumption. The M1A2 Abrams tank also uses jet fuel.
The choice of fuel depends on the specific tank and its engine type, as well as the tactical requirements and budgetary constraints. Tanks with gasoline or diesel engines tend to have higher fuel consumption, which can reduce their range and mobility. However, modern tanks with advanced digital fuel control systems can optimize fuel usage and improve their operational range.
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Gas turbines are powerful but fuel-hungry, limiting the range of tanks like the Abrams MBT
Gas turbines are powerful but fuel-hungry, which can limit the range of tanks like the Abrams MBT. The M1 Abrams, introduced in 1980, is one of the world's most renowned Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), with over 10,000 units in various versions and upgrades. It is the primary armoured vehicle of the US military and has seen combat in Iraq and Ukraine. The M1 Abrams is unique among tanks as it uses a gas turbine engine, the Avco-Lycoming AGT1500, rather than a diesel engine.
Gas turbines offer significant advantages over diesel engines, including greater torque and horsepower at lower engine speeds, resulting in excellent acceleration. The M1 Abrams can accelerate from 0 to 20 mph in just 6-7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 45 mph. This agility allows the tank to manoeuvre effectively in hostile environments and carry more armour protection.
However, the gas turbine engine in the M1 Abrams is extremely fuel-inefficient, consuming approximately 1.5 gallons of fuel per mile, resulting in a range of only about 260-265 miles without refuelling. This high fuel consumption can lead to long logistical tails, making it challenging for many militaries to support the tank's operations effectively. The large fuel consumption of the M1 Abrams is a notable drawback, especially for countries that import the tank and may lack the robust logistical systems of the US military.
To address the issue of poor fuel efficiency, some Abrams tanks have been equipped with Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) that can be used when the tank is idling, improving fuel economy in this previously inefficient state. Additionally, the turbines are reported to be more efficient at high speeds than standard internal combustion engines. Despite the fuel-hungry nature of gas turbines, the advantages they offer in terms of power and acceleration are considered to outweigh the drawbacks, especially for militaries with strong logistical capabilities.
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An M1 tank gets less than a mile per gallon, with a fuel capacity of 490 gallons
The M1 tank, also known as the M1 Abrams, is a powerful and agile armoured vehicle. It is remarkable for its low-weight, high-power turbine engine, which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 20 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds and travel safely at 30 miles per hour cross-country. This advanced engine, however, comes at a cost in terms of fuel efficiency. The M1 tank gets less than a mile per gallon, which means that despite its large fuel capacity of 490 gallons, it can only travel about 265 miles without refuelling.
The M1 tank's engine is versatile and can run on various fuels, including ordinary gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet fuel. This flexibility in fuel type ensures that the M1 tank can be fuelled in different regions and situations, enhancing its operational capabilities. The turbine engine's power enables the M1 tank to manoeuvre effectively in hostile environments, making it a valuable asset in military operations.
The M1 tank's fuel efficiency has been a subject of criticism. In 1990, a report by the Project On Government Oversight highlighted the M1's high costs and low fuel efficiency compared to other tanks with similar power and capabilities, such as the Leopard 2. The report brought attention to the financial and logistical challenges posed by the M1 tank's fuel consumption.
To address the limitations of traditional fuel-powered tanks, there has been a growing interest in exploring alternative propulsion systems. Electric-powered tanks or those utilising a hybrid drive system have been proposed as potential solutions. By transitioning to electric tanks, the demand for liquid fuel on the battlefield could be significantly reduced. Additionally, the risk to soldiers delivering fuel to the front lines would be minimised.
While the M1 tank's fuel efficiency may be a concern, its performance and agility have been recognised. The tank's ability to accelerate quickly and manoeuvre in challenging terrain contributes to its strategic value. The trade-off between fuel efficiency and agility is a consideration in the design of armoured vehicles, and the M1 tank exemplifies the ongoing quest to optimise performance and efficiency in military equipment.
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An armoured division of the Army can use up to 600,000 gallons of fuel per day
The amount of fuel consumed depends on the type of operation and its length. Short operations focus on pushing fuel forward, while lengthy operations are storage-oriented, allowing time to build up a substantial fuel supply. The fuel must be transported from the continental U.S. to rearming and refuelling points just behind the front line.
Armoured vehicles, including tanks, use powerful engines that run on diesel, gasoline, or jet fuel. The M1A2 Abrams tank, for example, uses jet fuel, while the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle uses diesel. These engines must be able to drive a 60-ton vehicle cross-country and provide power to fire control, sensors, and environmental systems.
The M1 tank, for instance, has a low-weight, high-power turbine engine that can accelerate from 0 to 20 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds. However, even with a digital fuel control system, the M1 gets less than a mile per gallon. The most recent M1 model holds 490 gallons of fuel, allowing it to travel about 265 miles without refuelling.
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The US Department of Defense is the world's largest consumer of fuel
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is responsible for 93% of all US government fuel consumption. In 2007, the DoD used almost 30,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, costing almost $2.2 billion. If the DoD were a country, it would rank 58th in the world for electricity consumption, using slightly less than Denmark and slightly more than Syria.
The DoD uses 4,600,000,000 US gallons of fuel annually, an average of 12,600,000 gallons per day. A large army division may use about 6,000 gallons per day. The US Air Force is the largest user of fuel energy in the federal government, using 10% of the nation's aviation fuel. The US military is the world's single largest consumer of oil and one of the world's top greenhouse gas emitters. The DoD's total annual emissions declined from a peak of 85 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2004 to 59 million metric tons in 2017.
The DoD's energy consumption is divided into two areas: installation energy and operational energy. Installation energy is the energy required to run and operate military installations, mainly energy used in buildings but also by vehicles not on combat missions. Operational energy, which accounts for 70% of total DoD energy use, is the energy required for transporting, training, and sustaining personnel and weapons for military operations.
The DoD has implemented several initiatives to reduce its energy consumption and carbon emissions. The Energy Conservation Investment Program (ECIP) improves the energy and water efficiency of existing military services' facilities, helping to reduce energy usage and costs. The DoD has also invested in renewable energy projects, such as the SolarStrong program, which installed 300MW of PV installations on 120,000 roofs of base housing. The Marine Corps established the Expeditionary Energy Office, aiming to reduce the need for liquid fossil fuel by 50% by 2025, using liquid fuel only for mobility.
Traditional army tanks use engines that run on diesel or gasoline. The M1A2 Abrams tank, for example, uses jet fuel, while the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle uses diesel. These engines require a significant amount of fuel, with an armoured division consuming up to 500,000 gallons of fuel per day. However, there is a shift towards more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly options, with the potential for future armoured vehicles, including tanks, to run on electricity or utilise a hybrid drive system.
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Frequently asked questions
Army tanks typically use diesel, jet fuel, or gasoline.
A tank like the M1 Abrams gets about 0.6 miles per gallon.
The newest M1 model holds 490 gallons of fuel, allowing the tank to go about 265 miles without refuelling.
Fuel is typically delivered by truck to rearming and refuelling points just behind the front line.
Jet fuel accounts for 71% of the entire military's petroleum consumption, largely due to the Air Force's usage.
