Mercedes Mullins
During World War II, tanks played a crucial role in combat operations, and their performance was heavily dependent on the type of fuel they used. While some tanks utilized gasoline, others relied on diesel or even alternative fuel sources. The choice of fuel had a significant impact on the tanks' flammability, fuel efficiency, and overall performance. In this discussion, we will delve into the fuel types that powered the iconic tanks of World War II, exploring the advantages and disadvantages that influenced their design and deployment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Gasoline, petrol, diesel |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 gallons (Mark I), 70 gallons (Mark IV) |
| Fuel tank location | Track horns (Mark I), low down at the back (Mark IV) |
| Fuel delivery method | Gravity feed (Mark I), Autovac (Mark IV) |
| Fuel consumption | 1 liter of petrol for 162 meters (Pz.Kpfw VI Ausf. B 'Königstiger') |
| Alternative fuels | Wood gas, town gas (LPG) |
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What You'll Learn
German tanks used petrol engines
German tanks in World War II predominantly ran on petrol engines, which consumed a lot of fuel. The Panzer IV, Panther, Tiger, and Tiger II all used gasoline as fuel. The Panzer IV was powered by a 12-cylinder Maybach engine, which gave it a top speed of 42 km/h (26 mph). The Panther used a V12 petrol Maybach engine, delivering 690 hp and a top speed of 55 km/h (34 mph). The Panzer III, designed by Daimler-Benz, also used a 12-cylinder Maybach engine, generating 296 hp and a top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). The Panzer I, produced by Henschel, MAN, Krupp, and Daimler, was powered by a Krupp M 305 four-cylinder air-cooled gasoline engine, producing 59 horsepower and a top speed of 50 km/h (31 mph).
The decision to use gasoline engines was influenced by Germany's rapid rearmament and bureaucratic inefficiency. Gasoline engines were cheaper and easier for German industry to produce. The range limitations of gasoline engines were not considered a significant hindrance to operations. However, during the French campaign, the panzers' limited range became apparent, and they had to be airdropped fuel to continue. Despite this, the German army remained conservative in its tank design, prioritizing performance over fuel economy.
The use of petrol engines in German tanks had both advantages and disadvantages. Petrol engines offered better acceleration and top-end performance compared to diesel engines. This was advantageous for tanks as they required rapid movement during combat. However, petrol engines consumed more fuel, which could be a logistical challenge for the German army, especially when fuel had to be airdropped during campaigns.
It is worth noting that some German tanks did experiment with diesel engines. Hitler directed that the next generation of medium tanks should use diesel engines, but the German industry faced difficulties in retooling production lines. Speer, ignoring Hitler's directives, prioritized existing German industry over expanding diesel production.
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Gasoline vs diesel flammability
During World War II, most German tanks ran on gasoline, which is a highly flammable fuel. Gasoline has a flash point of -45 degrees Fahrenheit (-43 degrees Celsius) and will ignite at around 530-540 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that gasoline needs to be able to ignite at normal ambient temperatures to drive the engine.
Some German tanks, such as the Panzer IV, Panther, Tiger, and Tiger II, used gasoline as fuel. However, the M4A2s had diesel engines, and the T-34 was also diesel-fueled. The decision to use gasoline engines was due to the hasty rearmament and bureaucratic inefficiency of Germany at the time. Gasoline engines were cheaper and easier for German industries to produce.
In comparison to gasoline, diesel fuel has a higher flash point, typically ranging from 126 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, with some sources stating 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 Celsius) or above 199.4 degrees Fahrenheit. This higher flash point is due to the fact that diesel does not require a spark for combustion. Instead, it uses glow plugs or the heat from compression to ignite the fuel. While diesel is classified as a combustible liquid rather than a flammable liquid, it can still burn and pose a fire hazard under certain conditions.
The flammability of tanks in combat situations is influenced by factors such as ammunition and ammunition storage, rather than solely the type of fuel used. The susceptibility of a tank to catch fire when penetrated by enemy fire depends on the design and placement of ammunition storage.
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British tanks used petrol
During World War II, German tanks predominantly ran on petrol engines, which consumed a lot of fuel. For instance, the Pz.Kpfw VI Ausf. B 'Königstiger' consumed 1 litre of petrol fuel per 162 meters. The Panzer IV, Panther, Tiger, and Tiger II all used gasoline as fuel.
On the other hand, British tanks used petrol as their fuel during World War I. The Mark I, the world's first tank, used a simple gravity feed to deliver fuel to the engine, with the petrol tank located above it. Each of the two track horns at the front of the tank contained a 25-gallon tank, for a total capacity of 50 gallons. The Mark IV improved upon this design by relocating the 70-gallon petrol tank to the rear of the vehicle, where it was also armoured. This change enhanced the range to 35 miles on good terrain. The Autovac system, which used air pressure to pump fuel, was first introduced on the Mark IV and was subsequently used on all British tanks throughout the war.
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Fuel storage in tanks
During World War II, most German tanks ran on gasoline, which is highly flammable and dangerous if not stored and handled properly. Gasoline should be stored in plastic or metal containers no larger than five gallons. It is important to fill these containers to no more than 95% capacity to allow for expansion and to keep the cap tightly secured. Exxon-Mobil recommends using gasoline within a month of purchase to ensure the best quality. However, with proper storage, gasoline can remain usable for up to six months. For long-term storage, the addition of a fuel stabilizer can help prevent compound and microbial growth, extending the life of the gasoline to over a year.
When storing fuel in tanks, it is crucial to prioritize safety and adhere to guidelines provided by relevant authorities. In the United States, for instance, the Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates that gas storage containers comply with the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Flammable and Combustible Liquids code. Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific requirements for gasoline storage, particularly in commercial and construction settings.
Consumer-grade gas cans are typically made from metal or plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Plastic cans are often preferred due to their lightweight, inexpensive, and rust-resistant nature. However, for commercial or construction site usage, OSHA mandates the use of UL-listed containers, also known as "safety cans." These containers are designed with enhanced safety features, including self-closing lids with flame arrestors, and are leak-tested to ensure their integrity. They are more expensive, typically costing $100 or more.
When transporting combustible liquids, such as gasoline, on public roads and highways using a commercial vehicle, it is imperative to use containers approved by both the DOT and OSHA. These safety measures are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with flammable fuels.
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Alternative fuels
During World War II, Germany relied on fuel imports from other countries, such as Romania and the Soviet Union, to power its war machine. However, as the war progressed, gasoline and diesel became increasingly scarce due to fuel shortages caused by a combination of factors, including limited natural oil reserves, Allied bombing, and lengthy supply lines to the Eastern Front.
In response to the fuel scarcity, Germany resorted to using synthetic fuels, which were produced from coal, biomass, or natural gas through processes like Fischer-Tropsch conversion and methanol-to-gasoline conversion. By 1944, German synthetic fuel production reached over 124,000 barrels per day from 25 plants. These synthetic fuels were used not only for tanks but also for aviation gasoline, synthetic oil, synthetic rubber, synthetic methanol, synthetic ammonia, and nitric acid.
Additionally, German Panzer driving schools began using vehicles equipped with Stadtgas (compressed LPG gas bottles) to conserve precious fuel. They also converted some vehicles to run on wood gas, using wood-burning gasifiers to power the tanks.
While Germany explored alternative fuels, the decision to primarily use gasoline engines for their tanks was influenced by the country's hasty rearmament and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Gasoline engines were cheaper and easier to produce, and military planners did not anticipate the scale of armored operations and the need for improved fuel economy.
The choice of fuel had a significant impact on the war effort, with fuel shortages affecting tactics and limiting military capabilities, as noted by Erwin Rommel, who experienced this challenge during his North African campaign.
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Frequently asked questions
German tanks primarily used gasoline/petrol during World War II.
British tanks used petrol during World War I, and it is likely they continued using this fuel during World War II.
Russian T-34 tanks used diesel fuel.
Some tanks used diesel, and some German training tanks used wood gas or town gas.
