Sylvie Willis
Russia's tanks, like many military vehicles, are designed with multifuel engines, which can run on a variety of fuel types. This is advantageous in a military context, as fuel supplies may be limited, and the ability to use alternative fuels can be crucial. Multifuel engines are designed to burn multiple types of fuel, with some engines able to use diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, fuel oil, natural gas, water gas, alcohol, ship fuel, and even crushed coal. The T-72, for example, is a multifuel diesel tank, while the T-80 is a multifuel gas turbine tank. The T-72 is notable for its low fuel consumption, using just 2-4 litres per kilometre, while the T-80's engine produces an impressive 1,250 horsepower, with a maximum speed of 70 kilometres per hour on highways.
Russian Tank Fuel Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Fuel | Diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, fuel oil, natural gas, water gas, alcohol, ship fuel, crushed coal |
| Engine Type | Multifuel diesel, multifuel gas turbine |
| Tank Models | T-72, T-80, T-90, T-14 'Armata', T-90A, T-72BM, T-80U |
| Engine Power | 840 hp (T-72BM), 1,250 hp (T-80U), 1,000 hp (T-90A) |
| Speed | Up to 60 km/h on highways, 35-45 km/h on rough terrain (T-72BM), 70 km/h on highways, 45 km/h on rough terrain (T-80U) |
| Fuel Consumption | 2-4 litres per 1 km (T-72), 8 litres per kilometer (T-90A) |
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What You'll Learn
- Multifuel engines: Russian tanks like the T-72 and T-80 can use multiple fuel types
- Diesel: The T-72 tank consumes 2-4 litres of diesel per kilometre
- Gasoline: The T-72BM tank can use regular gasoline as fuel
- Jet fuel: Russian military vehicles can use jet fuel
- Alternative fuels: In emergencies, the T-72BM can use fuel oil, natural gas, water gas, alcohol, ship fuel, or crushed coal
Multifuel engines: Russian tanks like the T-72 and T-80 can use multiple fuel types
Multifuel engines are designed to burn multiple types of fuel. In a military context, this is desirable as it allows vehicles to run on a wide range of alternative fuels, such as gasoline or jet fuel, when the normally used diesel or gas turbine fuel might be unavailable during combat operations.
Russian tanks like the T-72 and T-80 can use multiple fuel types. The T-72 is a multifuel diesel engine that can use regular gasoline, kerosene, and diesel. In emergencies, it can also use fuel oil, natural gas, water gas, alcohol, ship fuel, and even crushed coal. The T-72's fuel consumption is relatively efficient, at just 2-4 litres per kilometre, and it can accelerate to 60 km/h on highways and 35-45 km/h on rough terrain.
The T-80 is a multifuel gas turbine engine. Its engine produces 1,250 hp, and its maximum speed is 70 km/h on highways and 45 km/h on rough terrain.
While multifuel engines are useful in military contexts, they sometimes face issues with power due to design compromises necessary to burn multiple types of fuel. For example, the L60 engine used by the British Chieftain Main Battle Tank resulted in sluggish performance.
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Diesel: The T-72 tank consumes 2-4 litres of diesel per kilometre
The T-72 is a Russian tank that uses diesel fuel. More specifically, it is a multifuel diesel engine, which means it can run on a variety of different fuels. These include regular gasoline, kerosene, diesel, fuel oil, natural gas, water gas, alcohol, ship fuel, and even crushed coal. However, in practice, they only use diesel fuel. The T-72 tank's diesel consumption is relatively efficient, at just 2-4 litres per kilometre. This is significantly less than some other tanks, such as the unnamed tank with an engine that allowed it to "eat" anything, which consumed about 8 litres per kilometre.
The T-72's V-shaped engine has a capacity of 840 hp, allowing it to accelerate to impressive speeds of up to 60 km/h on highways and 35-45 km/h on rough terrain. The use of multifuel engines in military vehicles, such as the T-72, is advantageous in a combat setting. This is because it provides flexibility when enemy action or unit isolation limits the available fuel supply. For example, enemy fuel sources or civilian sources may become available for usage.
Multifuel engines are designed to burn multiple types of fuel. In the case of military applications, this is usually diesel or gas turbine fuel. The advantage of multifuel engines is that they can utilise whatever fuel is available, which is particularly useful in military contexts where fuel sources may be limited or unpredictable. One example of a multifuel engine's flexibility is its ability to use 70% to 90% of other fuels when mixed with diesel. Additionally, low-octane commercial and aviation gasoline can be used if engine oil is added, and various types of jet fuel can also be utilised.
The T-72 tank's diesel consumption rate of 2-4 litres per kilometre is a notable feature, contributing to its overall efficiency and performance. This relatively low fuel consumption allows the T-72 to operate with greater range and endurance compared to tanks with higher fuel consumption rates.
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Gasoline: The T-72BM tank can use regular gasoline as fuel
The T-72BM tank is a powerful piece of military hardware, boasting a multi-fuel diesel engine with a capacity of 840 hp. One of its standout features is its ability to utilise multiple fuel types, including regular gasoline, kerosene, and diesel. This versatility in fuel options is a significant advantage in military scenarios, where access to a specific type of fuel may be limited or unpredictable.
The T-72BM's V-shaped engine is designed to burn various fuels, a capability that enhances its operational flexibility and adaptability. With regular gasoline as its fuel, the T-72BM can achieve impressive speeds of up to 60 km/h on highways and 35-45 km/h on rough terrain. This mobility is crucial for rapid maneuvers and responding to evolving battlefield situations.
The use of regular gasoline in the T-72BM is not only about speed and power but also reliability and endurance. Gasoline is a widely available fuel source, ensuring that the tank can be refuelled in various locations without relying solely on specialised military fuel depots. This reduces logistical complexities and increases the tank's operational range.
Additionally, the T-72BM's multi-fuel capability offers tactical advantages in emergency situations. While gasoline, kerosene, and diesel are its primary fuels, the tank can also run on alternative sources such as fuel oil, natural gas, water gas, alcohol, ship fuel, and even crushed coal in emergencies. This adaptability underscores the tank's ability to utilise whatever fuel is available, enhancing its survival capabilities in challenging environments.
The T-72BM's ability to use regular gasoline as fuel is a testament to its multi-fuel design and engineering. By accommodating a range of fuel types, including gasoline, the tank gains operational flexibility, tactical advantages, and improved endurance. This versatility contributes to the overall effectiveness and reliability of the T-72BM tank in military operations.
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Jet fuel: Russian military vehicles can use jet fuel
Russian military vehicles, including tanks, can use multifuel engines, which are designed to burn multiple types of fuel. One example is the T-72 tank, which uses a multifuel diesel engine. The T-72BM, a second-generation model, has a V-shaped multi-fuel diesel engine with a capacity of 840 hp, allowing it to accelerate up to 60 km/h on highways.
The T-80, another Russian tank, uses a multifuel gas turbine engine. The T-80U's engine produces 1,250 hp, with a maximum speed of 70 km/h on highways and 45 km/h on rough terrain.
The use of multifuel engines in military vehicles offers tactical advantages, as it allows for flexibility in fuel sources during combat operations when the normally used diesel or gas turbine fuel may not be readily available. This flexibility also enables the utilization of enemy or civilian fuel sources if accessible.
Jet fuel is one of the alternative fuels that can be used in Russian military vehicles with multifuel engines. Low octane commercial and aviation gasoline, jet fuel types A, B, JP-4, 5, 7, and 8, as well as fuel oils, can be utilized in these engines with the addition of engine oil. This adaptability ensures Russian military vehicles can operate across a wide range of conditions and fuel sources.
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Alternative fuels: In emergencies, the T-72BM can use fuel oil, natural gas, water gas, alcohol, ship fuel, or crushed coal
In emergencies, the T-72BM tank can utilise various alternative fuels as substitutes for its primary source of power. This adaptability is a crucial advantage, ensuring operational flexibility and the ability to utilise available resources in times of crisis. Here is a detailed overview of the alternative fuels the T-72BM can employ:
Fuel Oil: Fuel oil, categorised into different grades, offers a versatile energy source. Number 1 fuel oil, a volatile distillate, is suitable for high-performance engines. Number 2 fuel oil is commonly used for home heating and in some vehicles. Number 3 fuel oil is designed for burners requiring low-viscosity fuel. The T-72BM can likely utilise these grades, ensuring its adaptability to available fuel sources.
Natural Gas: Natural gas is a versatile and widely available fuel source. It can be used directly as a fuel or processed into other forms, such as methanol, which is being researched as a sustainable marine fuel by entities like the U.S. Department of Energy. Natural gas offers a cleaner-burning alternative, potentially reducing the tank's environmental impact.
Water Gas: Water gas, historically manufactured using fuel oil as an enriching agent, represents another viable option for the T-72BM. The use of water gas in engines is not a new concept, and the T-72BM's ability to utilise it underscores its versatility.
Alcohol: Alcohol, specifically methanol, can be manufactured from various carbon-based feedstocks, including biomass, natural gas, and coal. As a sustainable alternative, methanol is gaining traction in transportation and marine applications. The T-72BM's ability to run on alcohol provides a valuable option, especially in regions where alcohol-based fuels are more readily available.
Ship Fuel (Bunker Fuel): Bunker fuel, or bunker crude, refers to any type of fuel oil used aboard ships. Given the T-72BM's capacity to utilise fuel oil, it can likely also operate on bunker fuel, which includes grades like Bunker A (No. 4 fuel oil), Bunker B (No. 5), and Bunker C (No. 6). This versatility ensures the tank's ability to utilise maritime fuel sources in emergencies.
Crushed Coal: Coal, when crushed, can be a viable fuel source in certain situations. While it may not be the most efficient or environmentally friendly option, the T-72BM's ability to use crushed coal in emergencies highlights its adaptability to utilise whatever resources are available.
The T-72BM's capacity to utilise these alternative fuels is a testament to its versatility and resilience. In emergencies, this tank can leverage available resources to maintain operational capability, showcasing its reliability and survival capabilities in challenging situations.
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Frequently asked questions
Russian tanks use multifuel engines, which are designed to burn multiple types of fuel.
The T-72 tank uses diesel fuel, while the T-80 has a multifuel gas turbine engine. In practice, multifuel engines use diesel fuel, but they can also use other fuels such as gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, fuel oil, natural gas, water gas, alcohol, ship fuel, and even crushed coal.
Multifuel engines are desirable in a military setting as enemy action or unit isolation may limit the available fuel supply. Conversely, enemy fuel sources or civilian sources may become available for usage.
Multifuel engines are not necessarily underpowered, but in practice, some engines have had issues with power due to design compromises necessary to burn multiple types of fuel. Changing from one fuel to another often requires hours of preparation.
Some examples of Russian tanks that use multifuel engines include the T-72, T-80, T-90, and T-14 'Armata'.
