For some reason, I have a fascination with the gasoline engines used in US tanks, and other heavy duty uses, from roughly WWII into the early 70's. The various Continental air-cooled tank engines are interesting, and used in numerous tanks and other vehicles. Early WWII tanks, such as the M3 Lee/Grant, used the Wright (Continental) R-975 radial engine, which developed 400 hp at 2400 RPM from 972 cubic inches. This engine was also used in early Sherman tanks.
Another interesting Continental engine is the AOS-895 used in the M41 Walker Bulldog. This is an opposed (flat) six cylinder of 895 cubic inches, developing as much as 500 hp. This engine was used in other vehicles as well, including the M49 and M50, which were the vehicles that were used to transport the atomic cannon.
The pinnacle of Continental gasoline tank engines was the AV-1790, which powered the M46 tank and early models of the M47. This was a massive V-12 of approx 1790 cubic inches displacement, and produced 810 horsepower at 2800 RPM, and loads of torque.
I think many here are familiar with the Ford GAA, which was the definitive Sherman engine. Shermans were also powered by radials, and the Chrysler 30-cylinder multibank engine, but the Ford engine is probably the most famous. It was an 1100 ci, aluminum SOHC V-8 that made around 500 horsepower at 2600 RPM. It also put out over 1000 ft. lbs. or torque from idle to 2200 rpm. It was also used in the T-26 (GAF version), a late war and post war heavy tank.
In the civilian world, there have been some monsters as well. GMC made a 702 CI V-12 known as the Twin-Six. This machine was good for 250+ horsepower at 2400 RPM. International made the 549, one of the last gasoline engines used in semi trucks. I've read on various discussion boards that 2 mpg is common for vehicles with a 549.
I just think it's fascinating that the USA held on to these big gasoline engines for so long before diesel really took over. Any comments or clarifications you have would be appreciated.
Another interesting Continental engine is the AOS-895 used in the M41 Walker Bulldog. This is an opposed (flat) six cylinder of 895 cubic inches, developing as much as 500 hp. This engine was used in other vehicles as well, including the M49 and M50, which were the vehicles that were used to transport the atomic cannon.
The pinnacle of Continental gasoline tank engines was the AV-1790, which powered the M46 tank and early models of the M47. This was a massive V-12 of approx 1790 cubic inches displacement, and produced 810 horsepower at 2800 RPM, and loads of torque.
I think many here are familiar with the Ford GAA, which was the definitive Sherman engine. Shermans were also powered by radials, and the Chrysler 30-cylinder multibank engine, but the Ford engine is probably the most famous. It was an 1100 ci, aluminum SOHC V-8 that made around 500 horsepower at 2600 RPM. It also put out over 1000 ft. lbs. or torque from idle to 2200 rpm. It was also used in the T-26 (GAF version), a late war and post war heavy tank.
In the civilian world, there have been some monsters as well. GMC made a 702 CI V-12 known as the Twin-Six. This machine was good for 250+ horsepower at 2400 RPM. International made the 549, one of the last gasoline engines used in semi trucks. I've read on various discussion boards that 2 mpg is common for vehicles with a 549.
I just think it's fascinating that the USA held on to these big gasoline engines for so long before diesel really took over. Any comments or clarifications you have would be appreciated.