View Single Post
  #2  
Old 12-02-09, 14:46
Hanno Spoelstra's Avatar
Hanno Spoelstra Hanno Spoelstra is online now
MLU Administrator
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 14,866
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex Blair View Post
but an engineering feat from necessity ,for sure..
Indeed; it was the fastest way to develop and manufacture an engine with enough power to propel the US Medium tank series. During the interbellum the US had no real funds to develop the tank concept (which had proven itself during WW1) and its components. So when WW2 broke out, the only available powerplants in the applicable power band were radial aero engines, but those were needed for aircraft manufacture. Hence the use of five truck engines, two diesel marine engines, and a V12 aero engine cut down to V8 to drive tanks.

- Hanno
Reply With Quote