In today’s world, a Caterpillar diesel in a tank seems like a naturally good idea. In World War II, however, diesel-powered tanks were not common. Certainly not with American ground forces. There are many reasons why and we’ll touch on them here a little, before highlighting an engine developed to dieselize the armored forces.
Whether you’ve seen them in person or not, you know there are diesels in ships and boats, road vehicles of all types, off road vehicles of all types and in every conceivable stationary use. If you are a long time reader of this column, you will also know there were, and still are, diesels in the air.
Public and governmental outcry after the oil shortages of the early ‘70s forced U.S. auto, light truck and commercial truck makers towards economical diesel power. Ford’s 6.9L was their answer.
What do you get when you combine a ’73 F-250 with an early Super Duty? How about a one-of-a-kind Highboy with modern creature comforts, a stouter frame and axles, and a 7.3L Power Stroke under the hood?
How do you fit ten pistons into five cylinders and make a running diesel engine? Well, the diesel engine manufacturing community has been doing that since the early 1930s with opposed piston engines. One cylinder, one combustion chamber, two pistons and connecting rods and two crankshafts.
In 1970, the United States Air Force announced it’s first operationally ready Bare Base squadron, the 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Part of the 4th Fighter Wing, which dated back to the beginning of World War II, the 336th became the first rapidly-deployable Bare Base outfits in the Air Force. And, no, a “Bare Base” was not a clothing-optional Air Force Base.
.jpg?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=VCCP_LCL_LUBRICANTS_ROTELLA_ROTELLA_LongHaul_Banner-Static_600x150_USA_EN_LearnMore_na_OO_Convince%20(1).jpg)
.jpg?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Recon_600x150%20(4).jpg)
.jpg?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=DW%20Newsletter%20600x150%202x%20TurboInsulatingKit%20(1).jpg)
.jpg?upscale=true&width=520&upscale=true&name=%E2%89%A5-800x430%20(1).jpg)
.jpg?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Spoologic_600x150%20(7).jpg)
