What is the mpg of a abrams tank?

Answer 1

The M1 Abrams is listed as having a 289 mile (approx 466 kilometre) operational range and 500 US gallons (1900 litres) of fuel capacity, so it comes out to something like .57 miles per gallon.

As with everything, it depends on the version of the tank being used. The MPG of the Abrams has increased significantly from the M1 to the M1A2 models, due to a array of small improvements.

However, one of the biggest overlooked things with tanks is their fuel consumption while in two very common actions: (1) at idle, waiting for something to happen, and (2) at very low speeds, under 5mph, as when fighting with infantry (particularly in urban combat).

Tanks spend a significant amount of their time at idle; most tanks take a short while to turn on their engine and warm it up enough to move - up to a minute or more between hitting the "Start" button and actually being able to move the tank. In combat situations, this is death, so virtually all tankers leave their engine idling when they are stopped anywhere near a possible combat zone. So, the fuel consumption of a tank while at idle is almost as important as its MPG while moving.

Similarly, tanks in urban combat spend virtually their entire time at human walking (or trotting) speeds, generally under 5 mph, so that accompanying infantry can stay in contact (and support the tank). In urban combat, tanks without infantry can be quickly overwhelmed by opposing infantry, so you won't see a tank tearing around town at 30 mph or so. Like with idling, the fuel consumption of a tank at very low speeds is just as important as its fuel consumption at fast speeds.

The original turbine in the M1 was hideously thirsty, and tended to consume large amounts even at idle, and required an astonishing 10 gallons of fuel just to start the turbine. The up side was that turbines start much faster than diesel engines (particularly in cold weather), and provided a much faster power gradient (i.e. much faster acceleration), with a higher power:weight ratio.

Currently, the turbine in the M1 series burns about 1.6 gallons per mile ( 0.6 mph, or 392 L/100 km), and uses 10 gals/hour at idle. A replacement turbine is in the development stage, which will reduce fuel consumption by 33% (50% at idle), but will probably not be available until 2015 or so due to political considerations. In the mean time, an Auxiliary Power Unit (small rotary engine) has been shoehorned into the M1A2's engine compartment. This allows the M1A2 to shut down the turbine completely, and still run all internal electrical systems using under 1 gallon/hour. There are also considerations for allowing the APU to drive the M1 at very low speeds (1-2 mph).