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| predecessor =
| predecessor =
| successor =
| successor =
| bore = {{convert|5.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| bore = {{cvt|5.4|in|mm|0}}
| stroke = {{convert|6.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| stroke = {{cvt|6.0|in|mm|0}}
| displacement = {{convert|1100|cid|L|abbr=on}}
| displacement = {{cvt|1100|cid|L|}}
| length = {{convert|59.02|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{cvt|59.02|in|cm|0}}
| diameter =
| diameter =
| width = {{convert|33.25|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}
| width = {{cvt|33.25|in|cm|0}}
| height = {{convert|47.78|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}
| height = {{cvt|47.78|in|cm|0}}
| weight = {{convert|1,470|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{cvt|1,470|lb|kg|0}}
| block =
| block =
| head =
| head =
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| supercharger =
| supercharger =
| turbocharger =
| turbocharger =
| fuelsystem = [[Naturally aspirated engine|Naturally aspirated]] with [[Bendix Corporation|Stromberg]] NA-Y5-G [[carburetor]]s<ref>Berndt, Thomas. ''Standard Catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles'' (Krause Publications, 1993), p.193.</ref>
| fuelsystem = [[Naturally aspirated]] engine with [[Bendix Corporation|Stromberg]] NA-Y5-G [[carburetor]]s<ref>Berndt, Thomas. ''Standard Catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles'' (Krause Publications, 1993), p.193.</ref>
| fueltype = [[Gasoline]]
| fueltype = [[Gasoline]]
| oilsystem =
| oilsystem =
| coolingsystem = Liquid
| coolingsystem = Liquid
| power = {{Convert|500|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 2,600 [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]]
| power = {{cvt|500|hp|kW|0}} at 2,600&nbsp;[[Revolutions per minute|rpm]]
| specpower =
| specpower =
| torque = {{Convert|1,050|ftlbf|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 2,200 [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]]
| torque = {{cvt|1,050|ftlbf|Nm|0}} at 2,200&nbsp;[[Revolutions per minute|rpm]]
| compression = 7.5:1
| compression = 7.5:1
| fuelcon =
| fuelcon =
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}}
}}


The '''Ford GAA engine''' is an American all-aluminum 32-[[Poppet valve|valve]] [[Overhead camshaft|DOHC]] 60-degree liquid-cooled V8 [[internal combustion engine]] with a [[flat-plane crank]] designed and produced by the [[Ford Motor Company]] before and during World War II. It features twin [[Bendix Corporation|Stromberg]] NA-Y5-G [[carburetor]]s,<ref name="Berndt, p.190">Berndt, p.190.</ref> dual [[Ignition magneto|magneto]]s and twin [[spark plug]]s making up a full [[dual ignition]] system,<ref name="Berndt, p.190"/> and crossflow induction.<ref>Berndt, pp.190 & 193.</ref> It [[Engine displacement|displace]]s {{convert|1100|cuin|L|abbr=on}} and puts out well over {{convert|1000|lbft}} of torque from idle to 2,200 rpm. The factory-rated net output was {{convert|500|hp|abbr=on}} at 2,600 rpm.
The '''Ford GAA engine''' is an American all-aluminum 32-[[Poppet valve|valve]] [[Overhead camshaft|DOHC]] 60-degree liquid-cooled V8 [[internal combustion engine]] with a [[flat-plane crank]]. It was designed and produced by the [[Ford Motor Company]] before and during World War II. It features twin [[Bendix Corporation|Stromberg]] NA-Y5-G [[carburetor]]s,<ref name="Berndt, p.190">Berndt, p.190.</ref> dual [[Ignition magneto|magneto]]s and twin [[spark plug]]s making up a full [[dual ignition]] system,<ref name="Berndt, p.190"/> and crossflow induction.<ref>Berndt, pp.190 & 193.</ref> It [[Engine displacement|displace]]s {{cvt|1100|cuin|L}} and puts out well over {{convert|1000|lbft}} of torque from idle to 2,200&nbsp;rpm. The factory-rated net output was {{cvt|500|hp}} at 2,600&nbsp;rpm.


The GAA powered several models and derivatives of the [[M4 Sherman|M4A3]] Sherman medium tank.
The GAA powered several models and derivatives of the [[M4 Sherman|M4A3]] Sherman medium tank.


==Development==
==Development==
Immediately preceding World War II, Ford developed an aircraft engine similar to the [[Rolls-Royce Merlin]]. It was a 60 degree V-12 of 1,650 cubic inch displacement with cylinder bore and stroke matching the Merlin aviation engine, using an aluminum block and [[cylinder head|head]]; [[Overhead camshaft#Double overhead camshaft|dual overhead camshaft]]s, and four valves per cylinder. The intention of this design was to help Ford break into the anticipated large market for aircraft engines. This engine was built to typical aircraft standards: it was light, high performance, and highly reliable. Everything was safety wired or staked with close attention to detail on every part. Available information suggests this design performed well.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}
After the start of World War II, UK was looking to manufacture complicated parts (notably the crankshafts) of the [[Rolls-Royce Merlin]] in the US, but negotiations with [[Packard]] stalled because the company insisted on making complete engines. In June 1940 production drawings arrived in North America and were seized by the [[US Treasury Department]], that's when Ford engineers were able to copy them and soon derive a clone simplified for industrial production at Ford's factories.
It was a 60 degree V-12 of 1,650 cubic inch displacement with cylinder bore and stroke matching the Merlin aviation engine, using an aluminum block and [[cylinder head|head]]; [[Overhead camshaft#Double overhead camshaft|dual overhead camshaft]]s, and four valves per cylinder. The intention of this design was to help Ford break into the anticipated large market for aircraft engines. This engine was built to typical aircraft standards: it was light, high performance, and highly reliable. Everything was safety wired or staked with close attention to detail on every part. Available information suggests this design performed well.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}


However, it never went into production as an aircraft engine due to the United States Navy's decision to only use [[radial engine]]s for its aircraft and the Army's contractual commitments to existing manufacturers.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}
However, it never went into production as an aircraft engine due to the United States Navy's decision to only use [[radial engine]]s for its aircraft and the Army's contractual commitments to existing manufacturers.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}
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With the approach of war, increasing orders for [[M4 Sherman tank]]s were causing supply issues with the 9-cylinder radial [[Wright R-975]] Whirlwind engine used. The U.S. Army decided it needed to source additional engine suppliers, choosing a version of the Ford GAA cut down from twelve cylinders to eight for various vehicle applications.
With the approach of war, increasing orders for [[M4 Sherman tank]]s were causing supply issues with the 9-cylinder radial [[Wright R-975]] Whirlwind engine used. The U.S. Army decided it needed to source additional engine suppliers, choosing a version of the Ford GAA cut down from twelve cylinders to eight for various vehicle applications.


In 1942 after the British Tank Mission visit to America in April, there was some pressure from British car and commercial vehicle manufacturers to use the new Ford V8 tank engine designed by Larry Sheldrick in British tanks, rather than the [[Rolls-Royce Meteor|Meteor]] then under development by Rolls-Royce from the Merlin aero engine, as they believed that an adapted aero engine "would not be suitable as a rugged tank engine". The Ford engine prototype had a few hundred hours test-bed running by that time. It was a liquid-cooled Vee similar to the Meteor, but two-third the size and [[W. A. Robotham|Robotham]] doubted its reliability at 600 bhp. The 600 bhp Meteor was designed to fit in the same space in the [[Crusader (tank)]] as the Nuffield [[Liberty L-12]] engine of 340 bhp output. The Ford V8 developed only 500 bhp, and had problems which were not overcome until after the Normandy landings in 1944.{{sfn|Robotham |1970|pp=160,161,183-185}}
In 1942 after the British Tank Mission visit to America in April, there was some pressure from British car and commercial vehicle manufacturers to use the new Ford V8 tank engine designed by Larry Sheldrick in British tanks, rather than the [[Rolls-Royce Meteor|Meteor]] then under development by Rolls-Royce from the Merlin aero engine, as they believed that an adapted aero engine "would not be suitable as a rugged tank engine". The Ford engine prototype had a few hundred hours test-bed running by that time. It was a liquid-cooled Vee similar to the Meteor, but two-third the size and Rolls-Royce executive [[W. A. Robotham]] doubted its reliability at 600 bhp. The 600 bhp Meteor was designed to fit in the same space in the [[Crusader (tank)]] as the Nuffield [[Liberty L-12]] engine of 340 bhp output. The Ford V8 developed only 500 bhp, and had problems which were not overcome until after the Normandy landings in 1944.{{sfn|Robotham |1970|pp=160,161,183-185}}


== Production ==
== Production ==
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* The GAF powered the M26 (2,222), M26A1, T28/T95 (2), and M45 (185).
* The GAF powered the M26 (2,222), M26A1, T28/T95 (2), and M45 (185).
* The GAN powered the [[T20 Medium Tank|T23]] (248) and M4A3E2 (254).
* The GAN powered the [[T20 Medium Tank|T23]] (248) and M4A3E2 (254).
* In order to meet the need for a larger engine, Ford resurrected the V-12 version as the GAC, which produced {{convert|770|hp|kW|abbr=on}} and powered the [[T29 Heavy Tank|T29]], and [[T32 heavy tank|T32]] (6).
* In order to meet the need for a larger engine, Ford resurrected the V-12 version as the GAC, which produced {{cvt|770|hp|kW}} and powered the [[T29 Heavy Tank|T29]], and [[T32 heavy tank|T32]] (6).
*A number of [[M74 Armored Recovery Vehicle|M74 tank recovery vehicle]]s were rebuilt from M4A3s, which used the GAA.<ref>Berndt, p.193.</ref>
*A number of [[M74 tank recovery vehicle]]s were rebuilt from M4A3s, which used the GAA.<ref>Berndt, p.193.</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 23:14, 7 December 2024

Ford GAA
Overview
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
Production1940-1950
Layout
Configuration60° V8
Displacement1,100 cu in (18 L)
Cylinder bore5.4 in (137 mm)
Piston stroke6.0 in (152 mm)
ValvetrainDOHC
Compression ratio7.5:1
Combustion
Fuel systemNaturally aspirated engine with Stromberg NA-Y5-G carburetors[1]
Fuel typeGasoline
Cooling systemLiquid
Output
Power output500 hp (373 kW) at 2,600 rpm
Torque output1,050 ft⋅lbf (1,424 N⋅m) at 2,200 rpm
Dimensions
Length59.02 in (150 cm)
Width33.25 in (84 cm)
Height47.78 in (121 cm)
Dry weight1,470 lb (667 kg)

The Ford GAA engine is an American all-aluminum 32-valve DOHC 60-degree liquid-cooled V8 internal combustion engine with a flat-plane crank. It was designed and produced by the Ford Motor Company before and during World War II. It features twin Stromberg NA-Y5-G carburetors,[2] dual magnetos and twin spark plugs making up a full dual ignition system,[2] and crossflow induction.[3] It displaces 1,100 cu in (18 L) and puts out well over 1,000 pound-feet (1,400 N⋅m) of torque from idle to 2,200 rpm. The factory-rated net output was 500 hp (370 kW) at 2,600 rpm.

The GAA powered several models and derivatives of the M4A3 Sherman medium tank.

Development

[edit]

After the start of World War II, UK was looking to manufacture complicated parts (notably the crankshafts) of the Rolls-Royce Merlin in the US, but negotiations with Packard stalled because the company insisted on making complete engines. In June 1940 production drawings arrived in North America and were seized by the US Treasury Department, that's when Ford engineers were able to copy them and soon derive a clone simplified for industrial production at Ford's factories.

It was a 60 degree V-12 of 1,650 cubic inch displacement with cylinder bore and stroke matching the Merlin aviation engine, using an aluminum block and head; dual overhead camshafts, and four valves per cylinder. The intention of this design was to help Ford break into the anticipated large market for aircraft engines. This engine was built to typical aircraft standards: it was light, high performance, and highly reliable. Everything was safety wired or staked with close attention to detail on every part. Available information suggests this design performed well.[citation needed]

However, it never went into production as an aircraft engine due to the United States Navy's decision to only use radial engines for its aircraft and the Army's contractual commitments to existing manufacturers.[citation needed]

With the approach of war, increasing orders for M4 Sherman tanks were causing supply issues with the 9-cylinder radial Wright R-975 Whirlwind engine used. The U.S. Army decided it needed to source additional engine suppliers, choosing a version of the Ford GAA cut down from twelve cylinders to eight for various vehicle applications.

In 1942 after the British Tank Mission visit to America in April, there was some pressure from British car and commercial vehicle manufacturers to use the new Ford V8 tank engine designed by Larry Sheldrick in British tanks, rather than the Meteor then under development by Rolls-Royce from the Merlin aero engine, as they believed that an adapted aero engine "would not be suitable as a rugged tank engine". The Ford engine prototype had a few hundred hours test-bed running by that time. It was a liquid-cooled Vee similar to the Meteor, but two-third the size and Rolls-Royce executive W. A. Robotham doubted its reliability at 600 bhp. The 600 bhp Meteor was designed to fit in the same space in the Crusader (tank) as the Nuffield Liberty L-12 engine of 340 bhp output. The Ford V8 developed only 500 bhp, and had problems which were not overcome until after the Normandy landings in 1944.[4]

Production

[edit]
All-aluminum Ford GAF V8 tank engine, next to an M26 Pershing, The Tank Museum
  • The GAA was used in the M4A3 (1,690), M4A3(75)W (3,071), M4A3(76)W (1,400), M4A3 (105) (500), M4A3E2 (254), M4A3(76)W HVSS (3,142), M4A3(105) HVSS (2,539), M10A1 (1,413), and M7B1 (826).
  • The GAF powered the M26 (2,222), M26A1, T28/T95 (2), and M45 (185).
  • The GAN powered the T23 (248) and M4A3E2 (254).
  • In order to meet the need for a larger engine, Ford resurrected the V-12 version as the GAC, which produced 770 hp (570 kW) and powered the T29, and T32 (6).
  • A number of M74 tank recovery vehicles were rebuilt from M4A3s, which used the GAA.[5]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Berndt, Thomas. Standard Catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles (Krause Publications, 1993), p.193.
  2. ^ a b Berndt, p.190.
  3. ^ Berndt, pp.190 & 193.
  4. ^ Robotham 1970, pp. 160, 161, 183–185.
  5. ^ Berndt, p.193.

References

[edit]
  • Berndt, Thomas. Standard Catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles. Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 1993. ISBN 0-87341-223-0.
  • Aircraft Engine Historical Society.Aircraft Engines in Armored Vehicles
  • Hunnicutt, R. P. Firepower: A History of the American Heavy Tank. Novato, California: Presidio Press, 1988. ISBN 0-89141-304-9
  • Robotham, William Arthur (1970). Silver Ghosts and Silver Dawn. London: Constable. pp. 160, 161.
[edit]
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