Best WWII Radial Engine

[Woodlouse2002]

I thought the Sherman ran on 4 car engines bolted together?

[Hagar]

What I don't know about tanks would fill a large book. The engine might depend on the type of Sherman or when it was built.

Powerplants for the American tank production effort was always a major problem. A search for alternatives in powerplants being produced in automotive plants led to the development of the 8 cylinder Ford engine. This engine was originally designed for aircraft, was fueled by gasoline, and developed 500 gross horsepower. After testing this engine, it was designated the Ford GAA, and in January of 1942, the Ordnance Committee authorized it's use in Sherman tank production. The "new" Sherman was designated the M4A3. This tank was to serve the U.S. Army for well over a decade. First tanks were completed in May 1942 and sent for testing at the General Motors Proving Grounds. Minor changes were accepted for production and the early versions still retained the direct vision blocks.

http://www.strategyplanet.com/commandos/sherman.html

My late father-in-law was in charge of a unit servicing Sherman tanks during the Normandy invasion & up till VE Day. I recall him telling me that at least some of their Shermans were fitted with derated radial aircraft engines. I don't remember the make or type. They also had an unfortunate habit of "brewing up" when hit. Sadly I can no longer ask him to verify this.

[Felix/FFDS]

I thought the Sherman ran on 4 car engines bolted together?

The Sherman's "original" engine, as designed, was to have been the C-W radial aero-derivative.  Due to production not keeping up with demand, other engines were tried, including the Chrysler 30-cylinder, which was basically five 6-cylinder engines around a common crankshaft.  Other engines were also used (including Cadillac and Ford, if I read correctly)

[GWSimulations]

You're forgetting the best ever piston engine, the MERLIN! It powered the Spitfire, and hurricane, and without it, the germans would have won the war!  :(

[Woodlouse2002]

[quote]You're forgetting the best ever piston engine, the MERLIN! It powered the Spitfire, and hurricane, and without it, the germans would have won the war!

[Akula.]

You're forgetting the best ever piston engine, the MERLIN! It powered the Spitfire, and hurricane, and without it, the germans would have won the war!    

Yeah, i suppose. but as i said, i'm focusing on radials. ooohhh, idea! wonder what would happen if you used fourteen merlins, each one acting as a cylinder in one big engine ! probably the most likely outcome would be quite a big bang and the destruction of fourteen beautiful engines
Akula