Ford GAA engine
The Ford GAA engine is an American all-aluminum 32-valve DOHC 60-degree liquid-cooled V8 internal combustion engine 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 gross output was 500 hp (370 kW) at 2,600 rpm.
| Ford GAA | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1940-1950 |
| Layout | |
| Configuration | 60° V8 |
| Displacement | 1,100 cu in (18 L) |
| Cylinder bore | 5.4 in (137 mm) |
| Piston stroke | 6.0 in (152 mm) |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Compression ratio | 7.5:1 |
| Combustion | |
| Fuel system | Naturally aspirated with Stromberg NA-Y5-G carburetors[1] |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Output | |
| Power output | 500 hp (373 kW) @ 2,600 rpm |
| Torque output | 1,050 ft⋅lbf (1,424 N⋅m) @ 2,200 rpm |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 59.02 in (150 cm) |
| Width | 33.25 in (84 cm) |
| Height | 47.78 in (121 cm) |
| Dry weight | 1,470 lb (667 kg) |
The GAA powered several models and derivatives of the M4A3 Sherman medium tank.
Development
Immediately preceding World War II, Ford developed an aircraft engine similar to that of the American Allison V-12 V-1710. It was a 60 degree V-12 of 1,650 cubic inch displacement with a matching set of cylinder bore/piston stroke figures to the Rolls-Royce 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 fighter 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.
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.
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.
Production
- 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, T32 (6).
- A number of M74 tank recovery vehicles were rebuilt from M4A3s, which used the GAA.[4]
Notes
- Berndt, Thomas. Standard Catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles (Krause Publications, 1993), p.193.
- Berndt, p.190.
- Berndt, pp.190 & 193.
- Berndt, p.193.
References
- Berndt, Thomas. Standard Catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles. Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 1993. ISBN 0-87341-223-0.
- Sprowl, Bob. Ford's First Dual Over Head Cam V-8.
- 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
External links
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2ghTjFtNPo engine running
- "1,500 H.P. Ford V-12" a 1941 Flight article on the Ford V-12 aero engine the GAA was based on
- "The Ford Aero Engine" a 1941 Flight article