Chrysler's A57 Multibank Engine: A Unique Solution for the Sherman Tank
Chrysler's A57 Multibank Engine Bolted Five Inline-Sixes Together For The Sherman Tank

Image: Jalopnik
Chrysler's A57 Multibank engine, a wartime innovation, combined five inline-six engines to power the Sherman M4 tank during World War II. Weighing 5,250 pounds, it produced 445 horsepower and was known for its surprising reliability, even functioning on fewer cylinders if needed.
- 01The A57 Multibank engine combined five inline-six engines arranged in a star pattern to power the Sherman M4 tank.
- 02It displaced nearly 21 liters and produced a maximum of 445 horsepower, running on regular gasoline.
- 03Chrysler built about 7,500 Sherman tanks with the A57 engine, which proved to be reliable even under combat conditions.
- 04The engine's design allowed it to operate with fewer cylinders if some were damaged, enhancing its battlefield reliability.
- 05Despite its complexity, the A57 engine was one of the most dependable tank engines used by the Allies.
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Chrysler's A57 Multibank engine is a remarkable example of wartime engineering, combining five inline-six engines to power the Sherman M4 tank during World War II. This unique design, resembling a radial engine, allowed for a common central gear to drive the crankshafts of the individual engines. Weighing approximately 5,250 pounds, the A57 produced 445 horsepower and utilized standard gasoline, making it practical for military use. Its engineering involved relocating components such as distributors and carburetors, and it featured a single, more reliable water pump. The A57 was utilized in around 7,500 Sherman tanks, many provided to British forces under the Lend-Lease Act. Notably, the engine demonstrated surprising reliability, capable of running on just a few operational cylinder banks if others were damaged. While most A57-powered tanks have been lost to history, some remain in museums, showcasing the innovative spirit of wartime engineering that prioritized quick, effective solutions for military needs.
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