Warbird Philosophy

Drop Tank List: Difference between revisions

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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
The problem with drop tanks is that, by and large, they have very similar appearance. As a result, distinguishing one from another by looking their general shape is particularly difficult. Even when it is possible to examine them up close, unless they are hung from a wing it can even be difficult to determine which aircraft they are associated with.
Furthermore, to the best of the webmaster's knowledge, there has been no dedicated tome published on the subject. Perhaps it is because they don't stir as much excitement as armament. Perhaps their disposable nature makes them easier to ignore. (Though, ironically, this same factor – combined with their intentionally non-destructive nature – means they are more likely to be encountered by the average person.{{efn|Yes, drop tanks have been used as improvised munitions, but their original goal and main purpose is simply to increase fuel capacity.}}) Whatever the reason, there is a paucity of information about them. This page is an attempt to address the issue.
=== Methodology and Formatting ===
This page was derived from a Word document with the name "Drop Tanks Types" (later "Models") that was created on 22 June 2023.
This page was derived from a Word document with the name "Drop Tanks Types" (later "Models") that was created on 22 June 2023.


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Unfortunately, as drop tanks are government furnished equipment (GFE), they are often not as well described as other manufacturer supplied parts in aircraft manuals. Furthermore, given that they were were inherently disposable and therefore no longer needed to be tracked once expended, it is likely that less care was given to identifying and marking them.
Unfortunately, as drop tanks are government furnished equipment (GFE), they are often not as well described as other manufacturer supplied parts in aircraft manuals. Furthermore, given that they were were inherently disposable and therefore no longer needed to be tracked once expended, it is likely that less care was given to identifying and marking them.


As the official names are so variable, the entries are ordered according to capacity, rather than alphabetically. Note also that the volume used in the name of a drop tank is often the useable, and not the total, capacity.
As the official names are so variable, the default sort order is based on capacity, rather than alphanumeric. Note also that the volume used in the name of a drop tank is often the useable, and not the total, capacity.


Not all dimensions are always provided. Most frequent is length. Some list both height and width, while others instead state diameter. If only one dimension is included, it is most likely length. If only two, it is likely length and diameter. If three, it is likely length, width and height.
Not all dimensions are always provided. Most frequent is length. Some list both height and width, while others instead state diameter. If only one dimension is included, it is most likely length. If only two, it is likely length and diameter. If three, it is likely length, width and height.


Type is not referenced, as it is considered self-evident (i.e. functionally common knowledge).
Type is not referenced, as it is considered self-evident (i.e. functionally common knowledge).
Aircraft designations are listed in alphanumeric order within each entry.


== World War II ==
== World War II ==
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| [Auxiliary Fuel Tank]{{efn|Name is taken from manual, but is very likely not official and therefore its use here is considered to be placeholder.}}<ref name="ACL-TTHSIMA25A-1821">{{cite book |title=Technical Training Handbook of Service Instructions for the Model A-25A Airplane |date=15 July 1943 |publisher=St. Louis Plant, Airplane Division, Curtiss-Wright Corporation |pages=18, 21 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/apr20a25tswm4 |access-date=7 August 2026 |chapter=Section XVI: Fuel System}}</ref> || 130 U.S. gallons<ref name="ACL-TTHSIMA25A-1821" /> || || Aluminum<ref name="ACL-TTHSIMA25A-1821" /> || Internal ||  || A-25A<ref name="ACL-TTHSIMA25A-1821" /> ||  
| [Auxiliary Fuel Tank]{{efn|Name is taken from manual, but is very likely not official and therefore its use here is considered to be placeholder.}}<ref name="ACL-TTHSIMA25A-1821">{{cite book |title=Technical Training Handbook of Service Instructions for the Model A-25A Airplane |date=15 July 1943 |publisher=St. Louis Plant, Airplane Division, Curtiss-Wright Corporation |pages=18, 21 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/apr20a25tswm4 |access-date=7 August 2026 |chapter=Section XVI: Fuel System}}</ref> || 130 U.S. gallons<ref name="ACL-TTHSIMA25A-1821" /> || || Aluminum<ref name="ACL-TTHSIMA25A-1821" /> || Internal ||  || A-25A<ref name="ACL-TTHSIMA25A-1821" /> ||  
|-
|-
| Mark 5<ref name="ACL-33540-9">{{citation |title=Bomb & Drop Tank Intall., Useful Load, Rigging Diagram, Twin Pylon |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/drawing/viewer/33540/f4u/f4u-dwg-48-2?p=9 |publisher=Chance Vought Aircraft |access-date=23 August 2023}}</ref><ref name="ACL-NMF4UA-537" /> || 150 gallons<ref name="ACL-33540-9" /><ref name="ACL-NMF4UA-537" /> || || || External ||  || F4U-1D<ref name="BP-FBAJFT-8" />, F4U-4<ref name="BP-FBAJFT-8" />, F6F<ref name="BP-FBAJFT-8" />, F7F-2<ref name="BP-FBAJFT-8" />, FG-1D<ref name="BP-FBAJFT-8" /> || "Universal"<ref name="ACL-33540-9" />{{efn|According to claims of author of an article, the "universal" tank replaced the earlier aft pylon tanks for F6Fs, which had to have that configuration due to the oil cooler outlet door.<ref name="TTD-THT" /> Presumably, the "universal" name refers to the fact that it could be used by all navy aircraft.}}
| Mark 5<ref name="ACL-33540-9">{{citation |title=Bomb & Drop Tank Intall., Useful Load, Rigging Diagram, Twin Pylon |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/drawing/viewer/33540/f4u/f4u-dwg-48-2?p=9 |publisher=Chance Vought Aircraft |access-date=23 August 2023}}</ref><ref name="ACL-NMF4UA-537" /> || 150 gallons<ref name="ACL-33540-9" /><ref name="ACL-NMF4UA-537" /> || || || External ||  || F4U-1D<ref name="BP-FBAJFT-8" />, F4U-4<ref name="BP-FBAJFT-8" />, F6F<ref name="BP-FBAJFT-8" />, F7F-2<ref name="BP-FBAJFT-8" />, FG-1D<ref name="BP-FBAJFT-8" /> || "Universal"<ref name="ACL-33540-9" />{{efn|According to claims of author of an article, the "universal" tank replaced the earlier aft pylon tanks for F6Fs, which had to have that configuration due to the oil cooler outlet door.<ref name="Thomason2019" /> Presumably, the "universal" name refers to the fact that it could be used by all navy aircraft.}}
|-
|-
| Mark 7<ref name="ACL-33540-9" /><ref name="ACL-NMF4UA-537" /> || 150 gallons<ref name="ACL-33540-9" /><ref name="ACL-NMF4UA-537" /> || || || External || U.S. Rubber<ref name="ACL-33540-9" /> || Corsair<ref name="ACL-33540-9" /><ref name="ACL-NMF4UA-537" /> || Self-sealing<ref name="ACL-33540-9" />
| Mark 7<ref name="ACL-33540-9" /><ref name="ACL-NMF4UA-537" /> || 150 gallons<ref name="ACL-33540-9" /><ref name="ACL-NMF4UA-537" /> || || || External || U.S. Rubber<ref name="ACL-33540-9" /> || Corsair<ref name="ACL-33540-9" /><ref name="ACL-NMF4UA-537" /> || Self-sealing<ref name="ACL-33540-9" />
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| Unknown || 585 gallons<ref name="ACL-MMBA">{{cite book |title=Maintenance Manual [for] B-25C and B-25D Airplanes |publisher=Field Service Department, North American Aviation, Inc. |location=Inglewood, California |page=H-6 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/hugemmb251a}}</ref> || || || Internal ||  || B-25C<ref name="ACL-MMBA" />, B-25D<ref name="ACL-MMBA" /> ||  
| Unknown || 585 gallons<ref name="ACL-MMBA">{{cite book |title=Maintenance Manual [for] B-25C and B-25D Airplanes |publisher=Field Service Department, North American Aviation, Inc. |location=Inglewood, California |page=H-6 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/hugemmb251a}}</ref> || || || Internal ||  || B-25C<ref name="ACL-MMBA" />, B-25D<ref name="ACL-MMBA" /> ||  
|-
|-
| Unknown<ref name="TTD-THT">{{cite web |last1=Thomason |first1=Tommy H. |title=Grumman F6F Hellcat Belly Tank |url=http://tailhooktopics.blogspot.com/2019/09/grumman-f6f-hellcat-belly-tank.html |website=Tailhook Topics Drafts |access-date=23 August 2023 |date=9 September 2019}}</ref> || 150 gallons<ref>{{cite book |title=Preliminary Handbook of Erection and Maintenance Instructions Navy Model: F6F-3, F6F-3N, F6F-5, F6F-5N; British Models Hellcat I, Hellcat II Airplanes |date=1 June 1945 |pages=169, 171 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/sept2f6fggow |access-date=21 August 2026}}</ref> || || || External ||  || F6F<ref name="TTD-THT" /> || Appears to be pictured on page 70 of the ''Index of Army-Navy Aeronautical Equipment'', but no details listed and contradictorily included as continuation of same entry as visually different tank for P-38.<ref name="ACL-M-70">{{cite book |title=Index of Army-Navy Aeronautical Equipment |date=10 July 1945 |page=70 |access-date=21 August 2026 |chapter=Miscellaneous |chapter-url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/jwisanmisc}}</ref> Note also that shape of the leading edge of the pylon changed from a curved slope to a right angle at some point during production.{{efn|The change presumably was made to simplify manufacture.}} Later, after the aforementioned change, the way the two halves of the tank were joined was modified so that they went from having a vertical to a horizontal flange.<ref name="TTD-THT" />
| Unknown<ref name="Thomason2019">{{cite web |last1=Thomason |first1=Tommy H. |title=Grumman F6F Hellcat Belly Tank |url=http://tailhooktopics.blogspot.com/2019/09/grumman-f6f-hellcat-belly-tank.html |website=Tailhook Topics Drafts |access-date=23 August 2023 |date=9 September 2019}}</ref> || 150 gallons<ref>{{cite book |title=Preliminary Handbook of Erection and Maintenance Instructions Navy Model: F6F-3, F6F-3N, F6F-5, F6F-5N; British Models Hellcat I, Hellcat II Airplanes |date=1 June 1945 |pages=169, 171 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/sept2f6fggow |access-date=21 August 2026}}</ref> || || || External ||  || F6F<ref name="Thomason2019" /> || Appears to be pictured on page 70 of the ''Index of Army-Navy Aeronautical Equipment'', but no details listed and contradictorily included as continuation of same entry as visually different tank for P-38.<ref name="ACL-M-70">{{cite book |title=Index of Army-Navy Aeronautical Equipment |date=10 July 1945 |page=70 |access-date=21 August 2026 |chapter=Miscellaneous |chapter-url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/jwisanmisc}}</ref> Note also that shape of the leading edge of the pylon changed from a curved slope to a right angle at some point during production.{{efn|The change presumably was made to simplify manufacture.}} Later, after the aforementioned change, the way the two halves of the tank were joined was modified so that they went from having a vertical to a horizontal flange.<ref name="Thomason2019" />
|}
|}


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|-
|-
| Mark 12<ref name="Ginter" /> || 150 gallons<ref name="Ginter" /> || || || External ||  || Albatross{{efn|Exact model unclear from context.}}<ref name="Ginter" /> ||  
| Mark 12<ref name="Ginter" /> || 150 gallons<ref name="Ginter" /> || || || External ||  || Albatross{{efn|Exact model unclear from context.}}<ref name="Ginter" /> ||  
|-
| Unknown<ref name="AW-SACF7U3P-2">{{citation |title=Standard Aircraft Characteristics: F7U-3P "Cutlass" |date=15 May 1955 |page=[2] |url=http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/F7U-3P_SAC_-_15_May_1955.pdf |access-date=6 October 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014194454/http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/F7U-3P_SAC_-_15_May_1955.pdf |archive-date=14 October 2011 |via=Alternate Wars}}</ref> || 150 gallons<ref name="AW-SACF7U3P-2" /> || || || External ||  || F7U-3M<ref name="AW-SACF7U3M-2">{{citation |title=Standard Aircraft Characteristics: F7U-3M "Cutlass" |date=15 May 1955 |page=[2] |url=http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/F7U-3M_Cutlass_SAC_-_15_May_1955.pdf |access-date=6 October 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014173244/http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/F7U-3M_Cutlass_SAC_-_15_May_1955.pdf |archive-date=14 October 2011 |via=Alternate Wars}}</ref>, F7U-3P<ref name="AW-SACF7U3P-2" /> ||
|-
|-
| External Jettison Fuel Tank 165 Gallons Capacity<ref name="ACL-EJFT165GC-T1">{{cite book |title=Parts Catalog: External Jettison Fuel Tank 165 Gallons Capacity |date=15 January 1951 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam10 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 165 gallons<ref name="ACL-EJFT165GC-T1" /> || || || External || Fletcher Aviation<ref name="ACL-EJFT165GC-T1" /> ||  ||
| External Jettison Fuel Tank 165 Gallons Capacity<ref name="ACL-EJFT165GC-T1">{{cite book |title=Parts Catalog: External Jettison Fuel Tank 165 Gallons Capacity |date=15 January 1951 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam10 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 165 gallons<ref name="ACL-EJFT165GC-T1" /> || || || External || Fletcher Aviation<ref name="ACL-EJFT165GC-T1" /> ||  ||
|-
| Unknown || 170 gallons<ref name="AW-SACF2H34-3">{{citation |title=Standard Aircraft Characteristics: F2H-3, -4 "Banshee" |date=1 May 1951 |page=[3] |url=http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/F2H-3_and_-4_SAC_-_1_May_1951.pdf |access-date=20 October 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014190910/http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/F2H-3_and_-4_SAC_-_1_May_1951.pdf |archive-date=14 October 2011 |via=Alternate Wars}}. Capacities listed on the third page are total for all types of said tank on airplane. Therefore, the listed capacity of 340 gallons is divided across two tanks, giving each tank a total of 170 gallons.</ref><ref name="Thomason2017">{{cite web |last1=Thomason |first1=Tommy H. |title=F2H-3/4 Tip Tanks |url=http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2017/03/f2h-34-tip-tanks.html |website=Tailhook Topics |access-date=20 October 2026 |date=11 March 2017}}</ref> || || || External, wingtip ||  || F2H-3<ref name="AW-SACF2H34-3" /><ref name="Thomason2017" />, F2H-4<ref name="AW-SACF2H34-3" /><ref name="Thomason2017" /> || Nose and tail of "tanks" are empty aerodynamic fairings and fuel is carried only in center "capsule".<ref name="Thomason2017" />
|-
| Unknown<ref name="AW-SACF7U3P-2" /> || 220 gallons<ref name="AW-SACF7U3P-2" /> || || || External, slipper ||  || F7U-3M<ref name="AW-SACF7U3M-2" />, F7U-3P<ref name="AW-SACF7U3P-2" /> || The pod is not described as droppable on the Significant Aircraft Characteristics sheets, but it is according to a [http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2017/08/relying-on-museum-examples-for-detail.html blog post]. According to the same source, the pod could be replaced with a similar example that carried 2.75-inch fin folding rockets.
|-
|-
| 230-Gallon Centerline Tip Tank<ref name="ACL-MT2V230GCTT-T1">{{cite book |title=Handbook Overhaul Instructions: Model T2V-1 230-Gallon Centerline Tip Tank |date=1 April 1959 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam2 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 230 gallons<ref name="ACL-MT2V230GCTT-T1" /> || || || External, wingtip || Lockheed Aircraft<ref name="ACL-MT2V230GCTT-T1" /> || T2V-1<ref name="ACL-MT2V230GCTT-T1" /> || For more information, see [http://tailhooktopics.blogspot.com/2025/12/lockheed-t-33-tip-tank.html blog post]
| 230-Gallon Centerline Tip Tank<ref name="ACL-MT2V230GCTT-T1">{{cite book |title=Handbook Overhaul Instructions: Model T2V-1 230-Gallon Centerline Tip Tank |date=1 April 1959 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam2 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 230 gallons<ref name="ACL-MT2V230GCTT-T1" /> || || || External, wingtip || Lockheed Aircraft<ref name="ACL-MT2V230GCTT-T1" /> || T2V-1<ref name="ACL-MT2V230GCTT-T1" /> || For more information, see [http://tailhooktopics.blogspot.com/2025/12/lockheed-t-33-tip-tank.html blog post]
|-
| Unknown<ref name="AW-SACF7U1-2">{{citation |title=Standard Aircraft Characteristics: F7U-1 "Cutlass" |date=1 June 1949 |page=[2] |url=http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/F7U-1_Cutlass_SAC_-_1_June_1949.pdf |access-date=6 October 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014160735/http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/F7U-1_Cutlass_SAC_-_1_June_1949.pdf |archive-date=14 October 2011 |via=Alternate Wars}}</ref> || 250 gallons<ref name="AW-SACF7U1-2" /> || || || External ||  || F7U-1<ref name="AW-SACF7U1-2" /> ||
|-
|-
| External Jettison Fuel Tank 255 Gallon Capacity<ref name="ACL-EJFT255GC-T1">{{cite book |title=Handbook Overhaul Instructions: External Jettison Fuel Tank 255 Gallon Capacity |date=13 September 1950 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june15fulfwam10 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 255 gallons<ref name="ACL-EJFT255GC-T1" /> || || || External || Fletcher Aviation<ref name="ACL-EJFT255GC-T1" /> ||  ||
| External Jettison Fuel Tank 255 Gallon Capacity<ref name="ACL-EJFT255GC-T1">{{cite book |title=Handbook Overhaul Instructions: External Jettison Fuel Tank 255 Gallon Capacity |date=13 September 1950 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june15fulfwam10 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 255 gallons<ref name="ACL-EJFT255GC-T1" /> || || || External || Fletcher Aviation<ref name="ACL-EJFT255GC-T1" /> ||  ||
|-
|-
| Mark 8, Mod 0<ref name="AL-FH-50">{{cite book |title=Flight Handbook: Navy Models UF-2, UF-2G Aircraft |date=15 July 1961 |page=50 |url=http://www.avialogs.com/aircraft-g/grumman/item/102742-navweps-01-85ac-1-flight-handbook-uf-2-uf-2g-albatross |access-date=5 April 2025}}</ref> || 295 gallons{{efn|Fully serviced, not usable fuel.}}<ref name="AL-FH-50" /> || || || External ||  || UF-2, UF-2G<ref name="AL-FH-50" /> ||  
| Mark 8, Mod 0<ref name="AL-FH-50">{{cite book |title=Flight Handbook: Navy Models UF-2, UF-2G Aircraft |date=15 July 1961 |page=50 |url=http://www.avialogs.com/aircraft-g/grumman/item/102742-navweps-01-85ac-1-flight-handbook-uf-2-uf-2g-albatross |access-date=5 April 2025}}</ref> || 295 gallons{{efn|name=serviced|Fully serviced, not usable fuel.}}<ref name="AL-FH-50" /> || || || External ||  || UF-2, UF-2G<ref name="AL-FH-50" /> ||  
|-
|-
| 300 Gallon Droppable External Fuel Tank (Long Tail) Aero 1D<ref name="Thomason">{{cite web |last1=Thomason |first1=Tommy H. |title=Douglas Low-drag External Fuel Tanks |url=http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2011/07/douglas-low-drag-external-fuel-tanks.html |website=Tailhook Topics |access-date=26 March 2024 |date=31 July 2011}}</ref> || 300 gallons<ref name="Thomason" /> || || || External ||  || A-6, A-7, AD, A2D, A4D, F3D, F4D, S-3<ref name="Thomason" /> || Identification of aircraft based on claims of author of article, name unclear, for additional discussion of dimensions, see [http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/85502-evaluating-trumpeter-aero-1d-external-fuel-tanks forum thread]
| 300 Gallon Droppable External Fuel Tank (Long Tail) Aero 1D<ref name="Thomason2011">{{cite web |last1=Thomason |first1=Tommy H. |title=Douglas Low-drag External Fuel Tanks |url=http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2011/07/douglas-low-drag-external-fuel-tanks.html |website=Tailhook Topics |access-date=26 March 2024 |date=31 July 2011}}</ref> || 300 gallons<ref name="Thomason2011" /> || || || External ||  || A-6, A-7, AD, A2D, A4D, F3D, F4D, S-3<ref name="Thomason2011" /> || Identification of aircraft based on claims of author of blog post, name unclear, for additional discussion of dimensions, see [http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/85502-evaluating-trumpeter-aero-1d-external-fuel-tanks forum thread]
|-
|-
| Fuel Tank Assembly (300 Gallon)<ref name="ACL-FTA300G-T1">{{cite book |title=Handbook Overhaul Instructions: Fuel Tank Assembly (300 Gallon) |date=15 June 1960 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam15 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 300 gallons<ref name="ACL-FTA300G-T1" /> || 202{{efn|With bob tail installed.}} or 227{{efn|With tail cone installed.}} inches<ref name="ACL-FTA300G-T1" /> || || External || Douglas Aircraft<ref name="ACL-FTA300G-T1" /> ||  || Also known as Aero 1A and Aero 1B<ref name="ACL-FTA300G-T1" />
| Fuel Tank Assembly (300 Gallon)<ref name="ACL-FTA300G-T1">{{cite book |title=Handbook Overhaul Instructions: Fuel Tank Assembly (300 Gallon) |date=15 June 1960 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam15 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 300 gallons<ref name="ACL-FTA300G-T1" /> || 202{{efn|With bob tail installed.}} or 227{{efn|With tail cone installed.}} inches<ref name="ACL-FTA300G-T1" /> || || External || Douglas Aircraft<ref name="ACL-FTA300G-T1" /> ||  || Also known as Aero 1A and Aero 1B<ref name="ACL-FTA300G-T1" />
|-
|-
| Mark 8, Mod 1<ref name="AL-FH-50" /> || 304 gallons{{efn|Fully serviced, not usable fuel.}}<ref name="AL-FH-50" /> || || || External ||  || UF-2, UF-2G<ref name="AL-FH-50" /> ||  
| Mark 8, Mod 1<ref name="AL-FH-50" /> || 304 gallons{{efn|name=serviced}}<ref name="AL-FH-50" /> || || || External ||  || UF-2, UF-2G<ref name="AL-FH-50" /> ||  
|-
|-
| 370 Gallon Fuel Tank<ref name="ACL-370GFT-T1">{{cite book |title=Overhaul Instructions: 370 Gallon Fuel Tanks |date=15 November 1964 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam5 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 370 gallons<ref name="ACL-370GFT-T1" /> || 240 x 26 inches<ref name="ACL-370GFT-T1" /> or 25.5 inches<ref name="ACL-370GTEPA-T1" /> || || External || Royal Industries<ref name="ACL-370GFT-T1" /> || F-4B, F-4C<ref name="ACL-370GTEPA-T1">{{cite book |title=Overhaul with Parts Breakdown: 370 Gallon Tank and Ejector Pylon Assembly |date=1 February 1966 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam33 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> ||  
| 370 Gallon Fuel Tank<ref name="ACL-370GFT-T1">{{cite book |title=Overhaul Instructions: 370 Gallon Fuel Tanks |date=15 November 1964 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam5 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 370 gallons<ref name="ACL-370GFT-T1" /> || 240 x 26 inches<ref name="ACL-370GFT-T1" /> || || External || Royal Industries<ref name="ACL-370GFT-T1" /> || ||  
|-
|-
| 400 Gallon Droppable External Fuel Tank<ref name="Thomason" /> || 400 gallons<ref name="Thomason" /> || || || External ||  || A4D<ref name="Thomason" /> || Identification of aircraft based on claims of author of article, name unclear
| 370 Gallon Fuel Tank<ref name="ACL-370GTEPA-T1">{{cite book |title=Overhaul with Parts Breakdown: 370 Gallon Tank and Ejector Pylon Assembly |date=1 February 1966 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam33 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 370 gallons<ref name="ACL-370GTEPA-T1" /> || 240 x 25.5 inches<ref name="ACL-370GTEPA-T1" /> || || External || Sargent-Fletcher<ref name="ACL-370GTEPA-T1" /> || F-4B, F-4C<ref name="ACL-370GTEPA-T1" /> || These tanks can be identified by a single flange on the lower left side according to a [http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2013/06/things-under-wings-f4h-f-4-phantom.html blog post].
|-
| 400 Gallon Droppable External Fuel Tank<ref name="Thomason2011" /> || 400 gallons<ref name="Thomason2011" /> || || || External ||  || A4D<ref name="Thomason2011" /> || Identification of aircraft based on claims of author of blog post, name unclear
|-
|-
| Fuel Tank Assembly (400 Gallon)<ref name="ACL-FTA400G-T1">{{cite book |title=Handbook Overhaul Instructions: Fuel Tank Assembly (400 Gallon) |date=15 June 1960 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam16 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 400 gallons<ref name="ACL-FTA400G-T1" /> || 221 inches<ref name="ACL-FTA400G-T1" /> || || External || Douglas Aircraft<ref name="ACL-FTA400G-T1" /> ||  || May be identical to 400 Gallon Droppable External Fuel Tank
| Fuel Tank Assembly (400 Gallon)<ref name="ACL-FTA400G-T1">{{cite book |title=Handbook Overhaul Instructions: Fuel Tank Assembly (400 Gallon) |date=15 June 1960 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam16 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 400 gallons<ref name="ACL-FTA400G-T1" /> || 221 inches<ref name="ACL-FTA400G-T1" /> || || External || Douglas Aircraft<ref name="ACL-FTA400G-T1" /> ||  || May be identical to 400 Gallon Droppable External Fuel Tank
|-
|-
| 600 Gallon Fuel Tank<ref name="ACL-600GFT-T1">{{cite book |title=Overhaul Instructions: 600 Gallon Fuel Tanks |date=15 April 1965 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam7 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 600 gallons<ref name="ACL-600GFT-T1" /> || 260 x 3½ inches<ref name="ACL-600GFT-T1" /> || || External || Royal Industries<ref name="ACL-600GFT-T1" /> ||  ||  
| 600 Gallon Fuel Tank<ref name="ACL-600GFT-T1">{{cite book |title=Overhaul Instructions: 600 Gallon Fuel Tanks |date=15 April 1965 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam7 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 600 gallons<ref name="ACL-600GFT-T1" /> || 260 x 34½ inches<ref name="ACL-600GFT-T1" /> || || External || Royal Industries<ref name="ACL-600GFT-T1" /> ||  || These tanks were likely used on the F4H according to a [http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2013/06/things-under-wings-f4h-f-4-phantom.html blog post].
|-
|-
| External Centerline Fuel Tank<ref name="ACL-ECFT-T12">{{cite book |title=Overhaul: External Centerline Fuel Tank |date=1 December 1965 |pages=title, 1-1/1-2 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam34 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 600 gallons<ref name="ACL-ECFT-T12" /> || 260 x 35 inches<ref name="ACL-ECFT-T12" /> || || External || McDonnell Aircraft<ref name="ACL-ECFT-T12" /> ||  ||  
| External Centerline Fuel Tank<ref name="ACL-ECFT-T12">{{cite book |title=Overhaul: External Centerline Fuel Tank |date=1 December 1965 |pages=title, 1-1/1-2 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam34 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> || 600 gallons<ref name="ACL-ECFT-T12" /> || 260 x 35 inches<ref name="ACL-ECFT-T12" /> || || External || McDonnell Aircraft<ref name="ACL-ECFT-T12" /> ||  ||  
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| Centerline Wing Tip Tank<ref name="ACL-CWTT-T1">{{cite book |title=Illustrated Parts Breakdown: Centerline Wing Tip Tank |date=1 December 1958 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam14 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> ||  || || || External, wingtip || Fletcher Aviation{{efn|Under license from Lockheed Aircraft.}}<ref name="ACL-CWTT-T1" /> ||  ||
| Centerline Wing Tip Tank<ref name="ACL-CWTT-T1">{{cite book |title=Illustrated Parts Breakdown: Centerline Wing Tip Tank |date=1 December 1958 |pages=title, 1 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/june22fulfwam14 |access-date=6 August 2026}}</ref> ||  || || || External, wingtip || Fletcher Aviation{{efn|Under license from Lockheed Aircraft.}}<ref name="ACL-CWTT-T1" /> ||  ||
|-
|-
| Tank, Fuel, Aircraft, External, Removable[,] Type I<ref name="Spennemann">{{cite web |last1=Spennemann |first1=Dirk H.R. |title=Secondary Use of Artefacts and the Development of a New Historical Context: An Example of the Jet Age |url=http://marshall.csu.edu.au/Marshalls/html/B24/Drop_Tanks.html |website=Digital Micronesia |access-date=26 March 2024 |date=1995}}</ref><ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120">{{cite book |title=Flight Handbook USAF Series F-86E Aircraft |date=26 November 1956 |pages=1-19–1-20 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/jan28f86ssch3 |access-date=21 August 2026}}</ref> || 120 gallons<ref name="Spennemann" /> || || || External || Shin Meiwa Industry<ref name="Spennemann" />, Pastushin Aviation<ref name="Proxibid" /> || F-86E<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || Knockdown kit<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> Evidently, multiple different types of 120 gallon F-86 tanks were made as the data plate on one states it is manufacturer's part number "223-0000" and weighs 125 pounds empty,<ref name="Spennemann" /> while the data sticker on another states it is manufacturer's part number "136-10000-1" and weighs 118 pounds empty.<ref name="Proxibid">{{cite web |title=Korean War North American F-86 Sabre Drop Tank |url=http://www.proxibid.com/lotinformation/50390679/korean-war-north-american-f86-sabre-drop-tank |website=Proxibid |access-date=21 August 2026 |date=12 October 2019}}</ref> Furthermore, the parts manual for the F-86E gives the part numbers for the left-hand{{efn|Right hand tank part numbers were identical, except for the final digit being a "2" instead of a "1".}} 120 gallon drop tanks as "161-48201-101", which was superseded by "172-48201-1".<ref name="ACL-IPBUSF86EA-53">{{cite book |title=Illustrated Parts Breakdown: USAF Series F-86E Aircraft |date=11 November 1955 |pages=53 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/jan28f86ssch2 |access-date=21 August 2026}}</ref>
| Unknown || 120 gallons<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || || || External || Pastushin Aviation<ref name="Proxibid">{{cite web |title=Korean War North American F-86 Sabre Drop Tank |url=http://www.proxibid.com/lotinformation/50390679/korean-war-north-american-f86-sabre-drop-tank |website=Proxibid |access-date=21 August 2026 |date=12 October 2019}}</ref>, Shin Meiwa Industry<ref name="Spennemann">{{cite web |last1=Spennemann |first1=Dirk H.R. |title=Secondary Use of Artefacts and the Development of a New Historical Context: An Example of the Jet Age |url=http://marshall.csu.edu.au/Marshalls/html/B24/Drop_Tanks.html |website=Digital Micronesia |access-date=26 March 2024 |date=1995}}</ref> || F-86E<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || Type I (knockdown kit, not in-flight refuellable, fuel dumping system)<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /><ref name="VMFA251-FHNMFJ3A-1395" />{{efn|name=type|The "type" of F-86/FJ drop tanks is unrelated to capacity. Any type can be any capacity. It instead describes whether they come preassembled and/or can be refueled in flight.<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120">{{cite book |title=Flight Handbook USAF Series F-86E Aircraft |date=26 November 1956 |pages=1-19–1-20 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/jan28f86ssch3 |access-date=21 August 2026}}</ref><ref name="VMFA251-FHNMFJ3A-1395">{{cite book |title=Flight Handbook: Navy Model FJ-3, FJ-3M Aircraft |date=1 August 1957 |pages=13, 95 |url=http://www.vmfa251.org/pdffiles/Fury%20Manual.pdf |access-date=20 October 2026 |via=VMFA-251}}</ref>}}; manufacturer's part number 136-10000-1<ref name="Proxibid" /> or 223-0000<ref name="Spennemann" /> or ''possibly'' 161-48250-31{{efn|This part number refers to a 120 gallon tank. It is presumed to be either a type I or type II based on the fact that the illustrations in the manual show a tank that can be disassembled into sections. It is stated to have been superseded by 172-48250, which could correspond to a type II, type III or type IV depending on whether the improvement that prompted the transition to the latter was in-flight refueling capability or pre-assembly. Note that North American's "161" charge code refers to the F-86A, while "172" refers to the F-86F-1 through F-86F-15.}}<ref name="ACL-IPBUSF86EA-5255">{{cite book |title=Illustrated Parts Breakdown: USAF Series F-86E Aircraft |date=11 November 1955 |pages=52–55 |url=http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/jan28f86ssch2 |access-date=21 August 2026}}</ref>; a key recognition feature for distinguishing between the 120 and 200 gallon tanks is that the tail fins meet in the middle behind the tank proper on the former, while they do not on the latter.
|-
| Unknown || 120 gallons<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || || || External || || F-86E<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || Type II (knockdown kit, in-flight refuellable, no fuel dumping system)<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /><ref name="VMFA251-FHNMFJ3A-1395" />{{efn|name=type}}
|-
| Unknown || 120 gallons<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || || || External ||  || F-86E<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || Type III (pre-assembled)<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" />{{efn|name=type}}
|-
| Unknown || 120 gallons<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || || || External ||  || F-86E<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || Type IV (pre-assembled)<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" />{{efn|name=type}}
|-
| Unknown || 200 gallons<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || || || External ||  || F-86E-15<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || Type I (knockdown kit, not in-flight refuellable, fuel dumping system)<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /><ref name="VMFA251-FHNMFJ3A-1395" />{{efn|name=type}}; manufacturer's part number ''possibly'' 176-48250-1{{efn|Left and right hand tank part numbers are identical except for the final digit being a "1" and "2", respectively.}}{{efn|This part number refers to a 200 gallon tank. It is presumed to be either a type I or type II based on the fact that the illustrations in the manual show a tank that can be disassembled into sections. It is stated to have been superseded by 176-48250-31, which could correspond to a type II, type III or type IV depending on whether the improvement that prompted the transition to the latter was in-flight refueling capability or pre-assembly. Note that North American's "176" charge code refers to the F-86F-20 and -25.}}<ref name="ACL-IPBUSF86EA-5255" />
|-
|-
| Type II<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" />{{efn|Name is taken from manual, but may not be aircraft agnostic.}} || 200 gallons{{efn|Relationship between assembly requirement and capacity confusingly stated in manual, but context suggests that one of each type of assembly requirement and capacity existed.}}<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || || || External ||  || F-86E-15<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || Knockdown kit<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" />
| Unknown || 200 gallons<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || || || External ||  || F-86E-15<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || Type II (knockdown kit, in-flight refuellable, no fuel dumping system)<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /><ref name="VMFA251-FHNMFJ3A-1395" />{{efn|name=type}}
|-
|-
| Type III<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" />{{efn|Name is taken from manual, but may not be aircraft agnostic.}} || 120 gallons{{efn|Relationship between assembly requirement and capacity confusingly stated in manual, but context suggests that one of each type of assembly requirement and capacity existed.}}<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || || || External ||  || F-86E<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || Pre-assembled<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" />
| Unknown || 200 gallons<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || || || External ||  || F-86E-15<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || Type III (pre-assembled)<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" />{{efn|name=type}}
|-
|-
| Type IV<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" />{{efn|Name is taken from manual, but may not be aircraft agnostic.}} || 200 gallons{{efn|Relationship between assembly requirement and capacity confusingly stated in manual, but context suggests that one of each type of assembly requirement and capacity existed.}}<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || || || External ||  || F-86E-15<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || Pre-assembled<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" />
| Unknown || 200 gallons<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || || || External ||  || F-86E-15<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" /> || Type IV (pre-assembled)<ref name="ACL-FHUSF86EA-119120" />{{efn|name=type}}
|}
|}


Line 192: Line 217:
** Shows data plate
** Shows data plate
* Various, American, postwar: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235025280-f-86-sabre-drop-tanks-type-review
* Various, American, postwar: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235025280-f-86-sabre-drop-tanks-type-review
* Unknown, American: http://www.prints-online.com/royal-aeronautical-society/photographic/drop-tanks-young-ladies-p-82-twin-mustang-9888629.html
* Unknown, American, WWII: http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=49629
* Unknown, American, WWII: http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=49629
* Unknown, American, WWII: http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/83354-f-51d-napalm-tanks/page/2
* Unknown, American, WWII: http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/83354-f-51d-napalm-tanks/page/2
Line 238: Line 264:
* Add model of drop tank used on P-80s according to [http://tailhooktopics.blogspot.com/2017/06/lockheed-pf-80-shooting-star-tip-tanks.html blog post]
* Add model of drop tank used on P-80s according to [http://tailhooktopics.blogspot.com/2017/06/lockheed-pf-80-shooting-star-tip-tanks.html blog post]
* Add part numbers and basic tank dimensions to table
* Add part numbers and basic tank dimensions to table
* Search for information by manufacturer name (e.g. Youngstown Steel Door), rather than name or capacity of tank
* There is significant confusion over what constitutes a "Misawa tank". It has been claimed to refer to a 110-gallon P-51 tank by a [http://www.447bg.org/equipment-misc/misawa-drop-tank museum], a 200-gallon F-86 tank by an [https://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/17803-f-86-misawa-tanks expert] on said airplane and a 265-gallon P-80 tank by an Air Force Base [http://misawa.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/773415/this-month-in-35th-fighter-wing-and-misawa-air-base-history-september history page].
* There is significant confusion over what constitutes a "Misawa tank". It has been claimed to refer to a 110-gallon P-51 tank by a [http://www.447bg.org/equipment-misc/misawa-drop-tank museum], a 200-gallon F-86 tank by an [https://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/17803-f-86-misawa-tanks expert] on said airplane and a 265-gallon P-80 tank by an Air Force Base [http://misawa.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/773415/this-month-in-35th-fighter-wing-and-misawa-air-base-history-september history page].
* The Chinese released a [http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/162293453 picture] of a data plate on a captured Sargent-Fletcher tank in May 1966
* The Chinese released a [http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/162293453 picture] of a data plate on a captured Sargent-Fletcher tank in May 1966
* Use a list from a [http://www.key.aero/forum/modern-military-aviation/57903-drop-tanks?page=4 forum post] as reference to identify more aircraft that carried drop tanks
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