Drop Tank List: Difference between revisions

From Warbird Philosophy

Latest revision as of 22:38, 20 October 2026

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.^[a]) 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.

When creating these tables, an effort was made to prioritize primary sources (e.g. stencils on unrestored tanks, manuals) over other references. The reasoning was twofold: First, primary sources are more likely to be technically specific (e.g. specific mark numbers) and include detailed information (e.g. manufacturer). Second, secondary sources are presumed to be more likely to introduce errors (e.g. conflating different models) as the information is reproduced.

As there are multiple cases of different models having the same capacity and as it is common to refer to any tank simply by its capacity, it is important to confirm that any two given documents are describing the same model. Ideally, this correlation would be achieved by verifying that both documents use an identical part number to specify their respective tanks. However, this is not always possible.

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 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.

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

Name	Capacity	Dimensions	Material	Type	Manufacturer	Aircraft	Comments
Tank – 58 gallon droppable fuel^[1]	58-63 U.S. gallons^[1]	Approximately 5 x 2 x 2 feet^[1]	Steel^[1]	External	American Stove^[1]	FM-1^[2], F4F-4^[2], SBD-5^[2], SBD-6^[2], SB2C-1^[2], SB2C-2^[2], SBW^[1], SBF^[1], TBF-1^[2], TBM-1^[2]	Also known as MK 1, MOD 1^[2]
Tank – aux fuel belly type fibre 75 gal cap^[3]	75 gallons^[3]		Fiber^[3]		U.S. Rubber^[3]
Tank – aux fuel jettison 24 oz duck 75 gal cap^[4]	75 gallons^[4]		Cotton duck^[4]
Tank – aux fuel jettison alum 75 gal cap^[4]	75 gallons^[4]		Aluminum^[4]
Tank – 75 gallon external jettison auxiliary fuel (pressurized)^[5]	75 U.S. gallons^[5]	Approximately 6 x 2 x 2 feet^[5]	Steel^[5]	External	American Stove^[5], Motor Metals Manufacturing^[5], Midwest Manufacturing^[5], Tappan Stove^[5]	P-39^[5], P-40^[5], P-47^[5], P-51^[5], P-63^[5]	Could be modified to drop survival equipment^[6]
Mark 4^[7]	100 gallons^[7]			External		Albatross^[b]^[7], Corsair^[8]
Tank – 100 gallon droppable fuel^[9]	100 U.S. gallons^[9]	Approximately 7 x 2 x 2 feet^[9]	Steel^[9]	External	American Stove^[9], Aluminum Cooking Utensil^[9]	TBM^[9], TBY^[9], FR^[9]
Tank (install), power plant fuel system – droppable^[c]^[10]	100 gallons^[10]			External		F3M-1, F8F-1, XF8F-1^[10]
110 gallon tank – external, jettison, auxiliary fuel^[11]	110 U.S. gallons^[11]	88 x 25.45 inches^[11]	Aluminum^[11]	External	Sargent Fletcher^[11]	P-38, P-47, P-51, P-61^[11]
Tank – 110 gallon external jettison auxiliary fuel (pressurized)^[9]	110 U.S. gallons^[9]	Approximately 7⅓ x 2 x 2 feet^[9]	Steel^[9]	External	American Stove^[12], Briggs Manufacturing^[12], Clark Equipment^[12], Clopay^[12], Firestone Steel Products^[12], Rudy Furnace^[12]	B-25^[9], P-39^[9], P-40^[9], P-47^[9], P-51^[9], P-63^[9]
[Auxiliary Fuel Tank]^[d]^[13]	130 U.S. gallons^[13]		Aluminum^[13]	Internal		A-25A^[13]
Mark 5^[14]^[8]	150 gallons^[14]^[8]			External		F4U-1D^[15], F4U-4^[15], F6F^[15], F7F-2^[15], FG-1D^[15]	"Universal"^[14]^[e]
Mark 7^[14]^[8]	150 gallons^[14]^[8]			External	U.S. Rubber^[14]	Corsair^[14]^[8]	Self-sealing^[14]
Tank – 150 gallon droppable fuel^[17]^[f]	150 gallons^[17]^[g]				Aluminom^[3]		Identification of manufacturer as connected to entry in index not confirmed, but believed based on fact that it was found in dead stock list and index lists it as not cataloged, presumably indicating it was removed
Tank – 150 gallon external jettison auxiliary fuel (fiber)^[12]	150 U.S gallons^[12]	Approximately 6½ x 2 x 2 feet^[12]	Fiber^[12]	External	Ohio Rubber^[12]	P-39^[12], P-40^[12]
Tank (install), power plant fuel system – droppable^[h]^[10]	150 gallons^[10]			External	Youngstown Steel Door^[18]	F3M-1, F8F-1, XF8F-1^[10]
Tank assembly, fuel system, 160 gal. auxiliary droppable^[i]^[19]	160 gallons^[19]	101 11/32 inches^[19]		External		F3A-1, F4U-1, FG-1^[19]
Mark 6^[14]^[8]	165 gallons^[14] or 171 gallons^[8]			External	Lockheed^[14]	Corsair^[14]^[8]	Discrepancy between sources may be the result of either different modifications or whether usable versus total capacity was described.
Tank – 165 gallon external jettison auxiliary fuel (knockdown)^[20]	165 U.S. gallons^[20]	Approximately 10¼ x 2½ x 2½ feet^[20]	Fiber^[20]	External	Ohio Rubber^[20]	P-38^[20]	Different tank is depicted in continuation of entry on following page
Tank – 165 gallon external jettison auxiliary fuel (pressurized)^[21]	165 U.S. gallons^[21]	Approximately 10¼ x 2½ x 2½ feet^[21]	Steel^[21]	External	General Aircraft Equipment^[22], Gibson Refrigerator^[22], Mackenzie Muffler^[21], Mills Industries^[22], Tappan Stove^[22], Weber Showcase & Fixture^[22], Youngstown Steel Door^[21]	F4U-1D^[21], F6F-3^[21], P-38^[21], P-47^[21], P-61^[21], PV-1^[21]	Replaced previous 165 gallon tank from Lockheed^[21]; table on second page lists products with manufacturer’s drawing number of "155-A" which suggests different capacity^[22]; for more information, see magazine article
Tank – 175 gallon droppable fuel^[23]	175 gallons^[23]	Approximately 6 feet, 8 inches x 3 feet, 6 inches x 2 feet^[23]	Steel^[23]	External, slipper	Mackenzie Muffler^[23]	P-39^[23]
Tank – 175 gallon droppable fuel^[24]	175 gallons^[24]	Approximately 6 feet x 3 feet, 6 inches x 2 feet^[24]	Steel^[23]	External, slipper	Motors Metal Manufacturing^[23]	P-39^[24], P-63^[24]
Tank – 200 gallon droppable fuel^[17]^[j]	200 gallons^[17]^[k]
Tank – 250 gallon bomb bay metal^[25]	250 gallons^[25]	Approximately 67 x 47 x 22 inches^[25]	Duralumin^[25]	Internal	Glenn L. Martin Aviation^[25]	B-26^[25]
Tank – 250 gallon bomb bay metal^[26]	250 gallons^[26]	Approximately 67 x 47 x 22 inches^[26]	Steel^[26]	Internal	Motors Metal Manufacturing^[26]	B-26^[26]
Tank – 260 gallon bomb bay non-metallic self sealing^[27]	260 gallons^[27]	Approximately 75 x 45 x 23 inches^[27]		Internal	Goodyear Tire & Rubber^[27]	B-26^[27]
[Bomb Bay Droppable Fuel Tank]^[l]^[28]	275 gallons^[28]		Aluminum^[28]	Internal		TBM-3^[28]	A somewhat comparable non-droppable 212 gallon tank also existed.^[28]
Tank – 300 gallon droppable fuel^[29]	300 gallons^[29]	Approximately 13 x 3 x 3 feet^[29]		External, teardrop	Lockheed^[29]	P-38^[29]
Tank – 310 gallon external jettison auxiliary fuel^[22]	310 U.S. gallons^[22]	Approximately 13 x 3 x 3 feet^[22]	Plywood or aluminum^[22]	External, teardrop	Aero Crafts^[22], Gillespie Furniture^[22], Northwestern Aeronautical^[22]	P-38^[22], P-47^[22], P-61^[22]
Tank – 400 gallon bomb bay non-metallic self sealing^[30]	400 gallons	Approximately 76 x 58 x 26 inches^[30]	Rubber and fiber^[30]	Internal	Goodyear Tire & Rubber^[30], B. F. Goodrich^[30]	B-24^[30]
Unknown	50 U.S. gallons^[31]		Armite^[31]	External	U.S. Rubber^[32]	SBD-5^[31]	Possibly MK 1, MOD 0
Unknown	75 gallons			External
Unknown^[33]	108 or 110 gallons		Paper^[33]	External
Tank Assem. – Fuel bomb bay droppable^[34]	335 gallons^[35]			Internal		B-25H^[34], B-25J^[35]
Unknown	585 gallons^[36]			Internal		B-25C^[36], B-25D^[36]
Unknown^[16]	150 gallons^[37]			External		F6F^[16]	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.^[38] 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.^[m] 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.^[16]

Postwar

Name	Capacity	Dimensions	Type	Manufacturer	Aircraft	Comments
External Auxiliary 60 Gal. Fuel Tank^[39]	60 gallons^[39]	74½ x 18 5/16 inches^[39]	External	Kellett Aircraft^[39]
Mark 10^[8]	100 gallons^[8]		External		Corsair^[8]
Fuel Tank Assembly (150 Gallon)^[40]	150 gallons^[40]		External	Douglas Aircraft^[40]		Also known as Aero 1A and Aero 1C^[40]
Mark 12^[7]	150 gallons^[7]		External		Albatross^[n]^[7]
Unknown^[41]	150 gallons^[41]		External		F7U-3M^[42], F7U-3P^[41]
External Jettison Fuel Tank 165 Gallons Capacity^[43]	165 gallons^[43]		External	Fletcher Aviation^[43]
Unknown	170 gallons^[44]^[45]		External, wingtip		F2H-3^[44]^[45], F2H-4^[44]^[45]	Nose and tail of "tanks" are empty aerodynamic fairings and fuel is carried only in center "capsule".^[45]
Unknown^[41]	220 gallons^[41]		External, slipper		F7U-3M^[42], F7U-3P^[41]	The pod is not described as droppable on the Significant Aircraft Characteristics sheets, but it is according to a 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^[46]	230 gallons^[46]		External, wingtip	Lockheed Aircraft^[46]	T2V-1^[46]	For more information, see blog post
Unknown^[47]	250 gallons^[47]		External		F7U-1^[47]
External Jettison Fuel Tank 255 Gallon Capacity^[48]	255 gallons^[48]		External	Fletcher Aviation^[48]
Mark 8, Mod 0^[49]	295 gallons^[o]^[49]		External		UF-2, UF-2G^[49]
300 Gallon Droppable External Fuel Tank (Long Tail) Aero 1D^[50]	300 gallons^[50]		External		A-6, A-7, AD, A2D, A4D, F3D, F4D, S-3^[50]	Identification of aircraft based on claims of author of blog post, name unclear, for additional discussion of dimensions, see forum thread
Fuel Tank Assembly (300 Gallon)^[51]	300 gallons^[51]	202^[p] or 227^[q] inches^[51]	External	Douglas Aircraft^[51]		Also known as Aero 1A and Aero 1B^[51]
Mark 8, Mod 1^[49]	304 gallons^[o]^[49]		External		UF-2, UF-2G^[49]
370 Gallon Fuel Tank^[52]	370 gallons^[52]	240 x 26 inches^[52]	External	Royal Industries^[52]
370 Gallon Fuel Tank^[53]	370 gallons^[53]	240 x 25.5 inches^[53]	External	Sargent-Fletcher^[53]	F-4B, F-4C^[53]	These tanks can be identified by a single flange on the lower left side according to a blog post.
400 Gallon Droppable External Fuel Tank^[50]	400 gallons^[50]		External		A4D^[50]	Identification of aircraft based on claims of author of blog post, name unclear
Fuel Tank Assembly (400 Gallon)^[54]	400 gallons^[54]	221 inches^[54]	External	Douglas Aircraft^[54]		May be identical to 400 Gallon Droppable External Fuel Tank
600 Gallon Fuel Tank^[55]	600 gallons^[55]	260 x 34½ inches^[55]	External	Royal Industries^[55]		These tanks were likely used on the F4H according to a blog post.
External Centerline Fuel Tank^[56]	600 gallons^[56]	260 x 35 inches^[56]	External	McDonnell Aircraft^[56]
Centerline Wing Tip Tank^[57]			External, wingtip	Fletcher Aviation^[r]^[57]
Unknown	120 gallons^[58]		External	Pastushin Aviation^[59], Shin Meiwa Industry^[60]	F-86E^[58]	Type I (knockdown kit, not in-flight refuellable, fuel dumping system)^[58]^[61]^[s]; manufacturer's part number 136-10000-1^[59] or 223-0000^[60] or possibly 161-48250-31^[t]^[62]; 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^[58]		External		F-86E^[58]	Type II (knockdown kit, in-flight refuellable, no fuel dumping system)^[58]^[61]^[s]
Unknown	120 gallons^[58]		External		F-86E^[58]	Type III (pre-assembled)^[58]^[s]
Unknown	120 gallons^[58]		External		F-86E^[58]	Type IV (pre-assembled)^[58]^[s]
Unknown	200 gallons^[58]		External		F-86E-15^[58]	Type I (knockdown kit, not in-flight refuellable, fuel dumping system)^[58]^[61]^[s]; manufacturer's part number possibly 176-48250-1^[u]^[v]^[62]
Unknown	200 gallons^[58]		External		F-86E-15^[58]	Type II (knockdown kit, in-flight refuellable, no fuel dumping system)^[58]^[61]^[s]
Unknown	200 gallons^[58]		External		F-86E-15^[58]	Type III (pre-assembled)^[58]^[s]
Unknown	200 gallons^[58]		External		F-86E-15^[58]	Type IV (pre-assembled)^[58]^[s]

Images

Drawings

75 gallon, American, WWII: http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/j14genjw66
75 gallon, American, WWII: http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/drawing/viewer/87-427-1000
- Production drawing
75 gallon, American, WWII: http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/drawing/viewer/87-427-1001
- Production drawing
75/110 gallon, American, WWII: http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/threads/p-51-b-c-108-galon-drop-tanks.12969/#post-348891
75/150 gallon, American, WWII: http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/drawing/viewer/87-45-508
- Production drawing
150 gallon, American, WWII: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/belly-tank-question.441139/#post-4845526
150 gallon, American, WWII: http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/drawing/viewer/87-45-909
- Production drawing
150 gallon, American, postwar: http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2016/09/things-under-wings-post-war-external.html
150 liter, Japanese, WWII: http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/80317-mitsubishi-zero-drop-tanks-hasegawa-a6m7-configuration/page/2/#comment-1131197
Various, American, WWII: http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/92155-anyone-have-any-decent-photos-of-p47-flat-belly-tank-plumbing/#comment-1327350
Various, American, WWII: http://archive.aeroscale.net/forums/192898
Various, American, WWII, P-47: http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/threads/paper-fuel-tanks.16029/#post-430829^[63]
Unknown, American, WWII: http://patents.google.com/patent/US2471296A
- Patent
Various, American, Postwar^[7]

Pictures

45 gallon, paper: http://www.themodellingnews.com/2012/05/barracudacast-br32016-132-p-51d-mustang.html
50 gallon, American, WWII: http://digitalcollections.museumofflight.org/nodes/view/29888#idx283853
- In E&M manual, shows markings
52 gallon, American, WWII: http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/s9p41jwis13?p=104
- From service handbook
52 Gallon, American, WWII: http://app.aircorpslibrary.com/document/viewer/aprilp40ahous10?p=188
- From service handbook
75 gallon, American, WWII: http://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/ww2-aircraft-drop-tank-question.425984/#post-15613364
90 or 100 gallon, postwar: http://tailhooktopics.blogspot.com/2017/06/lockheed-pf-80-shooting-star-tip-tanks.html
100 gallon, paper: http://www.flickr.com/photos/raphaelbrescia/51635933621
100 gallon, field modification: http://forums.kitmaker.net/t/mystery-belly-tank/48940/7
108 gallon, American, WWII: http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Upcoming/Photos/igphoto/2001954412
- Shows markings
108 gallon, paper, WWII: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30000175
110 gallon, American: http://www.usautoindustryworldwartwo.com/firestone.htm
110 gallon, American, restored: http://www.questmasters.us/WWII_Aircraft_Parts.html
- Shows technical data block
110 gallon, American (napalm bomb conversion): http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/147437
- Shows alternate markings to above
110 gallon, American, postwar (napalm bomb conversion): http://www.digitaltmuseum.no/021025643556/drop-tank-napalm
120, 200, 206 gallon, American, postwar: http://marshall.csu.edu.au/Marshalls/html/B24/Drop_Tanks.html
150, 300, 400 gallon, American, postwar: http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2011/07/douglas-low-drag-external-fuel-tanks.html, http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2012/07/douglas-low-drag-external-fuel-tanks.html, http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2016/09/things-under-wings-post-war-external.html
200 gallon, American/Australian, WWII: http://www.checksixblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/16/drop-tank
328 liter, Japanese, WWII: http://www.pacificwrecks.com/dataplates/ijn/a6m/droptank/droptank-front-doan.html
- Data plate only
600 gallon, American, postwar: http://www.robedgcumbe.com/drop-tank-by-the-road
- Shows data plate
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://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/83354-f-51d-napalm-tanks/page/2
- Napalm conversion
Unknown, American, WWII: http://www.bulletpicker.com/pdf/AFEO-Bulletin-11.pdf#page=10
- Report about napalm conversions
Unknown, American/British, WWII: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jettison_Petrol_Tanks-_the_Production_of_Jettison_Tanks_For_USE_by_the_United_States_Army_Air_Force_and_Royal_Air_Force,_Britain,_1944_D23460.jpg
- Shows production
Unknown, British, DH.98: http://www.vam.ac.uk/blog/caring-for-our-collections/conservation-of-a-de-haviland-aviation-drop-tank, http://www.vam.ac.uk/blog/caring-for-our-collections/challenges-of-treating-a-mosquito-drop-tank
Unknown, British, Tempest: http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?/topic/19531-32-nd-scale-hawker-tempest-the-hard-way/page/11
- Shows transparent fairing
Unknown, German, WWII: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Messerschmitt_Bf_109_drop_tank_Keski-Suomen_ilmailumuseo.JPG
Unknown, German, WWII: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Odrzucany_zbiornik_paliwa_-_Muzeum_Lotnictwa_Krak%C3%B3w.jpg
Unknown, German, WWII: http://www.lonesentry.com/blog/me-109-drop-tanks.html
Unknown, German, WWII: http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/threads/help-please-with-german-e2-lightweight-steel-drop-tank.31196/#post-915540
Unknown, German, WWII: http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/threads/luftwaffe-drop-tanks.45449
Unknown, German, WWII: http://oldsargesaircraft.blogspot.com/2017/01/german-drop-tanks-used-on-p-47s.html
Unknown, Japanese: http://arawasi-wildeagles.blogspot.com/2019/12/ijaaf-ijnaf-photos-more_27.html
Unknown, Japanese: http://arawasi-wildeagles.blogspot.com/2020/06/ijaaf-ijnaf-drop-tanks-pt-1-nakajima-a4n.html
Unknown, Japanese: http://arawasi-wildeagles.blogspot.com/2020/07/ijaaf-ijnaf-drop-tanks-pt-2-mitsubishi.html
Unknown, Japanese, WWII: http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1071415
Unknown, Japanese, WWII: http://www.cannonhillchronicles.com/2023/02/04/darwin-military-museum
Unknown, Japanese, WWII: http://www.flickr.com/photos/maleny_steve/9374994320
Unknown, Japanese, WWII: http://flattwin.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2017/04/japanese-imperi.html
Unknown, Japanese, WWII: http://arawasi-wildeagles.blogspot.com/2021/01/drop-tank-production-video.html
Unknown, Japanese, WWII: http://arawasi-wildeagles.blogspot.com/2012/02/nakajima-ki-43-hayabusa-oscar-drop-tank.html
Unknown, Japanese, WWII: http://www.warbirdphotographs.com/WBP/harada11.htm
Unknown, Japanese, WWII: http://www.ameblo.jp/rakutennyahooamazon/entry-12863605148.html
Unknown, Japanese, WWII: http://www.macleayargus.com.au/story/3738408/from-zero-to-hero
Unknown, Japanese, WWII: http://web.archive.org/web/20150907090811/http://www.warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/legend-flyers-restoration-update.html
Unknown, Japanese, WWII: http://www.reddit.com/r/aviation/comments/1uhpbbq/album_japanese_wwii_aircraft_preserved_in_museums
Unknown, WWII: http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/threads/which-fuel-drop-tank.53174
- Link referenced in post available from Eduard: http://www.eduard.com/out/media/InfoEduard/archive/2016/info-eduard-2016-03EN.pdf
Unknown, Various, WWII: http://www.flickr.com/photos/friedebach/50817551758
Unknown: http://www.447bg.org/equipment-misc/icecream-droptank

To Do

The drawing numbers for drop tanks are 10303 for the F4U, 28300/28301 for the F6F and 55380 for the F8F
- The drawing number for a drop tank is 36316 for the TBM,^[64] but it is not available on AirCorps Library
As of 1 October 1947, the F7F could be equipped with either 150 or 300 gallon drop tanks^[65]
Production of the universal (Mark 5) tank began by December 1944 and was due to be available that month^[15]
The parts catalog for the F6F states that the 150 gallon tank was contractor furnished from aircraft Bureau Numbers 04775 through 40456 and government furnished from 40457 forward, which may indicate when the universal tank was introduced^[66]
Find pictures of recovered Tempest drop tank on display
Add model of drop tank used on P-80s according to blog post
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 museum, a 200-gallon F-86 tank by an expert on said airplane and a 265-gallon P-80 tank by an Air Force Base history page.
The Chinese released a picture of a data plate on a captured Sargent-Fletcher tank in May 1966
Use a list from a forum post as reference to identify more aircraft that carried drop tanks

References

Footnotes

↑ Yes, drop tanks have been used as improvised munitions, but their original goal and main purpose is simply to increase fuel capacity.
↑ Exact model unclear from context.
↑ Name is taken from production drawing, so is very likely not official and therefore its use here is considered to essentially be placeholder.
↑ Name is taken from manual, but is very likely not official and therefore its use here is considered to be placeholder.
↑ 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.^[16] Presumably, the "universal" name refers to the fact that it could be used by all navy aircraft.
↑ This specific tank not cataloged.
↑ This specific tank not cataloged.
↑ Name is taken from production drawing, so is very likely not official and therefore its use here is considered to essentially be placeholder.
↑ Name is taken from production drawing, so is very likely not official and therefore its use here is considered to essentially be placeholder.
↑ This specific tank not cataloged.
↑ This specific tank not cataloged.
↑ Name is taken from manual, but is very likely not official and therefore its use here is considered to be placeholder.
↑ The change presumably was made to simplify manufacture.
↑ Exact model unclear from context.
↑ ^15.0 ^15.1 Fully serviced, not usable fuel.
↑ With bob tail installed.
↑ With tail cone installed.
↑ Under license from Lockheed Aircraft.
↑ ^19.0 ^19.1 ^19.2 ^19.3 ^19.4 ^19.5 ^19.6 ^19.7 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.^[58]^[61]
↑ 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.
↑ Left and right hand tank part numbers are identical except for the final digit being a "1" and "2", respectively.
↑ 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.

Notes

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 ^1.4 ^1.5 ^1.6 "Miscellaneous". Index of Army-Navy Aeronautical Equipment. 10 July 1945. p. 65. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 ^2.3 ^2.4 ^2.5 ^2.6 ^2.7 ^2.8 Jackson, David D. (26 May 2024). "American Stove Company During World War Two". The American Automobile Industry in World War Two. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
↑ ^3.0 ^3.1 ^3.2 ^3.3 ^3.4 Dead Items Stock List: Aircraft Auxiliary Fuel Tanks (Revision A ed.). 8 July 1946. p. 1. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^4.0 ^4.1 ^4.2 ^4.3 ^4.4 ^4.5 Dead Items Stock List: Aircraft Auxiliary Fuel Tanks (Revision A ed.). 8 July 1946. p. 2. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^5.00 ^5.01 ^5.02 ^5.03 ^5.04 ^5.05 ^5.06 ^5.07 ^5.08 ^5.09 ^5.10 ^5.11 ^5.12 "Miscellaneous". Index of Army-Navy Aeronautical Equipment. 10 July 1945. p. 66. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ General–Conversion of 75 Gallon Auxiliary Metal Fuel Tank Into Fighter Rescue Gear, 30 January 1945, p. 1, retrieved 6 August 2026
↑ ^7.0 ^7.1 ^7.2 ^7.3 ^7.4 ^7.5 ^7.6 Ginter, Steve (1984). Grumman HU-16 Albatross. Simi Valley, California: Steve Ginter. p. 16. ISBN 0-942612-11-8. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
↑ ^8.00 ^8.01 ^8.02 ^8.03 ^8.04 ^8.05 ^8.06 ^8.07 ^8.08 ^8.09 ^8.10 ^8.11 Erection and Maintenance Handbook: Navy Models: F4U-1, F3A-1, FG-1, F4U-1C, F4U-1D, FG-1D Airplanes. 15 April 1946. p. 537. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
↑ ^9.00 ^9.01 ^9.02 ^9.03 ^9.04 ^9.05 ^9.06 ^9.07 ^9.08 ^9.09 ^9.10 ^9.11 ^9.12 ^9.13 ^9.14 ^9.15 ^9.16 ^9.17 ^9.18 "Miscellaneous". Index of Army-Navy Aeronautical Equipment. 10 July 1945. p. 67. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^10.0 ^10.1 ^10.2 ^10.3 ^10.4 ^10.5 "55380". September 1944. Retrieved 4 September 2026.
↑ ^11.0 ^11.1 ^11.2 ^11.3 ^11.4 ^11.5 [Unknown]. Sargent Fletcher Company. p. A-1. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
↑ ^12.00 ^12.01 ^12.02 ^12.03 ^12.04 ^12.05 ^12.06 ^12.07 ^12.08 ^12.09 ^12.10 ^12.11 ^12.12 "Miscellaneous". Index of Army-Navy Aeronautical Equipment. 10 July 1945. p. 68. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^13.0 ^13.1 ^13.2 ^13.3 "Section XVI: Fuel System". Technical Training Handbook of Service Instructions for the Model A-25A Airplane. St. Louis Plant, Airplane Division, Curtiss-Wright Corporation. 15 July 1943. pp. 18, 21. Retrieved 7 August 2026.
↑ ^14.00 ^14.01 ^14.02 ^14.03 ^14.04 ^14.05 ^14.06 ^14.07 ^14.08 ^14.09 ^14.10 ^14.11 Bomb & Drop Tank Intall., Useful Load, Rigging Diagram, Twin Pylon, Chance Vought Aircraft, retrieved 23 August 2023
↑ ^15.0 ^15.1 ^15.2 ^15.3 ^15.4 ^15.5 Fire Bombs: Aircraft Jettisonable Fuel Tanks (PDF). Advanced Fuze & Explosive Ordnance Bulletin (Report). Bomb Disposal School. December 1944. p. 8. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
↑ ^16.0 ^16.1 ^16.2 ^16.3 Thomason, Tommy H. (9 September 2019). "Grumman F6F Hellcat Belly Tank". Tailhook Topics Drafts. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^17.0 ^17.1 ^17.2 ^17.3 "Oxygen Equipment/Miscellaneous Equipment" (PDF). Index of Army and Navy Aeronautical Equipment. Vol. 3. p. XLVII. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ Parts Catalog for Navy Models F8F-1, F8F-1B, F8F-1N, F8F-2, F8F-2N, F8F-2P Airplanes. 1 May 1949. p. 507. Retrieved 4 September 2026.
↑ ^19.0 ^19.1 ^19.2 ^19.3 VS-10303, May 1943, retrieved 4 September 2026
↑ ^20.0 ^20.1 ^20.2 ^20.3 ^20.4 ^20.5 "Miscellaneous". Index of Army-Navy Aeronautical Equipment. 10 July 1945. p. 69. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^21.00 ^21.01 ^21.02 ^21.03 ^21.04 ^21.05 ^21.06 ^21.07 ^21.08 ^21.09 ^21.10 ^21.11 ^21.12 "Miscellaneous". Index of Army-Navy Aeronautical Equipment. 10 July 1945. p. 71. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^22.00 ^22.01 ^22.02 ^22.03 ^22.04 ^22.05 ^22.06 ^22.07 ^22.08 ^22.09 ^22.10 ^22.11 ^22.12 ^22.13 ^22.14 ^22.15 "Miscellaneous". Index of Army-Navy Aeronautical Equipment. 10 July 1945. p. 72. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^23.0 ^23.1 ^23.2 ^23.3 ^23.4 ^23.5 ^23.6 ^23.7 "Oxygen Equipment/Miscellaneous Equipment" (PDF). Index of Army and Navy Aeronautical Equipment. Vol. 3. p. 175. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^24.0 ^24.1 ^24.2 ^24.3 ^24.4 "Oxygen Equipment/Miscellaneous Equipment" (PDF). Index of Army and Navy Aeronautical Equipment. Vol. 3. p. 176. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^25.0 ^25.1 ^25.2 ^25.3 ^25.4 ^25.5 "Oxygen Equipment/Miscellaneous Equipment" (PDF). Index of Army and Navy Aeronautical Equipment. Vol. 3. p. 178. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^26.0 ^26.1 ^26.2 ^26.3 ^26.4 ^26.5 "Oxygen Equipment/Miscellaneous Equipment" (PDF). Index of Army and Navy Aeronautical Equipment. Vol. 3. p. 179. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^27.0 ^27.1 ^27.2 ^27.3 ^27.4 "Oxygen Equipment/Miscellaneous Equipment" (PDF). Index of Army and Navy Aeronautical Equipment. Vol. 3. p. 180. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^28.0 ^28.1 ^28.2 ^28.3 ^28.4 Preliminary Erection and Maintenance Instructions: TBM-3 Avenger III Airplanes. August 1944. pp. 233, 235–242. Retrieved 7 August 2026.
↑ ^29.0 ^29.1 ^29.2 ^29.3 ^29.4 "Oxygen Equipment/Miscellaneous Equipment" (PDF). Index of Army and Navy Aeronautical Equipment. Vol. 3. p. 177. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^30.0 ^30.1 ^30.2 ^30.3 ^30.4 ^30.5 "Oxygen Equipment/Miscellaneous Equipment" (PDF). Index of Army and Navy Aeronautical Equipment. Vol. 3. p. 181. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^31.0 ^31.1 ^31.2 Instructions for the Erection and Maintenance of the Model SBD-5 Airplane. El Segundo, California: El Segundo Plant, Douglas Aircraft Company. 1 November 1943. pp. 438–439. Retrieved 7 August 2026.
↑ Takeuchi, Gary T. (27 December 2008). "[Drop Tank]". Flickr. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^33.0 ^33.1 Lane, John (March 2014). "Every Problem Has a Solution". Britain at War.
↑ ^34.0 ^34.1 Airplane Parts Catalog for Army Models: B-25H and B-25J; Navy Models: PBJ-1H and PBJ-1J; and British Model Mitchell III. 20 June 1944. p. 389. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^35.0 ^35.1 Handbook [of] Maintenance Instructions: USAF Series B-25J, TB-25J, TB-25L, TB-25L-1 and TB-25N Aircraft. 15 July 1958. p. 5-27. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
↑ ^36.0 ^36.1 ^36.2 Maintenance Manual [for] B-25C and B-25D Airplanes. Inglewood, California: Field Service Department, North American Aviation, Inc. p. H-6.
↑ Preliminary Handbook of Erection and Maintenance Instructions Navy Model: F6F-3, F6F-3N, F6F-5, F6F-5N; British Models Hellcat I, Hellcat II Airplanes. 1 June 1945. pp. 169, 171. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
↑ "Miscellaneous". Index of Army-Navy Aeronautical Equipment. 10 July 1945. p. 70. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
↑ ^39.0 ^39.1 ^39.2 ^39.3 Overhaul Instructions with Illustrated Parts Breakdown: External Auxiliary 60 Gal. Fuel Tank. 1 May 1964. pp. title, 1. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
↑ ^40.0 ^40.1 ^40.2 ^40.3 Illustrated Parts Breakdown: Fuel Tank Assembly (150 Gallon). 1 July 1960. pp. title, 1. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
↑ ^41.0 ^41.1 ^41.2 ^41.3 ^41.4 ^41.5 Standard Aircraft Characteristics: F7U-3P "Cutlass" (PDF), 15 May 1955, p. [2], archived from the original (PDF) on 14 October 2011, retrieved 6 October 2026 – via Alternate Wars
↑ ^42.0 ^42.1 Standard Aircraft Characteristics: F7U-3M "Cutlass" (PDF), 15 May 1955, p. [2], archived from the original (PDF) on 14 October 2011, retrieved 6 October 2026 – via Alternate Wars
↑ ^43.0 ^43.1 ^43.2 Parts Catalog: External Jettison Fuel Tank 165 Gallons Capacity. 15 January 1951. pp. title, 1. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
↑ ^44.0 ^44.1 ^44.2 Standard Aircraft Characteristics: F2H-3, -4 "Banshee" (PDF), 1 May 1951, p. [3], archived from the original (PDF) on 14 October 2011, retrieved 20 October 2026 – 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.
↑ ^45.0 ^45.1 ^45.2 ^45.3 Thomason, Tommy H. (11 March 2017). "F2H-3/4 Tip Tanks". Tailhook Topics. Retrieved 20 October 2026.
↑ ^46.0 ^46.1 ^46.2 ^46.3 Handbook Overhaul Instructions: Model T2V-1 230-Gallon Centerline Tip Tank. 1 April 1959. pp. title, 1. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
↑ ^47.0 ^47.1 ^47.2 Standard Aircraft Characteristics: F7U-1 "Cutlass" (PDF), 1 June 1949, p. [2], archived from the original (PDF) on 14 October 2011, retrieved 6 October 2026 – via Alternate Wars
↑ ^48.0 ^48.1 ^48.2 Handbook Overhaul Instructions: External Jettison Fuel Tank 255 Gallon Capacity. 13 September 1950. pp. title, 1. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
↑ ^49.0 ^49.1 ^49.2 ^49.3 ^49.4 ^49.5 Flight Handbook: Navy Models UF-2, UF-2G Aircraft. 15 July 1961. p. 50. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
↑ ^50.0 ^50.1 ^50.2 ^50.3 ^50.4 ^50.5 Thomason, Tommy H. (31 July 2011). "Douglas Low-drag External Fuel Tanks". Tailhook Topics. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
↑ ^51.0 ^51.1 ^51.2 ^51.3 ^51.4 Handbook Overhaul Instructions: Fuel Tank Assembly (300 Gallon). 15 June 1960. pp. title, 1. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
↑ ^52.0 ^52.1 ^52.2 ^52.3 Overhaul Instructions: 370 Gallon Fuel Tanks. 15 November 1964. pp. title, 1. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
↑ ^53.0 ^53.1 ^53.2 ^53.3 ^53.4 Overhaul with Parts Breakdown: 370 Gallon Tank and Ejector Pylon Assembly. 1 February 1966. pp. title, 1. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
↑ ^54.0 ^54.1 ^54.2 ^54.3 Handbook Overhaul Instructions: Fuel Tank Assembly (400 Gallon). 15 June 1960. pp. title, 1. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
↑ ^55.0 ^55.1 ^55.2 ^55.3 Overhaul Instructions: 600 Gallon Fuel Tanks. 15 April 1965. pp. title, 1. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
↑ ^56.0 ^56.1 ^56.2 ^56.3 Overhaul: External Centerline Fuel Tank. 1 December 1965. pp. title, 1-1/1-2. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
↑ ^57.0 ^57.1 Illustrated Parts Breakdown: Centerline Wing Tip Tank. 1 December 1958. pp. title, 1. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
↑ ^58.00 ^58.01 ^58.02 ^58.03 ^58.04 ^58.05 ^58.06 ^58.07 ^58.08 ^58.09 ^58.10 ^58.11 ^58.12 ^58.13 ^58.14 ^58.15 ^58.16 ^58.17 ^58.18 ^58.19 ^58.20 ^58.21 ^58.22 ^58.23 ^58.24 Flight Handbook USAF Series F-86E Aircraft. 26 November 1956. pp. 1-19 – 1-20. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
↑ ^59.0 ^59.1 "Korean War North American F-86 Sabre Drop Tank". Proxibid. 12 October 2019. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
↑ ^60.0 ^60.1 Spennemann, Dirk H.R. (1995). "Secondary Use of Artefacts and the Development of a New Historical Context: An Example of the Jet Age". Digital Micronesia. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
↑ ^61.0 ^61.1 ^61.2 ^61.3 ^61.4 Flight Handbook: Navy Model FJ-3, FJ-3M Aircraft (PDF). 1 August 1957. pp. 13, 95. Retrieved 20 October 2026 – via VMFA-251.
↑ ^62.0 ^62.1 Illustrated Parts Breakdown: USAF Series F-86E Aircraft. 11 November 1955. pp. 52–55. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
↑ Davis, Larry (1984). P-47 Thunderbolt in Action. Aircraft. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications. p. 19. ISBN 0-89747-161-X.
↑ Aircraft Parts Catalog: Navy Model TBM-3 Airplane. 1 November 1945. p. 491. Retrieved 7 August 2026.
↑ Erection and Maintenance Handbook for Navy Models F7F-1N, F7F-2N, F7F-3, F7F-3N, F7F-4N, F7F-3P Airplanes. 1 October 1947. p. 256. Retrieved 7 August 2026.
↑ Aircraft Parts Catalog Navy Models: F6F-3, F6F-5, F6F-3N, F6F-5N. 1 August 1947. p. 669. Retrieved 21 August 2026.

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