T-80B fuel efficiency improvements

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Fuel efficiency improvement attempts among gas turbine T-80s have always been a relevant topic. 

In the mid-late 1980s, a field trial was conducted to test special fuel efficiency improvement systems mounted on T-80B tanks. Improved control systems and upgraded gas turbine sub-modules were present on upgraded T-80B batches. 

The first platoon consisted of 5 T-80B tanks, fitted with 920kW (1250hp) engines and equipped with additional upgrades. The following upgrades were present: 

  • Automatic low-gas parking mode 
  • Improved valves on the NR-1000B fuel regulator with new adjustable nozzle drives and provisioned power supply to function on low-gas parking mode (lowered fuel consumption to 45kg/h)
    • To clarify, low gas mode is a special automatic system preset on T-80 tanks. This system reduces engine output levels and overall performance when the vehicle is stationary. It is achieved by reducing the RPMs on the 2nd cascade turbocompressor and injecting fuel only using 1 set of fuel injectors in the combustion chambers. 
  • Automatic load reduction system when braking and shifting gears
  • Presense of the GTA-18A auxiliary power unit used during stationary vehicle usage (fuel consumption of about 12kg/h)
The second platoon also consisted of 5 T-80Bs, but were fitted with 810kW (1100 hp) engines, along with the equipment present on the first platoon, except for the GTA-18A auxiliary power unit. 

The last third platoon had 5 T-80Bs, with 810kW (1100 hp) engines, but did not have any of the equipment improvements. 

Field trials were conducted on a 3000km stretch of various roads and terrain. 
During stationary operation, the first platoon used only the GTA-18A, while the other two platoons were required to run their engines in low-gas parking and low-gas modes. 

The overall hourly fuel consumption among the first tank platoon was significantly lower compared to the other two platoons. This not only improved combat readiness but also reduced the amount of time needed to refuel. 

Platoon
Operating Hours
q, % (Fuel Consumption)
Main EngineGTA-18A
1st23,53/24,673,56/29,150/60
2nd94,84/54,8-75/88
3rd96,24/56,4-100/100

Operating hours and fuel consumption ratings are split into 2 different operating modes during trials. Numerator numbers (first value) represent hours and fuel consumption during tactical preparation. Denominator numbers (second value) represent the hours and fuel consumption during live fire preparation. 

It's essential to note that tactical preparations encompass platoon actions such as travelling to the designated meeting location, weapon preparation, travelling to the engagement location, conducting simulated combat operations, and returning to home turf. 

Live fire preparation includes live fire exercises while stationary and on the move, as well as traversing pre-existing proving ground obstacles. 


Continuous non-stop turbine operating hours on low-gas parking mode and low-gas until all vehicle fuel is exhausted. 1 - First Platoon, 2 - Second Platoon, 3 - Third Platoon
Y-axis: Operating hours, X-axis: Fuel capacity in L

As depicted in the graph above, the first platoon of T-80s relied primarily on the GTA-18A, allowing them to sustain longer operating hours. The second platoon using low-gas parking mode had an overall better fuel efficiency due to the engine throttling into a mode where the vehicle does not move. Third platoon, using only low-gas mode, had the lowest fuel efficiency using the basic low-gas mode. 


Platoon 1 and Platoon 2 tank squad fuel efficiency based on trial performance.
I - Defensive trail, II - Live fire trial, III - Driving, IV - Long distance march


The overall fuel efficiency of both platoons indicates that the tested improvements were successful. The fuel efficiency of platoon 2 T-80s fitted with engine upgrades but without the GTA-18A APU increased by 14%. Fuel efficiency was increased by 24% on platoon 1 T-80s equipped with the upgrades as mentioned earlier and a GTA-18 APU. The fuel efficiency increased by 24%, resulting in a 30% decrease in turbine operating time, and a 2x increase in battery charge life. 

Taken from: 
  1. Вестник бронетанковой техники, № 10, 1989 - Повышение топливной экономичности танков Т-80Б

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