[taildragger]

It is not high on many's hit parade, but with it's high power to weight ratio, compact size, and omnivorous capability, I am flummoxed why a Wankel ( especially with Turbocompounding or CREEV ) has not been looked into as an alternative to Diesels and Turbines in Tanks....

http://www.aieuk.com/creev/

That would be a game changer IMHO, nevermind tanks, what about Subs, especially with the lower vibration levels...

[Don W]

Thirst and longevity.

The Wankel is a thirsty beast, and though there have been huge improvements in rotor seal technology, they still don’t last anything like piston rings or turbine blades.

I’ve been a Wankel fan since I was 11 (made a presentation to the church speaking club and won speaker of the night), but I recognize its shortcomings.

Regarding the tank, the first thing I noticed on the spec sheet is that the “revolutionary” Russkie tank is over 11 feet tall! Ivan always built short tanks, it was his best defence against being seen by his foes. It’s also quite narrow, and tall + narrow = no longer on its tracks after that first high-speed corner!