It is a tactical lesson armies operating in the Asian-Pacific appear to have taken to heart as they acquire not only modern main battle tanks but develop and field other highly manoeuvrable and deployable direct fire gun systems. The fact is that the tanks attributes are multiplied when it is employed and properly supported in terrain and conditions where or when it is not anticipated. The success of Japan’s lightly armoured and armed tanks in overcoming the British Commonwealth defence of the Malaya peninsula in 1942 is a case in point. In fact, history has repeatedly shown that small numbers of tanks even with lesser capabilities have dominated battlefields. The impact of these attributes is not necessarily dependant on even some ‘perfect’e mix of these characteristics. View the gallery above to see more creative uses for repurposed aircraft parts.It is the combination of mobility, firepower, and protection that defines the tank. With nails and fresh paint, aircraft crates became cozy barracks, hangars, musical stages, and private clubs. Light aircraft such as gliders and scout planes were also delivered in wood crates for assembly in the field. These durable watertight tanks, and the sturdy wooden crates in which they arrived by the hundreds, were an airman’s best building materials. Long-range tanks were made of aluminum or steel, though, and were reusable. These smashed to bits when dropped, to deny any scrap to the enemy. Some were made of heavy paper laminated with glue or plastic, and were only strong enough to hold fuel for a few hours. Drop tanks came in the shape of a teardrop, and held from 75 to 330 gallons. One of the most common and versatile items was the drop tank, the external fuel pods attached to the belly or wingtips of fighter aircraft, which were dropped when empty or jettisoned to shed weight when under attack. The soldiers stationed at bases around the world found clever new uses for all kinds of surplus airplane parts. To duplicate the comforts of home, they had to get creative. American airmen and ground crews in World War II may have been linked to the world’s best supply chain, but that only delivered basic necessities.

Military surplus drop tanks