The 'Jerrycan'
Called the Wehrmachtskanister by the Germans, the Jerrycan is a robust
container designed for carrying fuel around. It was invented at the bequest of
Hitler to provide a way of transporting fuel by hand. The clever design was
reverse engineered by the Allies and put into service to replace their existing
canisters, which were easy to puncture.
The Jerrycan is clever for several reasons. First, it has three handles,
which lets a can be carried by one person or two people easily, plus passed
along a human chain like a bucket full of water for putting out a fire. When
empty, the three handles means two cans can be placed side-by-side and one
person can carry two Jerrycans in each hand.
The cross design on the side helps strengthen the can, while allowing the
contents to expand. There was also an air pocket under the handles. A cam lever
release mechanism and short spout with an air-pipe to the air pocket allows
smooth and accurate pouring on the contents.
container designed for carrying fuel around. It was invented at the bequest of
Hitler to provide a way of transporting fuel by hand. The clever design was
reverse engineered by the Allies and put into service to replace their existing
canisters, which were easy to puncture.
The Jerrycan is clever for several reasons. First, it has three handles,
which lets a can be carried by one person or two people easily, plus passed
along a human chain like a bucket full of water for putting out a fire. When
empty, the three handles means two cans can be placed side-by-side and one
person can carry two Jerrycans in each hand.
The cross design on the side helps strengthen the can, while allowing the
contents to expand. There was also an air pocket under the handles. A cam lever
release mechanism and short spout with an air-pipe to the air pocket allows
smooth and accurate pouring on the contents.