You can change fuel amount on the runway, but only before you take off
War Thunder lets you modify your aircraft's fuel load in the hangar before a match starts, and you can also adjust it on the runway itself — but only while your plane is stationary and your engines are off. Once you spawn into a match and taxi to the runway, open the aircraft loadout menu (the exact key depends on your control settings, but it defaults to Tab on PC), find the fuel section, and set your desired amount. The change takes effect when ready. If your engines are already running or you have begun to move, you must shut down and restart to access the loadout menu again.
The runway adjustment is useful when you realize mid-match that your original fuel choice does not match the map size or your intended playstyle. A small map might not need a full tank, while a large map or a long-range intercept mission might demand more. Reducing fuel saves weight and improves climb rate and turn performance; increasing it extends your endurance but slows acceleration and handling.
Key Takeaways
- Open the loadout menu on the runway with Tab (or your custom key) while stationary and engines off to change fuel amount before takeoff.
- Reducing fuel improves acceleration, climb, and maneuverability but shortens how long you can stay airborne.
- Increasing fuel extends flight time and range but makes your aircraft heavier and slower to accelerate.
- Once your engines start or you begin taxiing, you cannot adjust fuel until you shut down and restart your engines.
Where to find the fuel adjustment on the runway
After you spawn into a match and your aircraft appears on the runway, press Tab (or whatever key you have bound to "Vehicle Setup" or "Loadout") to open the aircraft configuration menu. This menu shows your current weapons, armor, fuel, and other loadout options. Scroll or navigate to the fuel section — it usually displays as a percentage or a weight value depending on your game settings.
The fuel menu shows a slider or input field where you can set the amount from empty (0%) to maximum capacity (100%). Adjust it to your target value and confirm. The change applies when ready; you do not need to restart the match or respawn. Your aircraft's weight and performance characteristics update when ready to reflect the new fuel load.
When you can and cannot change fuel
The runway window is narrow. You can adjust fuel only when your aircraft is on the ground, stationary, and your engines are off. The moment you start your engines or begin to taxi, the loadout menu locks. If you try to open it while moving or with engines running, the game will not let you access the fuel settings.
If you realize too late that you need a different fuel load after your engines are already on, you have two options: shut down your engines completely (which takes a few seconds) and restart them, which reopens the loadout menu temporarily, or continue with your current fuel and adjust your tactics to match it. Shutting down and restarting is faster than flying back to the airfield, so it is the practical choice if you are still on the runway.
How fuel weight affects your aircraft's performance
Every kilogram of fuel adds weight to your aircraft, and weight directly impacts how it flies. A lighter plane climbs faster, accelerates quicker, and turns tighter. A heavier plane with more fuel climbs slower, accelerates more sluggishly, and has a wider turn radius, but it can fly longer without returning to base or running dry.
On small maps like Poland or Advance to the Rhine, a 25% to 50% fuel load is often enough because you will not fly far before engaging or landing. On large maps like Kursk or Sinai, 75% to 100% fuel prevents you from running out mid-engagement or during a long pursuit. Test different loads in practice matches to find the balance that suits your flying style and the map you are playing.
Fuel load and your aircraft's combat role
Your fuel choice should match what you plan to do in that match. Fighters designed for dogfighting benefit from minimal fuel because the weight reduction improves their turn rate and climb — critical advantages in a close fight. Bombers and attackers need more fuel because they fly longer distances to reach targets and return home. Interceptors chasing high-altitude bombers may want a moderate load to stay light while still having enough range to climb and pursue.
If you spawn as a fighter on a small map and plan to climb to altitude and hunt enemy fighters, 25% to 40% fuel is often ideal. If you spawn as a bomber on a large map and need to fly across the entire battlefield, 75% to 100% is necessary. The runway adjustment lets you correct a poor initial choice without restarting the match.
Common mistakes when adjusting fuel on the runway
The most common error is forgetting to adjust fuel before starting engines. Once your engines are running, the loadout menu becomes inaccessible, and you are committed to that fuel load for the flight. Always check and adjust fuel while you are still in the spawn area with engines off.
Another mistake is setting fuel too low and running out mid-engagement. If you are unsure about map size or your playstyle, err on the side of more fuel rather than less. You can always land and rearm if you have too much; you cannot fly if you run dry. A third error is not accounting for the weight penalty of extra fuel — some players add fuel thinking it will help them escape, but the extra weight actually makes them slower and easier to catch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change fuel after I take off?
No. The loadout menu is only accessible while your aircraft is stationary on the ground with engines off. Once you are airborne, you cannot adjust fuel, weapons, or other loadout settings until you land and shut down again.
Does changing fuel on the runway cost anything?
No. Adjusting fuel on the runway is free and does not consume silver lions, research points, or any other resource. You can change it as many times as you want before takeoff.
What happens if I run out of fuel mid-match?
Your engines will shut down and your aircraft will lose altitude. You will either glide to a crash or, if you are high enough and close to an airfield, you may be able to glide back and land. Running out of fuel is a match loss, so always carry enough for your intended flight plan.
Does fuel load affect repair costs?
No. Repair costs are based on damage taken, not on fuel load. Carrying less fuel does not reduce repair bills, but it does improve performance, which may help you avoid damage in the first place.
Can I change fuel in arcade mode the same way as realistic mode?
Yes. The loadout menu and fuel adjustment work the same way in arcade, realistic, and simulator modes. The only difference is that arcade mode has more forgiving flight physics and does not penalize weight as harshly as realistic mode does.