Jump to:
Early production M4A1
Late production M4A2
Mid-production M4A3
Mid-production M4
Early production M4A4
Late production M4A6
M4A1(76)W
M4A3(75)W
M4(105)
M4A3(76)W
M4A2(76)W
M4A3(105)
M4A3E2
M4A3(76)W HVSS
M4A3(105) HVSS

Medium Tank M4A1 Sherman, early production1-13,55-57

M4A1: General
Date of first acceptance February 1942 Total acceptances 6,281
Manufacturers
  • Lima Locomotive Works
  • Pressed Steel Car Co.
  • Pacific Car and Foundry Co.
  • Montreal Locomotive Works
Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4A1: Dimensions
Combat weight with T48 or T51 tracks 66,800lbs
30,300kg
Height over turret hatch 108"
274cm
Length without gun, without sandshields 230"
584cm
Gun overhang forward 0"
Width without sandshields 103"
262cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 17"
43cm
Fire height 88"
224cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 13.7psi
.962kg/cm²
M4A1: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Max traverse rate Elevation
75mm Gun M3 M34 in turret 90 rounds
(20 ready)
360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in cupola mount D51050 300 rounds 360°
(manual)
-- +80° to -25°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 75mm gun 4,750 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount 7387769, D8255A, 6551070, or D51070 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
-- +20° to -10°
(manual)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M4 with telescope M38 for gunner
Stabilizer
Elevation only
M4A1: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Upper cast, lower rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.0"
5.1cm
37° to 55°
Lower front 2.0"
5.1cm
0° to 45°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
0° to 10°
Top .75" to .5"
1.9cm to 1.3cm
83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor 0.5"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun shield 3.0"
7.6cm
Rotor shield 2.0"
5.1cm
Front 3.0"
7.6cm
30°
Sides 2.0"
5.1cm
Rear 2.0"
5.1cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4A1: Automotive
Engine Continental R975 C1; 9 cylinder, 4 cycle, static radial, supercharged gasoline
Horsepower Net: 350@2,400rpm
Gross: 400@2,400rpm
Torque Net: 800 ft-lb@1,800rpm
Gross: 890 ft-lb@1,800rpm
Fuel capacity 175gal
662L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4A1: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie
1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M4A1: Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
M4A1: Performance
Max level road speed 21mph sustained
24mph dash
34kph sustained
39kph dash
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m
Max fording depth 40"
100cm
Cruising range ~120mi, roads
~190km, roads

The medium tank M4 shared many components with the interim medium tank M3, including the suspension, lower hull, and power train.

Known to the British as Sherman II, the M4A1's cast upper hull gave it distinctive rounded edges. This makes it the easiest of Sherman tanks to identify. Other identifying features of M4A1, which it shares with M4, are the rear of the tank and engine access panels. There are twin engine access doors in the rear hull and air cleaners at the top corners of these doors. M4A1 had twin square muffler tailpipes at the top of the rear hull above the air cleaners, a steel-covered air intake behind the turret, and solid engine access doors in the rear deck behind the turret.

Early Shermans--cast and welded hull--were built with twin fixed .30cal M1919A4 machine guns in the hull which were operated by the driver. These could be locked at any elevation between +8° and -6°. The driver's machine guns were eliminated on March 6, 1942. Also seen on early tanks were spoked idler and road wheels, three-piece differential and final drive housing, two fuel shutoff valves on the rear deck, removable headlights, vision slots for the drivers in the glacis plate, and the siren was placed on the left front fender or under a bracket just offset to the left of the glacis centerline. Heavy-duty suspension bogies, with the return roller on the rear of the bogie instead of on top like earlier bogies, were introduced by summer 1942. The new bogies had 8" (20cm) diameter springs, 1" (2.5cm) larger than the springs of the earlier type. Originally, there was only one turret hatch (the commander's) in the 75mm gun turret, but a small oval hatch for the loader was introduced in production in October 1943, and retrofit kits were developed for tanks built before the loader's hatch was designed. The .50cal machine gun mount on the commander's split hatch had two positions: placed forward it could elevate from -25° to +56°, while in the rear position it could elevate from +36° to +80°. A cupola for the tank commander later replaced his circular split hatch. The main gun in the first M4A1s built was the 75mm M2, which was shorter than the M3 and needed double counterweights on the end of the barrel to be compatible with the tank's gyrostabilizer. After some battle experience with tanks with dry ammunition stowage, 1"- (2.5cm-) thick applique armor was welded over the sponson ammunition racks and to the turret on the right of the gun mount where interior armor had been ground away to make room for the gunner's controls. Inside, ammunition was no longer attached to the turret basket wall, and the ammunition racks were surrounded by .25"- (.64cm-) thick armor plating.

Three power traverse systems were authorized for use: an electric system by Westinghouse, and hydraulic systems by Oilgear and Logansport. Of these, the Oilgear was preferred due to its smoothness, sensitivity to control inputs, and resistance to different amounts of friction along the turret's traverse. All three systems could be installed into the same bracket in the turret.

In late 1943, M4A1 hulls were changed to incorporate larger drivers' hatches and a thicker 2.5" (6.4cm) glacis inclined at 47° instead of 56°. About 100 M4A1s were built with the 47° glacis and dry stowage, and all of these were armed with the 75mm gun M3. Unlike earlier dry stowage tanks, the castings themselves on these vehicles were thickened over the vulnerable areas.

Beginning in August 1943, the Montreal Locomotive Works began production of the M4A1. Dubbed the cruiser tank Grizzly I by the Canadians, the first of these was delivered in October of that year. Production ended with 188 examples, however, due to sufficient numbers of American-manufactured medium tanks becoming available to suit projected Canadian and British needs. Some of these Grizzlies were fitted with an indigenously-designed Canadian Dry Pin track. Differentiation points for the Grizzly included a stowage box on the turret bustle, a 2" smoke bomb thrower in the turret, a floor hatch for the assistant driver to attach the Snake mine-clearing line charge, mountings for fire extinguishers and 5-gallon (19L) water cans on the hull rear, and modified external stowage on the hull's upper hull rear and left side.

Top

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            



Medium Tank M4A2 Sherman, late production1-6,11,14-18,55

M4A2: General
Date of first acceptance April 1942 Total acceptances 8,053
Manufacturers
  • Fisher Tank Arsenal
  • Pullman Standard Car Co.
  • American Locomotive Co.
  • Baldwin Locomotive Works
  • Federal Machine and Welder Co.
Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4A2: Dimensions
Combat weight with T48 or T51 tracks 70,200lbs
31,800kg
Height over turret hatch 108"
274cm
Length without gun, without sandshields 233"
592cm
Gun overhang forward 0"
Width without sandshields 103"
262cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 17"
43cm
Fire height 88"
224cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 14.4psi
1.01kg/cm²
M4A2: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Max traverse rate Elevation
75mm Gun M3 M34A1 in turret 97 rounds
(20 ready)
360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in cupola mount D51050 300 rounds 360°
(manual)
-- +80° to -25°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 75mm gun 4,750 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount 6551070, D51070, D82255B, 738770, or 7008929 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
-- +20° to -10°
(manual)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M4 with telescope M38; telescope M55 for gunner
Stabilizer
Elevation only
M4A2: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.5"
6.4cm
47°
Lower front 4.25" to 2.0"
10.8cm to 5.1cm
0° to 56°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
0° to 10°
Top .75"
1.9cm
90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun shield 3.5"
8.9cm
Rotor shield 2.0"
5.1cm
Front 3.0"
7.6cm
30°
Sides 2.0"
5.1cm
Rear 2.0"
5.1cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4A2: Automotive
Engine General Motors 6046; 12 cylinder (6/engine), 2 cycle, twin in-line diesel
Horsepower Net: 375@2,100 crankshaft rpm
(188/engine)
Gross: 410@2,900 propeller shaft rpm
(205/engine)
Torque Net: 1,000 ft-lb@1,400 crankshaft rpm
(500/engine)
Gross: 885 ft-lb@1,900 propeller shaft rpm
(443/engine)
Fuel capacity 148gal
560L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4A2: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie
1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M4A2: Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
M4A2: Performance
Max level road speed 25mph sustained
30mph dash
40kph sustained
48kph dash
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m
Max fording depth 40"
100cm
Cruising range ~150mi, roads
~240km, roads

The M4A2, the first welded-hull Sherman to enter service, was Sherman III in the British nomenclature style. The M4A2 used the same engine as the medium tanks M3A3 and M3A5.

Early Sherman tanks used the M34 gun mount. M34A1 differed from M34 by using a direct telescope as the primary sight instead of the periscope of the M34. The periscope was retained as backup, however. The M34A1 incorporated a new rotor shield, which now protected the telescopic sight on the right of the 75mm gun and the .30cal M1919A4 machine gun to the left of the main gun. Mount M34 had used a separate shield for the coaxial machine gun.

Identification points of later production Shermans are solid disc idlers and road wheels, lack of fuel shutoff valves on the rear deck, fixed headlights, periscope guards, sandshields, a travel lock for the 75mm gun, drivers' vision slots replaced by a second set of periscopes, and mounting of the siren next to the left headlight with a guard similar to the headlight clusters. A single-piece differential and final drive housing was introduced in April 1942. Starting in late 1943 at the Fisher Tank Arsenal, the 56° glacis on the M4A2 was replaced by a single-piece plate inclined at 47° from vertical. The 56° glacis featured protruding drivers' hoods with direct vision slots on early tanks and periscopes on later vehicles, and the glacis plate was composed of several pieces welded together, which complicated production. The 47° plate was a single piece and eliminated the drivers' hoods. Larger drivers' hatches were also introduced with the 47° plate. Around 1,000 75mm gun M4A2s were produced with dry stowage and the 47° glacis until replaced on the factory line in May 1944 by wet stowage 76mm gun tanks.

The engine compartment of the M4A2 had a single-piece rear armor plate that extended below the sponson level. Two rows of radiator attachment bolts converged to make a "T" shape in the rear armor plate; the top row originally featured seven bolts, but this was reduced to six during production. An exhaust deflector was mounted below the plate, with twin exhaust pipes converging in the middle of the tank beneath the deflector. The engine access grill doors on the rear deck were approximately as wide as the turret bustle.

Top

                                                                                                                                                                                      



Medium Tank M4A3 Sherman, mid-production1-6,19-27,55

M4A3: General
Date of first acceptance June 1942 Total acceptances 1,690
Manufacturer Ford Motor Co. Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4A3: Dimensions
Combat weight with T48 or T51 tracks 66,700lbs
30,255kg
Height over turret hatch 108"
274cm
Length without gun, without sandshields 232.5"
590.6cm
Gun overhang forward 0"
Width without sandshields 103"
262cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 17"
43cm
Fire height 88"
224cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 13.7psi
.959kg/cm²
M4A3: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Max traverse rate Elevation
75mm Gun M3 M34A1 in turret 97 rounds
(20 ready)
360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -10°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in cupola mount D51050 300 rounds 360°
(manual)
-- +80° to -25°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 75mm gun 4,750 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -10°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount 6551070, D51070, 7008929, D82255B, or 7387770 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
-- +20° to -10°
(manual)
2" Mortar M3 (smoke) Fixed in turret 12 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec 35°
(fixed)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M4 with telescope M38; telescope M55 for gunner
Stabilizer
Elevation only
M4A3: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.0"
5.1cm
56°
Lower front 2.0"
5.1cm
0° to 56°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
10° to 22°
Top .75"
1.9cm
83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun shield 3.5"
8.9cm
Rotor shield 2.0"
5.1cm
Front 3.0"
7.6cm
30°
Sides 2.0"
5.1cm
Rear 2.0"
5.1cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4A3: Automotive
Engine Ford GAA; 8 cylinder, 4 cycle, 60° vee gasoline
Horsepower Net: 450@2,600rpm
Gross: 500@2,600rpm
Torque Net: 950 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Gross: 1,040 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Fuel capacity 168gal
636L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4A3: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie
1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M4A3: Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
M4A3: Performance
Max level road speed 26mph sustained
42kph sustained
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m
Max fording depth 36"
91cm
Cruising range ~130mi, roads
~210km, roads

M4A3 would be Sherman IV to the British. All M4A3s were fitted with the heavy-duty suspension bogies and single-piece final drive and differential housing. The rear armor of the M4A3 reached below the sponson line, as on M4A2, but M4A3's rear deck engine grill doors ran from sponson to sponson. M4A3 also lacked the row of bolts that were embedded into M4A2's rear plate. The 56° glacis on the early tanks was made up of less pieces than M4A2's, and the weld line was consequently shorter.

Top

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                



Medium Tank M4 Sherman, mid-production1-8,28-35,55-57

M4: General
Date of first acceptance July 1942 Total acceptances 6,748
Manufacturers
  • Pressed Steel Car Co.
  • Baldwin Locomotive Works
  • American Locomotive Co.
  • Pullman Standard Car Co.
  • Detroit Tank Arsenal
Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4: Dimensions
Combat weight with T48 or T51 tracks 66,900lbs
30,300kg
Height over turret hatch 108"
274cm
Length without gun, without sandshields 232"
589cm
Gun overhang forward 0"
Width without sandshields 103"
262cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 17"
43cm
Fire height 88"
224cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 13.7psi
.959kg/cm²
M4: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Max traverse rate Elevation
75mm Gun M3 M34A1 in turret 97 rounds
(20 ready)
360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -10°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in cupola mount D51050 300 rounds 360°
(manual)
-- +80° to -25°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 75mm gun 4,750 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -10°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount 6551070, D51070, 7008929, D83355B, or 7387770 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
-- +20° to -10°
(manual)
2" Mortar M3 (smoke) Fixed in turret 12 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec 35°
(fixed)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M4 with telescope M38; telescope M55 for gunner
Stabilizer
Elevation only
M4: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.0"
5.1cm
56°
Lower front 2.0"
5.1cm
0° to 56°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
0° to 10°
Top .75"
1.9cm
83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun shield 3.5"
8.9cm
Rotor shield 2.0"
5.1cm
Front 3.0"
7.6cm
30°
Sides 2.0"
5.1cm
Rear 2.0"
5.1cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4: Automotive
Engine Continental R975 C1; 9 cylinder, 4 cycle, static radial, supercharged gasoline
Horsepower Net: 350@2,400rpm
Gross: 400@2,400rpm
Torque Net: 800 ft-lb@1,800rpm
Gross: 890 ft-lb@1,800rpm
Fuel capacity 175gal
662L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie
1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M4: Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
M4: Performance
Max level road speed 21mph sustained
24mph dash
34kph sustained
39kph dash
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m
Max fording depth 40"
100cm
Cruising range ~120mi, roads
~190km, roads

The M4 was known to the British as Sherman I. One thousand six hundred seventy-six late-production M4s made at the Detroit Tank Arsenal and a smaller number manufactured by the American Locomotive Company were constructed with the upper front hull being cast, while the rest of the hull was welded. The cast portion of the hull extended back past the drivers' doors, and the British named these tanks Sherman Hybrid I. Rear towing pintles were not installed on cast/welded hull M4s. Around 50 of these tanks were manufactured with the small-hatch configuration of the cast portion of the hull, with the remainder using the later large-hatch design. These were the only large-hatch M4s armed with the 75mm gun; welded-hull tanks with the 47° glacis were armed with the 105mm howitzer as detailed below. Unusually, majority of Hybrid tanks were built with the early low-bustle turret despite having the larger drivers' hatches. All M4s were built with dry ammunition stowage.

The M4 used the heavy-duty suspension bogies, with the track return roller to the rear of the bogie assembly instead of on top.

The engine compartment of the M4, one of its identifying points, had twin access doors in the rear hull with air cleaners at the top outer corners of the doors, twin square muffler tailpipes at the top of the rear hull, a steel-covered air intake behind the turret, and solid steel engine access doors in the rear deck behind the air intake. Radial engine tanks had a couple of different exhaust deflector designs throughout their production. Initially none was present, but a curved piece of sheetmetal was then added below the exhaust tips. This was later replaced by a mesh grid-type deflector that was mounted between the engine's air cleaners.

Top

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       



Medium Tank M4A4 Sherman, early production1-6,36-39,55

M4A4: General
Date of first acceptance July 1942 Total acceptances 7,499
Manufacturer Detroit Tank Arsenal Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4A4: Dimensions
Combat weight with T48 or T51 tracks 69,700lbs
31,600kg
Height over turret hatch 108"
274cm
Length without gun, without sandshields 238.5
605.8cm
Gun overhang forward 0"
Width without sandshields 103"
262cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 17"
43cm
Fire height 88"
224cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 13.2psi
.927kg/cm²
M4A4: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Max traverse rate Elevation
75mm Gun M3 M34 in turret 97 rounds
(20 ready)
360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in cupola mount D51050 300 rounds 360°
(manual)
-- +80° to -25°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 75mm gun 4,750 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount 6551070 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
-- +20° to -10°
(manual)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M4 with telescope M38 for gunner
Stabilizer
Elevation only
M4A4: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.0"
5.1cm
56°
Lower front 2.0"
5.1cm
0° to 45°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
0° to 20°
Top .75"
1.9cm
83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun shield 3.0"
7.6cm
Rotor shield 2.0"
5.1cm
Front 3.0"
7.6cm
30°
Sides 2.0"
5.1cm
Rear 2.0"
5.1cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4A4: Automotive
Engine Chrysler A57; 30 cylinder, 4 cycle, multibank gasoline
Horsepower Net: 370@2,400 propeller shaft rpm
Gross: 425@2,850 crankshaft rpm
Torque Net: 1,020 ft-lb@1,200 propeller shaft rpm
Gross: 1,060 ft-lb@1,400 crankshaft rpm
Fuel capacity 160gal
606L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4A4: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie
1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M4A4: Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 83 Ground contact length 160"
406cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 83 Ground contact length 160"
406cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 83 Ground contact length 160"
406cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 83 Ground contact length 160"
406cm
M4A4: Performance
Max level road speed 20mph sustained
25mph dash
32kph sustained
40kph dash
Max trench 96"
244cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 70'
21m
Max fording depth 42"
107cm
Cruising range ~100mi, roads
~161km, roads

M4A4 was known as Sherman V to the British. M4A4 had a longer hull than other Shermans due to its large Chrysler multibank engine, which was five automobile engines combined in a star shape geared to run as a single engine. The A57 was also installed in the medium tank M3A4. The bogies were distinctive on M4A4 as they were spaced farther apart than other Shermans. The centers of M4A4's bogies were 63.625" (162cm) apart, while those of other Shermans were 57" (145cm) apart. There was a rectangular, square-cornered bulge on the rear deck of M4A4 that covered the engine's radiator. The radiator filler cap was in the middle of this bulge, and a thin air inlet grille was between the turret and the radiator bulge. There was also a blister in the floor of the M4A4 to allow the engine cooling fan to fit into the rear compartment. The glacis of M4A4 was simplified from that of M4A2, with five plates welded together rather than the M4A2's seven. All M4A4s were produced with the three-piece final drive and differential housing, and no M4A4s were built with the later 47° glacis configuration. Direct vision slots for the drivers began to be phased out in November 1942 in favor of additional periscopes.

Top

                                                                                                                                                                 



Medium Tank M4A6 Sherman, late production1-5,31,40-42,55

M4A6: General
Date of first acceptance October 1943 Total acceptances 75
Manufacturer Detroit Tank Arsenal Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4A6: Dimensions
Combat weight with T48 or T51 tracks 70,000lbs
31,800kg
Height over turret hatch 108"
274cm
Length without gun, without sandshields 238.5
605.8cm
Gun overhang forward 0"
Width without sandshields 103"
262cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 16"
43cm
Fire height 88"
224cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 13.2psi
.927kg/cm²
M4A6: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Max traverse rate Elevation
75mm Gun M3 M34A1 in turret 97 rounds
(20 ready)
360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in cupola mount D51050 300 rounds 360°
(manual)
-- +80° to -25°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 75mm gun 4,750 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
-- +20° to -10°
(manual)
2" Mortar M3 (smoke) Fixed in turret 12 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec 35°
(fixed)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M4 with telescope M38; telescope M55 for gunner
Stabilizer
Elevation only
M4A6: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.0"
5.1cm
51°
Lower front 4.25" to 2.0"
10.8cm to 5.1cm
0° to 56°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
0° to 20°
Top .75"
1.9cm
83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun shield 3.5"
8.9cm
Rotor shield 2.0"
5.1cm
Front 3.0"
7.6cm
30°
Sides 2.0"
5.1cm
Rear 2.0"
5.1cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4A6: Automotive
Engine Ordnance Engine RD-1820; 9 cylinder, 4 cycle, radial supercharged diesel
Horsepower Net: 450@2,000 crankshaft rpm
Gross: 497@3,000 propeller shaft rpm
Torque Net: 1,470 ft-lb@1,200 crankshaft rpm
Gross: 945 ft-lb@2,100 propeller shaft rpm
Fuel capacity 138gal
522L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4A6: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie
1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M4A6: Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 83 Ground contact length 160"
406cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 83 Ground contact length 160"
406cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 83 Ground contact length 160"
406cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 83 Ground contact length 160"
406cm
M4A6: Performance
Max level road speed 25mph sustained
30mph dash
40kph sustained
48kph dash
Max trench 96"
244cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 70'
21m
Max fording depth 42"
107cm
Cruising range ~120mi, roads
~190km, roads

M4A6 used the extended M4A4 hull with some modifications for the different engine. The radiator blister on the rear deck was round-cornered and lacked a radiator filler cap, which differentiates it from M4A4. There was also a bulge in the engine compartment floor to give the engine sufficient clearance. The M4A6 had a cast front upper hull similar to that of composite-hull M4 tanks that were also built at Chrysler's Detroit Tank Arsenal. All M4A6s used the single-piece sharp-nosed final drive and differential housing that tried to eliminate the vertical profile of the original single-piece casting. M4A6s also were all fitted with large drivers' hatches and a travel lock for the 75mm gun. The hull ammunition racks had the usual applique armor welded overtop of them, but the turrets used in the M4A6 were of a later design and did not need reinforcing armor. The RD-1820 could run on fuels ranging from diesel to low-octane gasoline, and used a transfer case to lower the line of drive from the center of the engine, allowing the propeller shaft to be mounted closer to the hull floor than in other radial-engined medium tanks.

The designation of medium tank M4A5 was given to Canada's cruiser tank Ram II.

Top

                                                                                           



Medium Tank M4A1(76mm)Wet Sherman1-6,43-48,55-56

M4A1(76)W: General
Date of first acceptance January 1944 Total acceptances 3,426
Manufacturer Pressed Steel Car Co. Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4A1(76)W: Dimensions
Combat weight with T48 or T51 tracks 70,600lbs
32,000kg
Height over turret cupola 117"
297cm
Length without gun, with sandshields 244"
620cm
Gun overhang forward with muzzle brake 50"
130cm
Width with sandshields 105"
267cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 17"
43cm
Fire height 90"
230cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 14.5psi
1.02kg/cm²
M4A1(76)W: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Max traverse rate Elevation
76mm Gun M1A1, M1A1C, or M1A2 M62 in turret 71 rounds
(6 ready)
360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in turret AA mount 600 rounds 360°
(manual)
-- Manual
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 76mm gun 6,250 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount 7387769, D82255A, or 7008929 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
-- +20° to -10°
(manual)
2" Mortar M3 (smoke) Fixed in turret roof 12 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec 35°
(fixed)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M4 or M4A1 with telescope M47 or M47A1; telescope M71D for gunner
Stabilizer
Elevation only
M4A1(76)W: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Upper cast, lower rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.5"
6.4cm
37° to 55°
Lower front 4.25" to 2.0"
10.8cm to 5.1cm
0° to 56°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
10° to 20°
Top .75"
1.9cm
83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor 0.5"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun shield 3.5"
8.9cm
Front 2.5"
6.4cm
40° to 45°
Sides 2.5"
6.4cm
0° to 13°
Rear 2.5"
6.4cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4A1(76)W: Automotive
Engine Continental R975 C4; 9 cylinder, 4 cycle, static radial, supercharged gasoline
Horsepower Net: 400@2,400rpm
Gross: 460@2,400rpm
Torque Net: 940 ft-lb@1,700rpm
Gross: 1,025 ft-lb@1,800rpm
Fuel capacity 175gal
662L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4A1(76)W: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie
1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M4A1(76)W: Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
M4A1(76)W: Performance
Max level road speed 21mph sustained
24mph dash
34kph sustained
39kph dash
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m
Max fording depth 40"
102cm
Cruising range ~120mi, roads
~190km, roads

The British nomenclature for 76mm gun Shermans involved adding an "A" to the designation, so M4A1(76)W became Sherman IIA. HVS suspension was installed on the final 1,465 M4A1(76)W tanks, and these would be Sherman IIAY to the British. The horseshoe shape in the rear hull plate was much shallower to add protection to the engine air cleaners.

Wet ammunition stowage was incorporated into the M4A1(76)W, hence the "W" suffix in the designation. This involved storing the ammunition in double-walled boxes. The space between the walls of the boxes were filled with water. Ethylene glycol solutions to prevent freezing could be used in cold climates, and Ammudamp, a solution containing rust inhibitors, was also developed. When these boxes were penetrated, the water would snuff out the resulting ammunition fire. Wet ammunition stowage, and the stowage of most of the ammunition under the turret rather than in the sponsons, drastically reduced the Sherman's propensity to burn; the "W" tanks were no longer "Ronsons." In 76mm gun tanks there was a 6-round ready rack in the turret surrounded by 2.1 gallons (7.9L) of water and two boxes beside the drive shaft, one holding 30 rounds and the other 35, with a total of 34.5 gallons (131L) of water. The welded applique armor was eliminated in wet stowage tanks, as well as most of the turret basket to enable use of the floor ammunition boxes. A partial floor was retained which was suspended from the turret ring.

Seventy-six-millimeter gun tanks used a new turret modified from the medium tank T23. The T23 was never standardized, but that test series went on to produce improvements that were incorporated into other tanks (like the T23's turret), and ultimately culminated in the M26 Pershing. The turret of the first M4A1(76)Ws were fitted with a split hatch for the loader, which was replaced with the small oval hatch about one-third of the way through the production run.

The 76mm guns themselves differ in the following ways: the outside recoil surface of the M1A1 was lengthened by one foot over the M1, thereby allowing the trunnions to be moved forward and providing better gun balance; the M1A1C had the end of the barrel threaded for a muzzle brake; the rifling of the M1A2 was one turn in 32 calibers versus one turn in forty for the other weapons. All M1A2s were equipped with muzzle brakes.

Top

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              



Medium Tank M4A3(75mm)Wet Sherman1-4,22-25,49,55-56

M4A3(75)W: General
Date of first acceptance February 1944 Total acceptances 3,071
Manufacturer Fisher Tank Arsenal Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4A3(75)W: Dimensions
Combat weight with T48 or T51 tracks 69,600lbs
31,600kg
Height over turret cupola 115.7"
293.9cm
Length without gun, with sandshields 247"
627cm
Gun overhang forward 0"
Width with sandshields 105"
267cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 17"
43cm
Fire height 88"
224cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 14.3psi
1.00kg/cm²
M4A3(75)W: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Max traverse rate Elevation
75mm Gun M3 M34A1 in turret 104 rounds
(4 ready)
360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -10°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in turret AA mount 300 rounds 360°
(manual)
-- Manual
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 75mm gun 4,750 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -10°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount 7008929, D82255B, 7387770, or 6551070 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
-- +20° to -10°
(manual)
2" Mortar M3 (smoke) Fixed in turret 12 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec 35°
(fixed)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M16F, M10C, or M4A1 with telescope M38A2; telescope M70F for gunner
Stabilizer
Elevation only
M4A3(75)W: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.5"
6.4cm
47°
Lower front 4.25" to 2.0"
10.8cm to 5.1cm
0° to 56°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
10° to 22°
Top .75"
1.9cm
83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun shield 3.5"
8.9cm
Rotor shield 2.0"
5.1cm
Front 3.0"
7.6cm
30°
Sides 2.0"
5.1cm
Rear 2.0"
5.1cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4A3(75)W: Automotive
Engine Ford GAA; 8 cylinder, 4 cycle, 60° vee gasoline
Horsepower Net: 450@2,600rpm
Gross: 500@2,600rpm
Torque Net: 950 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Gross: 1,040 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Fuel capacity 168gal
636L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4A3(75)W: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie
1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M4A3(75)W: Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
M4A3(75)W: Performance
Max level road speed 26mph sustained
42kph sustained
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m
Max fording depth 36"
91cm
Cruising range ~100mi, roads
~161km, roads

The M4A3(75)W was also known as simply M4A3W, the "75" in the designation being redundant. The ammunition stowage in M4A3(75)W was as follows: one hundred 75mm rounds were held in 10 boxes on the hull floor jacketed in 37.1gal (140L) of water. The ready rack on the turret floor was protected by another gallon (3.8L).

Early M4A3Ws were fitted with the split hatch for the commander due to shortages of the turret cupola, but all had the oval loader's hatch. The larger hatches found in the 47-degree glacis hull required a rework of the rear turret design. The slope of the upper turret bustle was shallower than that found on earlier 75mm gun turrets, and the bottom of the bustle was raised a few inches to add clearance for the hatches. Five hundred thirty-eight M4A3Ws were built with HVS suspension.

Top

                                                                                           



Medium Tank M4(105mm) Sherman1-6,29,44-45,50,55

M4(105): General
Date of first acceptance February 1944 Total acceptances 1,641
Manufacturer Detroit Tank Arsenal Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4(105): Dimensions
Combat weight with T48 or T51 tracks 69,400lbs
31,500kg
Height over turret hatch 108"
274cm
Length without howitzer, without sandshields 232"
589cm
Howitzer overhang forward 0"
Width without sandshields 103"
262cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 17"
43cm
Fire height 88"
224cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 14.2psi
.997kg/cm²
M4(105): Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
105mm Howitzer M4 M52 in turret 66 rounds 360°
(manual)
+35° to -10°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in turret AA mount 600 rounds 360°
(manual)
Manual
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 105mm howitzer 4,000 rounds 360°
(manual)
+25° to -10°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount 7008929, D83355B, or 7387770 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
+20° to -10°
(manual)
2" Mortar M3 (smoke) Fixed in turret roof 12 rounds 360°
(manual)
35°
(fixed)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M4A1 with telescope M77C; telescope M72D for gunner
M4(105): Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.5"
6.4cm
47°
Lower front 4.25" to 2.0"
10.8cm to 5.1cm
0° to 56°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
10°
Top .75"
1.9cm
83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
1.5cm
90°
Rear floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Howitzer shield 3.6"
9.1cm
Front 3.0"
7.6cm
30°
Sides 2.0"
5.1cm
0° to 5°
Rear 1.0"
2.5cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4(105): Automotive
Engine Continental R975 C4; 9 cylinder, 4 cycle, static radial, supercharged gasoline
Horsepower Net: 400@2,400rpm
Gross: 460@2,400rpm
Torque Net: 940 ft-lb@1,700rpm
Gross: 1,025@1,800rpm
Fuel capacity 175gal
662L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4(105): Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie
1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M4(105): Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
M4(105): Performance
Max level road speed 21mph sustained
24mph dash
34kph sustained
39kph dash
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m
Max fording depth 40"
100cm
Cruising range ~100mi, roads
~161km, roads

The British named 105mm howitzer Shermans by adding a "B" suffix, making M4(105) Sherman IB. Late-production M4s also had the shallow horseshoe shape in the rear hull virtually eliminated.

One hundred-five millimeter howitzer tanks retained the high-bustle turrets of the late 75mm gun tanks, but lacked stabilization and initially were built without power traverse. Power traverse was added, but World War II ended before howitzer tanks with this feature saw action. The howitzer mount M52 sported a thicker howitzer shield, lifting hooks on each side of the ordnance, and four large screws evenly spaced around the base of the ordnance. A second ventilator was added to the rear of the turret roof, and the mount for the .50cal MG was redesigned to fit over this ventilator. Since the M52 mount sticks out further from the turret face compared to the 75mm gun mount, attachments for a dust cover were provided around the howitzer mount. Early models lacked a tank commander's cupola, but the small oval loader's hatch was provided. The TC's cupola was added as supplies became available during production. These tanks did not have a turret basket, but a partial platform suspended from the turret ring. Late-production tanks also had a movable shield added to the larger aperture in the howitzer shield for the gunner's telescope that rotated down when the telescope was in use. Wet ammunition stowage was not instituted on 105mm howitzer Shermans, but the ammunition stowage racks were armored. Applique armor was not added despite the tanks not having wet stowage.

The final 841 M4(105) produced were fitted with HVS suspension, becoming Sherman IBY in the British naming style.

Top

                                                                                                                       



Medium Tank M4A3(76mm)Wet Sherman1-6,20-25,51,55-56

M4A3(76)W: General
Date of first acceptance March 1944 Total acceptances 1,458
Manufacturers
  • Fisher Tank Arsenal
  • Detroit Tank Arsenal
Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4A3(76)W: Dimensions*
Combat weight with T48 or T51 tracks 71,100lbs
32,300kg
Height over turret cupola 117"
297cm
Length with sandshields, without gun 247.5"
628.7cm
Gun overhang forward 47"
120cm
Width with sandshields 105.5"
268.0cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 17.125"
43.498cm
Fire height 90"
230cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 14.6psi
1.02kg/cm²
M4A3(76)W: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Max traverse rate Elevation
76mm Gun M1A1, M1A1C, or M1A2 M62 in turret 71 rounds
(6 ready)
360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in turret AA mount 600 rounds 360°
(manual)
-- Manual
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 76mm gun 6,250 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount 7008929, D82255B, 7387770, or 6551070 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
-- +20° to -10°
(manual)
2" Mortar M3 (smoke) Fixed in turret roof 12 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec 35°
(fixed)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M4A1 with telescope M47A2; telescope M71D for gunner
Stabilizer
Elevation only
M4A3(76)W: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.5"
6.4cm
47°
Lower front 4.25" to 2.0"
10.8cm to 5.1cm
0° to 56°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
10° to 22°
Top .75"
1.9cm
83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun shield 3.5"
8.9cm
Front 2.5"
6.4cm
40° to 45°
Sides 2.5"
6.4cm
0° to 13°
Rear 2.5"
6.4cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4A3(76)W: Automotive
Engine Ford GAA; 8 cylinder, 4 cycle, 60° vee gasoline
Horsepower Net: 450@2,600rpm
Gross: 500@2,600rpm
Torque Net: 950 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Gross: 1,040 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Fuel capacity 168gal
636L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4A3(76)W: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie
1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M4A3(76)W: Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
M4A3(76)W: Performance
Max level road speed 26mph sustained
42kph sustained
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m
Max fording depth 36"
91cm
Cruising range ~100mi, roads
~161km, roads

M4A3(76)W would be Sherman IVA in the British nomenclature system. Early vehicles had the circular split loader's hatch, which was replaced by the oval hatch in later models. Late M4A3(76)Ws also had the gun travel lock modified from a double-pronged cradle to a single arm which was hinged on one side. The turret basket was completely eliminated in later models, and the crew seats were then suspended from the turret ring.

Top

                            



Medium Tank M4A2(76mm)Wet Sherman1-6,15-18,22,52,55

M4A2(76)W: General
Date of first acceptance May 1944 Total acceptances 2,915
Manufacturers
  • Fisher Tank Arsenal
  • Pressed Steel Car Co.
Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4A2(76)W: Dimensions
Combat weight with T48 or T51 tracks 73,400lbs
33,300kg
Height over turret cupola 117"
297cm
Length with sandshields, without gun 248"
630cm
Gun overhang forward 50"
130cm
Width with sandshields 105"
267cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 17"
43cm
Fire height 90"
230cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 15.1psi
1.06kg/cm²
M4A2(76)W: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Max traverse rate Elevation
76mm Gun M1A1, M1A1C, or M1A2 M62 in turret 71 rounds
(6 ready)
360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in turret AA mount 600 rounds 360°
(manual)
-- Manual
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 76mm gun 6,250 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount D82255B or 7387770 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
-- +20° to -10°
(manual)
2" Mortar M3 (smoke) Fixed in turret roof 12 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec 35°
(fixed)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M4A1 with telescope M47A2; telescope M71D for gunner
Stabilizer
Elevation only
M4A2(76)W: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.5"
6.4cm
47°
Lower front 4.25" to 2.0"
10.8cm to 5.1cm
0° to 56°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
0° to 10°
Top .75"
1.9cm
90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun shield 3.5"
8.9cm
Front 2.5"
6.4cm
40° to 45°
Sides 2.5"
6.4cm
0° to 13°
Rear 2.5"
6.4cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4A2(76)W: Automotive
Engine General Motors 6046; 12 cylinder (6/engine), 2 cycle, twin in-line diesel
Horsepower Net: 375@2,100 crankshaft rpm
(188/engine)
Gross: 410@2,900 propeller shaft rpm
(205/engine)
Torque Net: 1,000 ft-lb@1,400 crankshaft rpm
(500/engine)
Gross: 885 ft-lb@1,900 propeller shaft rpm
(443/engine)
Fuel capacity 148gal
560L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4A2(76)W: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie
1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M4A2(76)W: Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
M4A2(76)W: Performance
Max level road speed 25mph sustained
30mph dash
40kph sustained
48kph dash
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m
Max fording depth 40"
100cm
Cruising range ~100mi, roads
~161km, roads

M4A2(76)W to the British was Sherman IIIA. The last 1,531 M4A2(76)Ws were fitted with HVS suspension, which would be a Sherman IIIAY. Starting around February 1944, a new exhaust deflector was mounted to M4A2(76)W tanks that replaced the curved sheetmetal deflector with a mesh grid that was superficially similar to the M4A3's exhaust deflector. Beginning in January 1945, a new armored exhaust deflector was fitted to M4A2(76)W HVSS tanks that looked like the deflector mounted to the M4A3(76)W HVSS.

Top

              



Medium Tank M4A3(105mm) Sherman1-6,22-25,51,55

M4A3(105): General
Date of first acceptance May 1944 Total acceptances 500
Manufacturer Detroit Tank Arsenal Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4A3(105): Dimensions*
Combat weight with T48 or T51 tracks ~68,500lbs
~31,100kg
Height 110.6875"
281.1463cm
Length without howitzer, with sandshields 232.5"
590.6cm
Howitzer overhang forward 0"
Width 103"
262cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 17.125"
43.498cm
Fire height 88"
224cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 14.1psi
.990kg/cm²
M4A3(105): Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
105mm Howitzer M4 M52 in turret 66 rounds 360°
(manual)
+35° to -10°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in turret AA mount 600 rounds 360°
(manual)
Manual
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 105mm howitzer 4,000 rounds 360°
(manual)
+25° to -10°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount 7008929, D82255B, or 7387770 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
+20° to -10°
(manual)
2" Mortar M3 (smoke) Fixed in turret roof 12 rounds 360°
(manual)
35°
(fixed)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M4A1 with telescope M77C; telescope M72D for gunner
M4A3(105): Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.5"
6.4cm
47°
Lower front 4.25" to 2.0"
10.8cm to 5.1cm
0° to 56°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
10° to 22°
Top .75"
1.9cm
83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Howitzer shield 3.6"
9.1cm
Front 3.0"
7.6cm
30°
Sides 2.0"
5.1cm
0° to 5°
Rear 1.0"
2.5cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4A3(105): Automotive
Engine Ford GAA; 8 cylinder, 4 cycle, 60° vee gasoline
Horsepower Net: 450@2,600rpm
Gross: 500@2,600rpm
Torque Net: 950 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Gross: 1,040 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Fuel capacity 168gal
636L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4A3(105): Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie
1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M4A3(105): Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
M4A3(105): Performance
Max level road speed 26mph sustained
42kph sustained
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m
Max fording depth 36"
91cm
Cruising range ~100mi, roads
~161km, roads

A British M4A3(105) would be called Sherman IVB. The first M4A3(105)s lacked a commander's vision cupola and power turret traverse. Powered traverse was later incorporated, but VE Day came before it could see action. An armored cover for the direct sight telescope to the right of the howitzer was developed in late production vehicles to protect the turret interior from small arms fire.

Top

       



Assault Tank M4A3E2 Sherman1-5,23-25,42,53,55

M4A3E2: General
Date of first acceptance June 1944 Total acceptances 254
Manufacturer Fisher Tank Arsenal Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4A3E2: Dimensions
Combat weight with T48 tracks and duckbill end connectors 84,000lbs
38,000kg
Height over turret cupola 116.3"
295.4cm
Length without gun, with sandshields 247"
627cm
Gun overhang forward 0"
Width with sandshields 115.6"
293.6cm
Tread 83"
211cm
Ground clearance 17"
43cm
Fire height 88"
224cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 14.2psi
.997kg/cm²
M4A3E2: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Max traverse rate Elevation
75mm Gun M3 T110 in turret 104 rounds
(4 ready)
360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -10°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in turret AA mount 300 rounds 360°
(manual)
-- Manual
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 75mm gun 4,750 rounds 360°
(hydraulic and manual)
24°/sec +25° to -10°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount 7008929 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
-- +20° to -10°
(manual)
2" Mortar M3 (smoke) Fixed in turret 12 rounds 360°
(hydraulic and manual)
24°/sec 35°
(fixed)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M4A1 with telescope M38A2; telescope M71G for gunner
Stabilizer
Elevation only
M4A3E2: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 4.0"
10cm
47°
Lower front 5.5" to 4.5"
14cm to 11.4cm
0° to 56°
Upper sides 3.0"
7.6cm
Lower sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
10° to 22°
Top .75"
1.9cm
83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun shield 7.0"
17.8cm
Front 6.0"
15cm
12°
Sides 6.0"
15cm
Rear 6.0"
15cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4A3E2: Automotive
Engine Ford GAA; 8 cylinder, 4 cycle, 60° vee gasoline
Horsepower Net: 450@2,600rpm
Gross: 500@2,600rpm
Torque Net: 950 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Gross: 1,040 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Fuel capacity 168gal
636L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4A3E2: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie
1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M4A3E2: Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width with extended end connectors 20.1"
51.1cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width with extended end connectors 20.1"
51.1cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
M4A3E2: Performance
Max level road speed 22mph sustained
35kph sustained
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 74'
22.5m
Max fording depth 36"
91cm
Cruising range ~100mi, roads
~161km, roads

The M4A3E2 Sherman was an M4A3 with applique armor welded to the hull front and sponson sides, and a new single-piece differential and final drive housing. Unofficially known as "Jumbos," the tanks also lacked headlights and sirens. The new turret was based on the 76mm gun turret design, and came with a commander's cupola and an oval loader's hatch. The tank's final drive ratios were altered to better cope with the increased weight. The T110 gun mount was constructed by welding armor plate to a standard M62 76mm gun mount. In fact it was intended to arm these tanks with the 76mm gun, but the 75mm weapon possessed a more effective high-explosive shell for infantry support and was therefore mounted. That the gun mount was originally a 76mm mount meant Jumbos could easily have their main gun switched to a 76mm M1 series, and some tanks were field-modified with the 76mm guns.

Top

                                                                                                         



Medium Tank M4A3(76mm)Wet, Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension Sherman1-4,6,22-25,48,54-56

M4A3(76)W HVSS: General
Date of first acceptance August 1944 Total acceptances 3,084
Manufacturers
  • Detroit Tank Arsenal
  • Fisher Tank Arsenal
Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4A3(76)W HVSS: Dimensions
Combat weight with T66 tracks 74,200lbs
33,700kg
Height over turret cupola 117"
297cm
Length with sandshields, without gun 247"
627cm
Gun overhang forward 50"
130cm
Width with sandshields 118"
300cm
Tread 89"
226cm
Ground clearance 17"
43cm
Fire height 90"
230cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 11.0psi
.772kg/cm²
M4A3(76)W HVSS: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Max traverse rate Elevation
76mm Gun M1A1, M1A1C, or M1A2 M62 in turret 71 rounds
(6 ready)
360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in turret AA mount 600 rounds 360°
(manual)
-- Manual
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 76mm gun 6,250 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec +25° to -12°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount 7008929, D82255B, 7387770, or 6551070 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
-- +20° to -10°
(manual)
2" Mortar M3 (smoke) Fixed in turret roof 12 rounds 360°
(manual and hydraulic)
24°/sec 35°
(fixed)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M16G, M10G, M8A1 with telescope M39A2, or M4A1 with telescope M47A2; telescope M83D or M71D for gunner
Stabilizer
Elevation only
M4A3(76)W HVSS: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.5"
6.4cm
47°
Lower front 4.25" to 2.0"
10.8cm to 5.1cm
0° to 56°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
10° to 22°
Top .75"
1.9cm
83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun shield 3.5"
8.9cm
Front 2.5"
6.4cm
40° to 45°
Sides 2.5"
6.4cm
0° to 13°
Rear 2.5"
6.4cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4A3(76)W HVSS: Automotive
Engine Ford GAA; 8 cylinder, 4 cycle, 60° vee gasoline
Horsepower Net: 450@2,600rpm
Gross: 500@2,600rpm
Torque Net: 950 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Gross: 1,040 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Fuel capacity 168gal
636L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4A3(76)W HVSS: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Horizontal volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 dual wheels/bogie
2 dual/track, 3 single/track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Dual adjustable at rear of track One on each bogie
M4A3(76)W HVSS: Track
T66
Center guide, single pin, cast, steel
Width 23"
58cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 151"
384cm
T80
Center guide, double pin, rubber and steel
Width 23"
58cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 151"
384cm
T84
Center guide, double pin, rubber
Width 23"
58cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 151"
373cm
M4A3(76)W HVSS: Performance
Max level road speed 26mph sustained
42kph sustained
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m
Max fording depth 36"
91cm
Cruising range ~100mi, roads
~161km, roads

HVS suspension increased the Sherman's weight by 2,950lbs with T66 single pin track and 4,780lbs with T84 double pin track. HVSS allowed the installation of wider tracks, thereby decreasing the tank's ground pressure, and allowed shock absorbers to be mounted on the bogies, which gave the tank a smoother ride. To the British, M4A3(76)W HVSS's would be known as Sherman IVAY, but tanks with HVSS were also known as "Easy Eight" Shermans, since the prototype HVSS tanks were designated with an -E8 suffix. Certainly Easy Eight is much less of a mouthful than M4A3(76)W HVSS...

Top

                                                                                                                                            



Medium Tank M4A3(105mm) Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension Sherman1-4,6,22-25,55

M4A3(105) HVSS: General
Date of first acceptance September 1944 Total acceptances 2,539
Manufacturer Detroit Tank Arsenal Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in turret right rear
  • Gunner in turret right front
  • Loader in turret left rear
  • Driver in hull left front
  • Assistant driver in hull right front
M4A3(105) HVSS: Dimensions
Combat weight with T66 tracks 72,900lbs
33,100kg
Height over turret cupola 117"
297cm
Length without howitzer, with sandshields 247"
627cm
Howitzer overhang forward 0"
Width without sandshields 118"
300cm
Tread 89"
226cm
Ground clearance 17"
43cm
Fire height 88"
224cm
Turret ring diameter 69"
175cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 10.8psi
.758kg/cm²
M4A3(105) HVSS: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
105mm Howitzer M4 M52 in turret 66 rounds 360°
(manual)
+35° to -10°
(manual)
.50cal M2HB MG Flexible in turret AA mount 600 rounds 360°
(manual)
Manual
.30cal M1919A4 MG Coaxial to 105mm howitzer 4,000 rounds 360°
(manual)
+25° to -10°
(manual)
.30cal M1919A4 MG Ball mount 7008929, D82255B, or 7387770 in right bow 20° left, 25° right
(manual)
+20° to -10°
(manual)
2" Mortar M3 (smoke) Fixed in turret roof 12 rounds 360°
(manual)
35°
(fixed)
Aiming equipment
Periscope M16D, M10D, or M4A1 with telescope M77C; telescope M76G or M72D for gunner
M4A3(105) HVSS: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.5"
6.4cm
47°
Lower front 4.25" to 2.0"
10.8cm to 5.1cm
0° to 56°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm
10° to 22°
Top .75"
1.9cm
83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
Rear floor .50"
1.3cm
90°
Turret
Cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Howitzer shield 3.6"
9.1cm
Front 3.0"
7.6cm
30°
Sides 2.0"
5.1cm
0° to 5°
Rear 1.0"
2.5cm
Top 1.0"
2.5cm
90°
M4A3(105) HVSS: Automotive
Engine Ford GAA; 8 cylinder, 4 cycle, 60° vee gasoline
Horsepower Net: 450@2,600rpm
Gross: 500@2,600rpm
Torque Net: 950 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Gross: 1,040 ft-lb@2,200rpm
Fuel capacity 168gal
636L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M4A3(105) HVSS: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Horizontal volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 dual wheels/bogie
2 dual/track, 3 single/track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Dual adjustable at rear of track One on each bogie
M4A3(105) HVSS: Track
T66
Center guide, single pin, cast, steel
Width 23"
58cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 151"
384cm
T80
Center guide, double pin, rubber and steel
Width 23"
58cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 151"
384cm
T84
Center guide, double pin, rubber
Width 23"
58cm
Pitch 6"
15cm
Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 151"
373cm
M4A3(105) HVSS: Performance
Max level road speed 26mph sustained
42kph sustained
Max trench 90"
230cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m
Max fording depth 36"
91cm
Cruising range ~100mi, roads
~161km, roads

Under the British system of tank naming, M4A3(105) HVSS would be called Sherman IVBY.

Top

                                                                      



References

  1. Hunnicutt, R.P. Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank. Navato, CA: Presidio Press, 1994. Reprinted with permission from Sherman, R.P. Hunnicutt ©1994, available from Presidio Press, 505B San Martin Drive, Suite 160, Navato, CA 94945.
  2. Stansell, Patrick, and Kurt Laughlin. The Sherman, Design and Development: A complete and illustrated description of the U.S. M4 Sherman tank series in the Second World War. Delray Beach, FL: The Ampersand Publishing Group, Inc., 2013.
  3. Chamberlain, Peter, and Chris Ellis. British and American Tanks of World War Two. Frome, England: Cassell & Co., 2000.
  4. Catalogue of Standard Ordnance Items, second edition 1944, volume I: Tank and Automotive. Washington, D.C.: Office of the Chief of Ordnance, Technical Division, 1 June 1945.
  5. Siemers, Cary. "USA's M4 Medium Tanks." World War II Tanks & Vehicles and Advanced Squad Leader. 11 November 2000. 13 November 2000 <http://www.shadowsfolly.com/WWII/USA/MediumTanksM4.htm>.
  6. Miller, David. The Illustrated Directory of Tanks of the World. Osceola, WI: MBI Publishing Co., 2000.
  7. TM 9-731A Medium Tanks M4 and M4A1. Washington, DC: War Department, 23 December 1943.
  8. TM 9-1751 Ordnance Maintenance--9-Cylinder, Radial, Gasoline Engine (Continental Model R975-C1). Washington, DC: War Department, 19 April 1944.
  9. Zuljan, Ralph. "M4A1 Sherman." Armored War! 16 March 2000. 8 November 2000 <http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fm4a1.htm>. Armored War!
  10. Law, Clive M., ed. Making Tracks: Tank Production in Canada. Ottawa, ON: Service Publications, 2001.
  11. TM 9-1334 Ordnance Maintenance--Stabilizers. Washington, DC: War Department, 22 December 1943.
  12. Samsonov, Peter. "Shermans in Mud." Warspot. 7 December 2020. 7 December 2020 <https://warspot.net/256-shermans-in-mud>.
  13. Buan, Pierre-Olivier, Joe DeMarco, and Leife Hulbert. "M4A1s 'Grizzly' produced by Montreal Locomotive Works." Sherman Minutia Website. 13 July 2019 <http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/manufacturer/​m4a1mlw/grizzly.html>.
  14. Zuljan, Ralph. "M4A2 Sherman." Armored War! 16 March 2000. 15 November 2000 <http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fm4a2.htm>. Armored War!
  15. TM 9-731B Medium Tank M4A2. Washington, DC: War Department, 13 January 1943.
  16. Model 6046 Series 71 Twin 6 Cylinder Diesel Engine Maintenance Manual. First ed. revised. Detroit: Detroit Diesel Engine Division, General Motors Corporation, 1942.
  17. TM 9-1750G Ordnance Maintenance--General Motors Twin Diesel 6-71 Power Plant for Medium Tanks M3A3, M3A5, and M4A2. Washington, DC: War Department, 1 September 1942.
  18. Buan, Pierre-Olivier, Joe DeMarco, and Leife Hulbert. "Large hatch M4A2 Shermans." Sherman Minutia Website. 8 August 2022 <http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/manufacturer/​m4a2largehatches/m4a2_largehatches.html>.
  19. Medium Tank Installations. Fort Knox, KY: The Armored School Tank Department, 1944.
  20. FM 17-67 Crew Drill and Service of the Piece, Medium Tank M4. Washington, DC: War Department, 5 August 1944.
  21. TM 9-759 Medium Tank M4A3. Washington, DC: War Department, 4 August 1942.
  22. TM 9-7018 Medium Tank M4A3. Washington, DC: Department of the Army, 3 September 1954.
  23. TM 9-1731B Ordnance Maintenance--Ford Tank Engines (Models GAA, GAF, and GAN). Washington, DC: War Department, 4 June 1945.
  24. TM 9-1731C Ordnance Maintenance--Accessories for Tank Engine Model GAA V-8 (Ford). Washington, DC: War Department, 23 August 1943.
  25. TM 9-1826B Ordnance Maintenance--Carburetors (Stromberg). Washington, DC: War Department, 1 April 1944.
  26. Foss, Chris. Modern Tanks. Glasgow: HarperCollins Publishers, 1995.
  27. Zuljan, Ralph. "M4A3 Sherman." Second World War Armor. 16 March 2000. 16 November 2000 <http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fm4a3.htm>. Second World War Armor
  28. ---. "M4 Sherman." Second World War Armor. 16 March 2000. 13 November 2000 <http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fm4.htm>. Second World War Armor
  29. ORD 9 SNL G-104, Vol, 6, 11 and 14 List of All Service Parts for Tank, Medium, M4 (Vol. 6); Tank, Medium, M4A1 (Vol. 11); Tank, Medium, M4, (105-mm Howitzer) (Vol. 14). Washington, DC: Headquarters, Army Service Forces, 1 August 1945.
  30. TM 9-1750K Ordnance Maintenance--Tracks and Suspension, Turret and Hull for Medium Tank M4 and Modifications. Washington, DC: War Department, 17 November 1943.
  31. Sherman Tanks 75 mm. M3 Gun and Coaxial .30" Browning Machine Gun Armament Training Pamphlet. Bovington Camp, Dorset: AFV Publications Section, AFV School, January 1945.
  32. TM 9-1731E Ordnance Maintenance--Electric Traversing Mechanism for Medium Tanks M4 and Modifications. Washington, DC: War Department, 15 January 1943.
  33. TM 9-1731F Ordnance Maintenance--Hydraulic Traversing Mechanism (Logansport) for Medium Tanks M4 and Modifications. Washington, DC: War Department, 6 May 1943.
  34. TM 9-1731G Ordnance Maintenance--Hydraulic Traversing Mechanism (Oilgear) for Medium Tanks M4 and Modifications. Washington, DC: War Department, 8 May 1943.
  35. Buan, Pierre-Olivier, Joe DeMarco, and Leife Hulbert. "M4 Shermans Composites (Hybrid) with small and large hatches." Sherman Minutia Website. 24 February 2022 <http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/manufacturer/​m4composite/m4_composite.html>.
  36. TM 9-754 Medium Tank M4A4. Washington, DC: War Department, 21 January 1943.
  37. Part II, SNL G-104, Volume IX Service Parts Catalogue for Tank, Medium, M4A4. Detroit: Chrysler Corp. Parts Division, 29 July 1943.
  38. Zuljan, Ralph. "M4A4 Sherman." Second World War Armor. 16 March 2000. 2 December 2000 <http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fm4a4.htm>. Second World War Armor
  39. TM 9-1750F Ordnance Maintenance--Power Unit for Medium Tanks M3A4 and M4A4. Washington, DC: War Department, 6 April 1943.
  40. TM 9-756 Medium Tank M4A6. Washington, DC: War Department, 21 December 1943.
  41. TM 9-1756A Ordnance Maintenance--Ordnance Engine Model RD-1820 (Caterpillar). Washington, DC: War Department, 9 December 1943.
  42. AGF Board No. 2. Development of Armored Vehicles, volume 1: Tanks. 1947.
  43. Hunnicutt, R.P. Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series. Bellingham, WA: Feist Publications, Inc., 1996.
  44. TM 9-731AA Medium Tank M4 (105-mm Howitzer) and Medium Tank M4A1 (76-mm Gun). Washington, DC: War Department, 23 June 1944.
  45. TM 9-1725 Ordnance Maintenance--Ordnance Engine Model R975-C4 (Continental). Washington, DC: War Department, 27 January 1944.
  46. ORD 9 SNL G-207 List of all Service Parts for Tank, Medium, M4A1 76 mm. Gun, Wet.
  47. Zuljan, Ralph. "M4A1(76)W Sherman." Second World War Armor. 16 March 2000. 8 November 2000 <http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fm4a176w.htm>. Second World War Armor
  48. TM 9-1308 Ordnance Maintenance--76-mm Guns M1A1C and M1A2; Gun Mount M1 and Combination Gun Mount M62 for Combat Vehicles. Washington, DC: Department of the Army, 20 April 1949.
  49. Zuljan, Ralph. "M4A3(75)W Sherman." Second World War Armor. 16 March 2000. 8 November 2000 <http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fm4a375w.htm>. Second World War Armor
  50. FM 17-76 Crew Drill and Service of the Piece, Medium Tank, M4 Series (105-mm Howitzer). Washington, DC: War Department, 15 September 1944.
  51. ORD 9 SNL G-104, Volume 15 List of All Service Parts for Tank, Medium, M4A3, 105-mm Howitzer (SNL G-104 Vol. 15); Tank, Medium, M4A3, 75-mm Gun, Wet (SNL G-204); Tank, Medium, M4A3, 76-mm Gun, Wet (SNL G-205). Washington, DC: Headquarters, Army Service Forces, 1 November 1945.
  52. Zuljan, Ralph. "M4A2(76)W Sherman." Second World War Armor. 16 March 2000. 15 November 2000 <http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fm4a276w.htm>. Second World War Armor
  53. ---. "M4A3E2 Sherman." Second World War Armor. 16 March 2000. 15 November 2000 <http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fm4a3e2.htm>. Second World War Armor
  54. ---. "M4A3(76)W HVSS Sherman." Second World War Armor. 16 March 2000. 16 November 2000 <http://www.onwar.com/tanks/usa/fm4a376w.htm>. Second World War Armor
  55. Sola, Samuel, Vincent Bobkowski, and Kara Crocker. Weapon Mounts for Secondary Armament. Santa Monica, CA: G. O. Noville & Associates, Inc., April 1957.
  56. Catalogue of Standard Ordnance Items, second edition 1944, volume II. Washington, D.C.: Office of the Chief of Ordnance, Technical Division, 1944.
  57. FM 17-12 Tank Gunnery. Washington, DC: War Department, 22 April 1943.

*All dimensional tables except those for the M4A3(76)W and M4A3(105) were compiled from information reprinted with permission from Hunnicutt's Sherman. Data sheets for these tanks were not provided in that volume, so dimensional information was compiled from the Catalogue of Standard Ordnance Items. Any inconsistencies should presumably simply be chalked up to differences in source data and not to actual differences in production.

Last updated 6 Jan 2024.
Questions? Comments? Corrections? Email me
© Copyright 2000-24 Chris Conners