M4A1: General | |||
Date of first acceptance | February 1942 | Total acceptances | 6,281 |
Manufacturers |
|
Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Rotor shield | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
Front | 3.0" 7.6cm |
30° |
Sides | 2.0" 5.1cm |
5° |
Rear | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
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.
Early Sherman tanks also used the M34 gun mount. The M34A1 was a modification of the M34 and differed by using a direct telescope as the primary sight instead of the periscope with telescope, which was retained as backup. 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 could use a separate shield for the coaxial machine gun.
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.
M4A2: General | |||
Date of first acceptance | April 1942 | Total acceptances | 8,053 |
Manufacturers |
|
Crew |
|
M4A2: Dimensions | |||
Combat weight | 65,476lbs 29,700kg |
Height over turret hatch | 107¾" 273.69cm |
Length without gun, without sandshields | 233-7/16" 592.9313cm |
Gun overhang forward | 0" |
Width without sandshields | 103" 262cm |
Tread | 83" 211cm |
Ground clearance | 18" 46cm |
Fire height | 88" 224cm |
Turret ring diameter | 69" 175cm |
Ground pressure, zero penetration | 13.2psi .928kg/cm² |
M4A2: 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, D51070, D82255B, 738770, or 7008929 in right bow | 20° left, 25° right (manual) |
-- | +20° to -10° (manual) |
|
Aiming equipment | |||||
Periscope M4 with telescope M38 for gunner | |||||
Stabilizer | |||||
Elevation only |
M4A2: 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 |
0° |
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 | 3.0" 7.6cm |
0° |
Rotor shield | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
Front | 3.0" 7.6cm |
30° |
Sides | 2.0" 5.1cm |
5° |
Rear | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
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 list | 25° |
Max vertical obstacle | 24" with rubber tracks; 36" with steel tracks or or rubber tracks with grousers 61cm with rubber tracks; 91cm with steel tracks or rubber tracks with grousers |
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.
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 complicated 56° glacis had been composed of several pieces welded together and featured protruding drivers' hoods with direct vision slots on early tanks and periscopes on later vehicles. The 47° plate, on the other hand, 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. These large-hatch dry stowage 75mm gun M4A2s weighed 70,200lb (31,800kg) and had a ground pressure of 14.4psi (1.01kg/cm²).
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.
M4A3: General | |||
Date of first acceptance | June 1942 | Total acceptances | 1,690 |
Manufacturer | Ford Motor Co. | Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Rotor shield | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
Front | 3.0" 7.6cm |
30° |
Sides | 2.0" 5.1cm |
5° |
Rear | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
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.
M4: General | |||
Date of first acceptance | July 1942 | Total acceptances | 6,748 |
Manufacturers |
|
Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Rotor shield | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
Front | 3.0" 7.6cm |
30° |
Sides | 2.0" 5.1cm |
5° |
Rear | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
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.
M4A4: General | |||
Date of first acceptance | July 1942 | Total acceptances | 7,499 |
Manufacturer | Detroit Tank Arsenal | Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Rotor shield | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
Front | 3.0" 7.6cm |
30° |
Sides | 2.0" 5.1cm |
5° |
Rear | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
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.
M4A6: General | |||
Date of first acceptance | October 1943 | Total acceptances | 75 |
Manufacturer | Detroit Tank Arsenal | Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Rotor shield | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
Front | 3.0" 7.6cm |
30° |
Sides | 2.0" 5.1cm |
5° |
Rear | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
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.
M4A1(76)W: General | |||
Date of first acceptance | January 1944 | Total acceptances | 3,426 |
Manufacturer | Pressed Steel Car Co. | Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Front | 2.5" 6.4cm |
40° to 45° |
Sides | 2.5" 6.4cm |
0° to 13° |
Rear | 2.5" 6.4cm |
0° |
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.
M4A3(75)W: General | |||
Date of first acceptance | February 1944 | Total acceptances | 3,071 |
Manufacturer | Fisher Tank Arsenal | Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Rotor shield | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
Front | 3.0" 7.6cm |
30° |
Sides | 2.0" 5.1cm |
5° |
Rear | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° |
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.
M4(105): General | |||
Date of first acceptance | February 1944 | Total acceptances | 1,641 |
Manufacturer | Detroit Tank Arsenal | Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Front | 3.0" 7.6cm |
30° |
Sides | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° to 5° |
Rear | 1.0" 2.5cm |
0° |
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.
M4A3(76)W: General | |||
Date of first acceptance | March 1944 | Total acceptances | 1,458 |
Manufacturers |
|
Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Front | 2.5" 6.4cm |
40° to 45° |
Sides | 2.5" 6.4cm |
0° to 13° |
Rear | 2.5" 6.4cm |
0° |
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.
M4A2(76)W: General | |||
Date of first acceptance | May 1944 | Total acceptances | 2,915 |
Manufacturers |
|
Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Front | 2.5" 6.4cm |
40° to 45° |
Sides | 2.5" 6.4cm |
0° to 13° |
Rear | 2.5" 6.4cm |
0° |
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.
M4A3(105): General | |||
Date of first acceptance | May 1944 | Total acceptances | 500 |
Manufacturer | Detroit Tank Arsenal | Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Front | 3.0" 7.6cm |
30° |
Sides | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° to 5° |
Rear | 1.0" 2.5cm |
0° |
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.
M4A3E2: General | |||
Date of first acceptance | June 1944 | Total acceptances | 254 |
Manufacturer | Fisher Tank Arsenal | Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
Lower sides | 1.5" 3.8cm |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Front | 6.0" 15cm |
12° |
Sides | 6.0" 15cm |
6° |
Rear | 6.0" 15cm |
2° |
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.
M4A3(76)W HVSS: General | |||
Date of first acceptance | August 1944 | Total acceptances | 3,084 |
Manufacturers |
|
Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Front | 2.5" 6.4cm |
40° to 45° |
Sides | 2.5" 6.4cm |
0° to 13° |
Rear | 2.5" 6.4cm |
0° |
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...
M4A3(105) HVSS: General | |||
Date of first acceptance | September 1944 | Total acceptances | 2,539 |
Manufacturer | Detroit Tank Arsenal | Crew |
|
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 |
0° |
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 |
0° |
Front | 3.0" 7.6cm |
30° |
Sides | 2.0" 5.1cm |
0° to 5° |
Rear | 1.0" 2.5cm |
0° |
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.