Official designation:
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M4A3
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Common designation:
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Sherman IV
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Type:
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Medium Tank
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Manufacturer:
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Ford, Grand Blanc
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M4A3 Production: 12,596
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Total M4 Production: Approx. 49,234
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Engine: GAA-III V-WC
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Horsepower: 400 at 2,600 rpm
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Crew: 5
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Weight (tons): 32.3
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Gearbox: Synchromesh, 5 forward 1 reverse
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Length (meters): 7.52
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Speed (km/hr): 47
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Width (meters): 2.68
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Range (km): 130
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Height (meters): 3.25
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Radio: SCR528, Push-button (FM)- voice-operated
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Standard Armament: One 75mm - 105mm, One .50 cal AA, One .30 cal coaxial, One .30 cal hull
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Traverse: 360° (36°/sec) powered
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Elevation: +25° to -10°
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Ammunition: 97, 300, 4750
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Armour (mm):
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Front
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Side
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Rear
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Top/Bottom
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Turret:
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75
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50
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50
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25
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Hull Upper:
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50
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38
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38
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25
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Hull Lower:
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38
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38
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38
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12
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History:
Powerplants for the American tank production effort was always a major problem.
A search for alternatives in powerplants being produced in automotive plants led to
the development of the 8 cylinder Ford engine. This engine was originally designed
for aircraft, was fueled by gasoline, and developed 500 gross horsepower. After testing
this engine, it was designated the Ford GAA, and in January of 1942, the Ordnance
Committee authorized it's use in Sherman tank production. The "new" Sherman was
designated the M4A3. This tank was to serve the U.S. Army for well over a decade.
First tanks were completed in May 1942 and sent for testing at the General Motors
Proving Grounds. Minor changes were accepted for production and the early versions
still retained the direct vision blocks. A distinguishing feature is that all early
production vehicles through the late war production changes used the heavy duty VVSS
(Vertical Volute Spring Suspension) bogies. The differential and final drive housing
was a one piece casting. The front plate assembly was rolled steel plates and
castings but the number of pieces was reduced from that used as on the M4A2 model.
Ammunition storage was of the "Dry" type and later modifications were undertaken to
remedy this by the addition of 1" armor plate welded to the sides of the hull at the
proper location for added protection. The Ford GAA engine proved to be popular and
became the "workhorse" of the U.S Army.
The production numbers for the first model of the M4A3 armed with the 75mm was 1,690 , and
production was completed in September of 1943. Ford left the tank production program at this
time and the continued production of the M4A3 was passed onto other manufacturers such as the
Detroit Tank Arsenal and the Fisher Tank Arsenal. By the middle of 1943 modifications for
changes related to all models of the Sherman tank were extensive. These resulted from both
combat experiences and test programs. A decision was made to "win the war" with the Sherman
and to improve it's combat efficiency markedly. Major changes would include main gun - 76mm,
a 105mm howitzer, "Wet" ammunition stowage and much larger hatches for the driver and
assistant driver in the hull. Production efficiency had to be accomplished as well so
concern arose over standardization between models and this was eventually accomplished.
The first noticeable difference is the changeover to "Wet" ammunition stowage for both 75mm
and 76mm armed variants. Ammunition stowage being moved from the sponsons ("Dry" models) to
racks below the turret which are further protected by water (actually solutions of water and
ethylene glycol). "Ready" rounds were also protected this way. The only variant that did not
use this method was the 105mm howitzer armed variants but they used armored racks. Floor
ammunition racks required that the turret basket be eliminated with a partial floor suspended
from the turret ring. The most noticeable external feature is the 47 degree front hull with
a newly designed and much larger driver /assistant driver hatches.
Features:
Distinguishing turret features included an all around vision cupola for the commander, except
on early production which retained the earlier circular split ring hatch and an oval shaped
loader's hatch. Those vehicles produced with the circular split ring commanders hatch had it
replaced by the all round vision cupola in the field as supplies became available. The M4A1
was first to enter production closely followed by the M4 105 howitzer version. The M4A3 was
started in production with 75mm, 76mm and 105mm howitzer armament. The Fisher Tank Arsenal
manufactured "wet" stowage 76mm and 75mm armed models while at the Detroit Tank Arsenal
production began with the 76mm "wet" stowage and the 105mm howitzer models. Production
figures for "wet" stowage 75mm armed models totals 3,071 tanks and ended in March 1945.
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First prototype (T6) appeared in September 1941. Production started at 1,000 per month and increased to 2,000 and were built at 11 plants. Production was able to quickly switch over from the M3 to the M4 as they both shared bottom hulls, engines, suspension, and tracks.
Gun had velocity of 2,030 ft/sec, and penetrate 3.1 inches at 1,000 yards.
Gyrostabilizer was installed. Turret rotated on ball bearing race that was recessed and thus protected from enemy fire. Two hatches in the bow and 1 in turret, plus escape hatch in floor. Auxiliary generator provided extra power and could be used in preheating engine.
The tanks had azimuth and elevation controls installed so that the main gun could be used an artillery weapon. Also FM communication radio systems were installed and could be tied into any local field artillery fire control. It could often run 2,500 miles before major maintenance on the tracks and bogies.
In 1944 the Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS) was phased into production. It enhanced mobility.
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