Sherman tank

Sherman tank

The M4 General Sherman tank was the main tank designed and built by the US for use in World War II. It was named after Union General William Tecumseh Sherman. The name is often shortened to M4 Sherman or simply Sherman.
Its high profile and rounded top made it an easy target but it was rather fast and manoeuvrable, reliable, easy to produce and service.

Table of contents

1 Production History
2 Variants

2.1 UK variants

3 Combat Performance
4 Characteristics
5 See also
6 External Links

Production History

The M4 was based on the M3. Over 49000 were produced during the war.

Variants

M4
- M4(105mm)
M4A1
M4A2
M4A3
- M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo
M4A4
M4A5
M4A6

UK variants

Sherman I - M4
Sherman IB - M4 with a 105mm howitzer.
Sherman IC - M4A1 with a 17pdr gun.
Sherman II - M4A1 with a 75mm gun.
- Sherman IIA - M4A1 with a 76mm gun.
Sherman III - M4A2 with a 75mm gun.
Sherman IV - M4A3 with a 75mm gun.
- Sherman IVB - M4A3 with a 105mm howitzer.
- Sherman IVC - M4A3 with a 17-pdr gun.
Sherman V - M4A4 with a 75mm gun.
- Sherman VC - M4A4 with a 17-pdr gun.

Shermans with the 17pdr gun were known as Fireflies.

Combat Performance

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Characteristics

M4A2

Length: 19' 5" (5.92m)
Width: 8' 7" (2.62m)
Height: 9' (2.74m)
Weight: 30 tons
Speed: 30 mph (48km/h)
Range: 150 miles (240 km)
Crew: 5
Armament:
- Primary: 75mm Gun
- Secondary:
  - One .50 caliber Browning M2 MG
  - Two .30 caliber Browning M1919 MG
Power plant: 375hp General Motors 6046 12 cylinder inline diesel

M4A4 VC Firefly

Length: 19' 4" (5.89m)
Width: 8' 7" (2.62m)
Height: 9' (2.75m)
Weight:
Speed: 25mph (40km/h)
Range: 120 miles (193km)
Crew: 5
Armament:
- Primary: 76mm (17-pound) Gun
- Secondary:
  - One .50 caliber Browning M2 MG
  - Two .30 caliber Browning M1919 MG
Power plant: 400hp Continental 9-cylinder radial