The Art Of Tank Warfare - Chris Keeling

M4 Sherman
Type: Tank Top Speed: 40 KPH (22 off-road)
Availability: Jul 42 – May 45 Redline: 2400 RPM (1800 average)
Playability: Player Armor:
Main Armament: M3 75mm L/37 Hull Front: 51mm
Depression/Elevation: -10°/+25° Hull Sides: 38mm
Secondary Armament: Hull MG, Coax MG, Hull Rear: 38mm
AA MG
Ammunition: 97 [+12] (75mm), Hull Top: 19mm
7,750 (MG)
Smoke: None Superstructure Front: 51mm
Turret Traverse: 15 seconds Superstructure Sides: 38mm
Radio: None Superstructure Rear: 38mm
Target Size: Large Superstructure Top: 19mm
Height: 2.97 meters Mantlet: 89mm
Weight: 30.3 tons Turret Front: 76mm
Ground Pressure: 1.1 kg/cm 2 Turret Sides: 51mm
Maximum Slope: 27° Turret Rear: 51mm
Maximum Vertical: 0.61 meters Turret Top: 25mm
This was the first version of the famous Sherman tank to enter production, and all other models of the Sherman
were variations on its basic design. Oddly though, it was not the first model to reach the troops (the M4A1
holds that distinction). The Sherman was America’s answer to the German PzKpfw III and PzKpfw IV series
tanks, and it matched the earlier models of these tanks in performance and protection, while exceeding them
in firepower. Unfortunately, by the time the Sherman began to be used in large numbers, the later models of
these tanks, as well as the newer PzKpfw V Panther and several versions of assault guns, were in German service,
which were superior to the Sherman in every respect. This led to several upgraded versions of the Sherman,
some with improvised armor plates welded to the hull, and finally a more powerful 76mm gun. This version
of the Sherman could be identified easily by the hull nose, which was a three-piece bolted assembly. It had a
Continental R975-EC2 engine (originally designed by Wright), and a total of 674 were built before production
ceased in favor of later models. The first tanks had only a receiving radio (that is, they could not send any
messages) and mounted twin fixed .30 machineguns in the hull under the driver’s control, however, few tanks
in this configuration actually saw combat. Because of weak spots in the armor, a common field modification
consisted of welded steel plates over these thinner areas, in particular over ammunition storage areas. In total,
49,234 Sherman tanks of all types and models were built during the Second World War, making it the most
common tank among the Western Allies.
Options: Radio, Hedgehog plow, Additional turret armor, Additional superstructure armor.
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