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United States' M4 medium tank13, Sherman

M4 Medium with infantry riders:
United States' M4 Medium Tank with infantry riders
M4 Medium at Fort Knox:
United States' M4 Medium Tank at Fort Knox
Mark Holloway
M4 Medium going through a hedgerow with a Cullin device:
United States' M4 Medium Tank going through a hedgerow with a Cullin device
LIFE Magazine (Mark Holloway)
M4 Medium having its engine worked on:
United States' M4 Medium Tank having its engine worked on
US Army Signal Corp (Mark Holloway)
M4 Medium Tank wooden mock-up in August 1941, at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds.
United States' M4 Medium Tank, prototype
M4 Medium Tank:
United States' M4 Medium Tank
M4 Medium Tank, 105 mm:
United States' M4 105 mm Medium Tank
M4 Medium Tank:
United States' M4 Medium Tank
M4 Medium Tank:
United States' M4 Medium Tank
M4 Medium Tank:
United States' M4 Medium Tank
M4 Medium Tank:
United States' M4 Medium Tank
M4 Medium Tank:
United States' M4 Medium Tank
M4 Medium Tank:
United States' M4 Medium Tank
M4 Medium Tank:
United States' M4 Medium Tank
M4 Medium Tank:
United States' M4 Medium Tank
M4 medium tank's steering levers
United States' M4 medium tank's steering levers
U.S. Ordnance Dept.
M4 Medium Tank, General Patton chastising the tank commander for having too many sandbags piled on his tank.
United States' M4 Medium Tank, General Patton chastising the tank commander for having to many sandbags on his tank
M4 Medium Tank going through the mud in France.
United States' M4 Medium Tanks going through the mud in France
M4 Medium Tank:
United States' M4 Medium Tank
M4 Medium Tank in Normandy in June 1944.
United States' M4 Medium Tank in Normandy in June 1944
Many more M4 Medium Tank photos here
Medium M4 Die cast 1/72 Models
Easy Models
36253
United States M4 Medium Tank, Easy Models 36253

Design

On August 29, 1940, (the day after the M3 was decided to be put into production) work began on a tank that would mount a 75 mm gun in the turret.8

In March 1941 the turret was designed based on the turret on the M3 Medium.1 The Armored Forces Board selected the simplest design out of 5 options in April 1941.1 A mockup of the T6 was approved in May 1941.1 Was standardized in September 1941 / October 194112,13.8

Crew

The driver sat on the left in the front of the hull, and the assistant driver on the right.7 In the turret the loader sat on the left of the main gun, the gunner on the right, and the commander at the rear behind the gunner.7 Adjustable seats that could move 12 inches up and down, and 5 inches forward and backwards were provided for the driver, assistant driver, and gunner. There were 2 hatches in the top of the hull and a revolving hatch in the turret.7 There was a hatch installed in the floor, behind the driver, for emergency escapes.7

Each member of the crew was provided a periscope.7 They could be rotated 360°, and tilted up and down.7 The gunner's, which contained a telescopic sight, was synchronized with the main gun.7 Early models had direct vision slits that were protected by thick glass plates and hinged covers for the driver and assistant driver.7 After experience with bullet splash these were eliminated and replaced by periscopes.7

The commander had a periscope in the turret hatch that could be used when it was closed.7 Starting in 1944 it was replaced by a cupola with six episcopes.7

There was also a 2-way radio and interphone system.7 They were located in a shock mounted shelf in the turret bulge.7

Engine

The transmission had 5 forward and 1 reverse speed. It also had a parking brake built in. The controlled differential transmitted the power to the final drive unit, and also contained a brake system for steering and stopping the tank.

In the engine compartment were 2 fixed 10 lb. fire extinguishers. They could be operated from the driver's seat or from the outside. There were portable 4 lb. fire extinguishers in the turret and driver's compartment.

Auxiliary generator provided extra power and could be used in preheating engine in cold weather.

Suspension

There were six 2-wheeled bogies bolted to the hull which supported the vehicle on volute springs. The drive sprocket was located in the front. The idlers were at the rear and could be adjusted to take the slack out of the tracks. There were 3 return rollers supporting the weight of the track. Many of these rollers were above the suspension brackets, but other models had them shifted towards the back with a track skid on top of the brackets.

In 1944 the Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS) was phased into production. It enhanced mobility.

The driver used levers, which operated steering brakes, to steer the M4.7

Main Gun

The early vehicles had the Combination Gun Mount, M34, which had a shield that only protected the gun. In October 1942, the Ordnance Committee chose to use the Combination Gun Mount, M34A1. This had a shield that also protected the .30 cal coaxial MG and telescopic sight. It also had 2 pieces of armor that were placed beside the gun, where it met with the shield.

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.

Early models had reputation for "brewing-up" (nicknamed Ronsons after a cigarette lighter) when penetrated by antitank rounds.8 Water jackets (signified by W in model name1) were installed around the ammunition and on howitzer models additional armor was added.8 The water jackets used 38 gallons of water, that was mixed with antifreeze, and ammudamp (anti-corrosion).1

Gun Muzzle Velocity
per Second
75 mm M2 L/318 1,850' / 564 m8
75 mm M3 L/408 2,030' / 619 m8
76.2 mm L/558 3,400' / 1,040 m8

Turret rotated on ball bearing race that was recessed and thus protected from enemy fire. The 75 mm gun was turned 90° from vertical, which allowed for easy right-hand loading.

There was a elevating hand wheel for the gun.7 If the gyrostabilizer was activated, then hydraulic power kept the gun steady while on the move.7

The gunner had foot operated switches that fired the guns electronically.7

Prototype

T6

First prototype (T6) was built and sent to the Aberdeen Proving Grounds on September 1941.1 It had a cast hull and an entrance hatch on the side of the vehicle which was later removed.1 There were also 2 additional MGs in the hull.1

The chassis and power plant was very similar to the M3 Medium.11

After testing at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in September 1941 production was immediately authorized.11 The M4 was to be merged with M3 production lines to reduce the interruption to production.11 The was facilitated as the M3 and the M4 shared bottom hulls, engines, suspension, and tracks.11

Production

Production started at 1,000 per month and increased to 2,000 and was built at 11 plants.12 A special plant was built at Grand Blanc, Michigan just to produce M4s.12

Production tables are here.

Variants

Usage

The M4 was first used at the Battle of Alamein in October 1942.12

United Kingdom Use

  M4 medium tank13, Sherman I12 M4 (76 mm), Sherman IA M4 (105 mm), Sherman IB
Crew Commander, gunner, loader, driver, co-driver/hull gunner.3
52,3,4,8,13
Commander, gunner, loader, driver, co-driver/hull gunner.3
53,4
Commander, gunner, loader, driver, co-driver/hull gunner
510
Radio SCR-50813    
Radio - command tank SCR-50613    
Physical Characteristics      
Weight 66,500 lb4,13, 69,565 lb8
31,544 kg8, 75,705 kg1
30.4 tons2, 74.5 tons1
70,000 lb4 66,500 lb4,10
Length w/gun 19' 4"1,3,4,13, 20.6'8
5.88 m1, 5.89 m2, 6.3 m8
20' 4"4, 24' 3"3 19' 4"4,10
Length w/o gun   20' 4"3  
Height 9'1,3,4,13, 11'8
2.74 m1,2, 3.4 m8
9' 9"3,4 9' 2 11/16"4,10
Width 8' 7"1,3,4,14, 8.9'8
2.62 m2, 2.68 m1, 2.7 m8
8' 9.5"3,4 8' 7"4,10
Width over tracks      
Ground clearance 17 1/8"13
0.43 m2
17 1/8" 17 1/8"10
Ground contact length 12' 3"13 12' 4" 147"10, 12' 4"
Ground pressure 13.7 psi13, 14.3 psi8
1 (kg/cm2)8, 1.1 (kg/cm2)2
14.4 psi 13.7 psi10
Turret ring diameter      
Armament      
Main 75 mm1,4,5
75 mm M3, L/40
75 mm L/402
75 mm M33,8,13
76 mm M1A1 or M1A24
76 mm3
105 mm howitzer4
105 mm howitzer M410
Secondary      
MG 12.7 mm (.50 cal) MG1, 2: 7.62 mm (.30 cal) MG1
3: MG2,4
2: .30 cal MG3
3: MG4 3: MG4
MG - coaxial 1: .30 cal MG5
1: 0.3" M1919A4 MG8
1: .30 cal Browning M1919A4 MG13
1: .30 cal MG 1: .30 cal MG
1: .30 cal M1919A4 MG10
MG - hull 1: .30 cal MG5
1: 0.3" M1919A4 MG8
1: .30 cal Browning M1919A4 MG13
1: .30 cal MG 1: .30 cal MG
1: .30 cal M1919A4 MG10
MG - antiaircraft 1: .50 cal MG3,5
1: 0.5" M2 MG8
1: .50 cal M2 HB MG13
1: .50 cal MG 1: .50 cal MG
1: .50 cal HB MG10
Side arms M3 2" Mortar13
M2 Tripod mount for .30 cal MG13
.45 cal submachine gun13
2" smoke mortar8
M3 2" Mortar
M2 .30 cal Tripod MG
5: .45 cal Submachine guns
Grenades
M3 2" Mortar
M2 .30 cal MG Tripod
.45 cal Submachine gun
Hand grenades10
Quantity      
Main 972,3,13
M48 HE13, M72 AP13, M61 APC13
713 6610
Secondary      
MG 300, 5,0502
.30: 4,7503,13
.50: 30013
.30: 6,2503
600
.30: 4,00010
.50: 30010
Side arms Mortar: 1213 (4: Fragmentation Mk III, 4: M8 Smoke, 2: M2 Offensive Mk III, 2: Thermite)13
.45: 60013
Mortar: 18
.45: 900
Grenades: 12
Mortar: 18
.45: 600
Grenades: 1210
Armor Thickness (mm) 1" - 2"4
123, 15 - 765, 15 - 1008
123, 623
1.5" - 2.5"4
1.5" - 2"4
Hull Front, Upper 2"13
503, 50.82
2.5" (4") 2"@0°10, (2-4")
Hull Front, Lower 1.5" - 2"13   1.5-2" (2-2.5")
Hull Sides, Upper 1.5" - 2"13
38.12
1.5" (1.5") 1.5"-2""@0°10, (1.5-2")
Hull Sides, Lower 1.5" - 2"13    
Hull Rear 1.5"13
38.12
1.5"@0° 1.5"@0°10
Hull Top 1"13
192
0.75"@90° 1"@90°
Hull Bottom 0.5" - 1"13
12.7-25.42
0.5-1"@90° 0.5-1"@90°
Turret Front 3"13
753, 76.22
2.5" 3""@0°10, (3.75")
Turret Sides 2"13
50.82
2.5" 2""@0°10, (2")
Turret Rear 50.82 2.5"  
Turret Top 1"13
25.42
1"@90° 1"@90°
Engine (Make / Model) Wright R-975-C11, Continental R-975-C14,13, Continental R-9755, Continental Wright2, Continental7, Ford GAA8 Continental R-975-C14 Continental R975-C14
Wright R975-C1 aircraft10
OR Wright Whirlwind5    
Bore / stroke      
Cooling Air2,4
Water8
Air4 Air4,10
Cylinders V-88, 92,4 94 94, R-910
Capacity      
Net HP Wright: 3535
R-975: 4005
353@2,400 rpm13, 4004, 400@2,400 rpm2, 500@2,600 rpm8
4004 4004, 43510
Power to weight ratio 16.9 hp/ton8    
Compression ratio      
Transmission (Type) Mechanical synchromesh13
5 forward, 1 reverse2,13
  Synchromesh10
5 forward, 1 reverse10
Steering     Controlled differential10
Steering ratio 1.515:113    
Starter      
Electrical system 24 volt13    
Ignition      
Gear ratio - 1st gear 7.56:113    
- 2nd gear 3.11:113    
- 3rd gear 1.78:113    
- 4th gear 1.11:113    
- 5th gear 0.73:113    
- Reverse 5.65:113    
Fuel (Type) Gasoline2,8,13   Gasoline10
Octane 8013    
Quantity 175 gallons13
662 liters2
175 gallons 175 gallons10
Road consumption     1.1 mpg10
Cross country consumption      
Performance      
Traverse 360°3 (36°/sec), powered 360°3 (36°/sec), powered 360°10
Power and manual10
Max speed 24 mph1,4,13, 26 mph8
39 kph1, 40.2 kph2, 42 kph8
24 mph4 24 mph4,10
Cross country speed 15-20 mph    
Road radius 100 miles1,8, 120 miles13
160 km1,8, 193 km2
85 miles 120 miles10
Cross country radius      
Turning radius 62'
19 m2
  62'
Elevation limits -10° to +25°3,7 -10° to +25°3 +35° to -10°10
Fording depth 3'3
1 m2
3'3 3'10
Trench crossing 7' 5"3,13, 7.5'8, 8'
2.3 m8
7' 6"3 7' 5"10
Vertical obstacle 2'3,13 2'3 2'10
Climbing ability 60%13   30° slope10
Suspension (Type) Vertical volute.3
Volute springs2,13
Vertical volute Vertical volute springs10
Wheels each side 62 6 6
3 double wheeled bogies10
Wheel size 20" x 9"13    
Wheel size - idler 28 1/8" x 9"13    
Return rollers each side 3 3 310
Tracks (Type) Rubber block13   Rubber block with steel back, rubber bushed pins10
Length      
Width 14"8, 16.5"3,13
420 mm2
16.5"3 16 1/2"10
Number of links 7913   7910
Pitch 6"13   6"10
Tire tread Rubber2    
Track centers/tread 6' 11"3,13 6' 11"3, 7' 1" 83"10, 7' 1"

Sources:

  1. The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles - The Comprehensive Guide to Over 900 Armored Fighting Vehicles From 1915 to the Present Day, General Editor: Christopher F. Foss, 2002
  2. Panzer Truppen The Complete Guide to the Creation and Combat Employment of Germany's Tank Force 1943-1945, Thomas L. Jentz, 1996
  3. British and American Tanks of World War Two, The Complete Illustrated History of British, American, and Commonwealth Tanks 1933-1945, Peter Chamberlain and Chris Ellis, 1969
  4. Tanks of the World, 1915-1945, Peter Chamberlain, Chris Ellis, 1972
  5. The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II, Chris Bishop, 1998
  6. -
  7. Tanks of World War II, Duncan Crow, 1979
  8. Battle Winning Tanks, Aircraft & Warships of World War II, David Miller, 2000
  9. Tank Data, Aberdeen Proving Grounds Series, 1968?
  10. Tank Data 2, Aberdeen Proving Grounds Series, E. J. Hoffschmidt and W. H. Tantum IV, 1969
  11. Armour In Profile #3 M.4 A3 E8 Sherman, Peter Chamberlain, Chris Ellis, ?
  12. Airfix Magazine Guide #26 American Tanks of World War 2, Terry Gander and Peter Chamberlain, 1977
  13. The American Arsenal, 1996
Home page graphic for wwiivehicles.com, pictures of Sherman, T-34/85, Tiger, and Churchill