Ground Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>Sherman>HG1001
M4A3 Sherman "Caballero" 6th Armored Division, Jan. 1945, Ardennes
General Background
Initially known as the T6 medium tank, M4 Sherman was the workhorse for the US Army during WWII. M4 was named after Union General William Tecumseh Sherman (1820-1891). The tank went into production in Oct.1941 and went into service in late 1942. A total of 49,234 of Sherman gun tanks were produced and only the Russian T-34 had produced in greater numbers.
The M4 was basically designed as an infantry support tank , it was thin armored and carried a relatively small caliber main gun for greater speed and minimum fuel consumption. Though not on par with Germany 's heavy tanks like Tiger and Panther in terms of firepower and armor protection, M4 medium tank was famed for its reliability, mobility and ease of maintenance. It could be transported by rails, put into ships and carried all over the world. M4 was seen in almost every battlefield from 1942 onwards and had contributed much to the success of the Western Allies.
The M4 was basically designed as an infantry support tank , it was thin armored and carried a relatively small caliber main gun for greater speed and minimum fuel consumption. Though not on par with Germany 's heavy tanks like Tiger and Panther in terms of firepower and armor protection, M4 medium tank was famed for its reliability, mobility and ease of maintenance. It could be transported by rails, put into ships and carried all over the world. M4 was seen in almost every battlefield from 1942 onwards and had contributed much to the success of the Western Allies.
The Tank
M4A3 was probably the most important variant of the M4 tank series. For the early type a 75mm low-velocity main gun was installed and was housed a V8 450hp Ford engine. On Dec 16, 1944 , German Army launched the “Ardennes Offensive” (better known as the Battle of Bulge) along the 85-mile Ardennes front. The Americans were caught largely unprepared and suffered heavy losses initially. During the conflict (Dec.16, 1944 to Jan.30, 1945) the American soldiers had fought courageously in the bitter cold and the rugged M4A3 played a crucial role in support of the infantry and in the destruction of enemy armored vehicles.
The Battle of Bulge was generally considered as an American battle and it was her largest one in Europe during WWII. On the other hand, German's final defense ability was further weakened and led to the surrender a few months later.
The Battle of Bulge was generally considered as an American battle and it was her largest one in Europe during WWII. On the other hand, German's final defense ability was further weakened and led to the surrender a few months later.
Specifications (M4A3 75mm Sherman) :
| Crew: | 5 |
| Manufacturers : | Fisher Tank Arsenal, Detroit Tank Arsenal (Chrysler) |
| Total Qty. Produced : | 3,071 |
| Production Period : | Feb. 1944 to March 1945 |
| Engine : | Ford GAA V-8 cyl, 450bhp |
| Weight : | 31.6 ton |
| Gears : | 5 forward, 1 reverse |
| Length : | 6.27m (20ft 7in) over Hull |
| Width : | 2.68m (8ft 9.5in) |
| Height : | 3.34m (11ft 2.875in) |
| Max Speed : | 26 mph |
| Cross country : | 15 mph |
| Fuel : | 174 galls |
| Range : | 161km |
| Armament : | 161km |
| Armament : | 1x 75mm Gun (104 rounds) |
| 2x M1919A4 7.62mm machine gun (6,250 rounds) | |
| 1x M2 12.7mm heavy machine gun (600 rounds) |