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. Its high profile and rounded top made it an easy target but it was rather fast and maneuverable, reliable, easy to produce and service.
Production History
The M4 was based on the M3. Over 49,000 were produced during the war.
US Variants
- M4 (with M4 105mm howitzer sub-variant)
- M4A1
- M4A2
- M4A3 (with M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo)
- M4A4
- M4A5
- M4A6
UK Variants
- Sherman I – M4 (Sherman IB: 105mm howitzer; Sherman IC: 17-pdr gun)
- Sherman II – M4A1 (Sherman IIA: 76mm gun)
- Sherman III – M4A2 with 75mm gun
- Sherman IV – M4A3 (IVB: 105mm; IVC: 17-pdr)
- Sherman V – M4A4 (VC: 17-pdr, known as Firefly)
Specifications (M4A2)
M4A2 Specifications
Length19' 5" (5.92 m)
Width8' 7" (2.62 m)
Height9' (2.74 m)
Weight30 tons
Speed30 mph (48 km/h)
Range150 miles (240 km)
Crew5
Primary Armament75mm Gun
SecondaryOne .50 cal Browning M2 MG, Two .30 cal Browning M1919 MG
Power Plant375 hp General Motors 6046 diesel
M4A4 VC Firefly
The Firefly variant was armed with the powerful 76mm (17-pounder) gun, making it one of the few Allied tanks capable of engaging German heavy armor at range. It had a top speed of 25 mph, range of 120 miles, and was powered by a 400 hp Continental 9-cylinder radial engine.