First prototype (T6) appeared in September 1941. Production started at
1,000 per month and increased to 2,000 and were built at 11 plants. Production
was able to quickly switch over from the M3 to the M4 as they both shared
bottom hulls, engines, suspension, and tracks.
Gun had velocity of 2,030 ft/sec, and penetrate 3.1 inches at 1,000 yards.
Gyrostabilizer was installed. Turret rotated on ball bearing race that
was recessed and thus protected from enemy fire. Two hatches in the bow
and 1 in turret, plus escape hatch in floor. Auxiliary generator provided
extra power and could be used in preheating engine.
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.
In 1944 the Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS) was phased into
production. It enhanced mobility.
First saw action at Battle of Alamein in October 1942.
M4: Welded hull. Three piece bolted nose. Initial models had narrow
M34 gun mount. Later production models had wider M34A1. Late 1943 hull
was combination cast/rolled.
M4A1: Cast hull. Early models had M3 bogie units, M2
75 mm gun with counter weights and twin fixed MGs in hull. Soon hull
MGs eliminated and M3 75 mm
gun used. M34A1 mount and sand shields were added.
M4A2: Some early vehicles had spoked wheels. Used only by USMC
and Lend Lease.
M4A3: Welded hull. Used mainly by US Army. Late models had improved
cupola, a loaders hatch, and wet stowage for ammunition.
M4A3E2 Assault Tank: Armor added hull 100 mm, turret 150 mm. 84,000
lb. Grousers added to track to improve ride. 22 mph. Originally 75 mm
gun but some replaced by 76 mm once in Europe. Grand Blanc May-June 1944
254. "Jumbo"
M4A4: Three piece bolted front. Early models had M34 gun mount
and vision slots in hull eliminated. Later vehicles had the M34A1 mount.
M4A5: Designation reserved for Canadian Ram but never used.
M4A6: Production was cancelled due to difficulties.
M4, M4A3 105 mm: 105 mm howitzer installed in place of 75 mm
in turret. A pintle for towing a trailer was installed.
M4 (105mm): Detroit Arsenal Feb - Sept 1943 800.
M4 (105mm) HVSS: With new suspension. Detroit Arsenal Sept 1944 -
Mar 1945 841.
M4A3 (105 mm): Detroit Arsenal Apr-Aug 1944 500.
M4A3 (105mm) HVSS: New suspension. Detroit Arsenal Aug 1944 - May
1945 2,539.
M4, M4A1, M4A2, M4A3 76 mm: 76 mm gun replaced 75 mm in turret.
It had better velocity and thus armor penetration. 2,600 ft/sec, range
of 16,100 yards, penetrate 4 inches at 1,000 yards. Gun can also be used
in indirect fire mode as an azimuth indicator and elevation quadrant was
also available. Water protected ammo racks installed.
M4 (76 mm): Welded hull. Continental
R975-C1 petrol.
M4A1 (76mm): Cast hull. Continental
R975-C1 petrol. Pressed Steel Jan 1944 - June 1945 3,396.
M4A2 (76mm): Welded hull. GM diesel
6-71. Grand Blanc June-Dec 1944 1,594, Pressed Steel May-June 1945
21.
M4A3 (76mm): Welded hull. Ford GAA-III petrol. Detroit Arsenal
Feb-July 1944 1,400, Grand Blanc Sept-Dec 1944 525.
Tank Recovery Vehicle M32: Based on M4. Turret replaced. 81 mm mortar
to fire smoke. 60,000 lb winch and a pivoting A-frame jib 18 feet long.
62,000 lb, 24 mph, length: 19' 1.25".
Tank Recovery Vehicle M32B1: Based on M4A1.
Tank Recovery Vehicle M32B2: Based on M4A2.
Tank Recovery Vehicle M32B3: Based on M4A3. Later vehicles had
HVSS.
Tank Recovery Vehicle M32B4: Based on M4A4.
Full-Track Prime Mover M34: M32B1 removed a-frame and winch. Used
as tractor for heavy artillery guns. In service 1944.
M4 Dozer: M4s fitted with dozer blades. First use was in Italy
in 1943. Used in many locations afterwards. Some had turret removed and
were used by Engineer Corps.
A quote from an e-mail from Owen J. "Red Gavigan |
I was commander of the first tank to land on Utah beach on 6-6-44
with C Co. of the 70th tank Bn. My tank had a dozer hanging on the
front and came in damn handy then and for seven more days until we
got knocked out going through a hedgerow, not to mention what we did
on the beach. My CO, John Ahearn, was commander of the second tank
to land. We both are mentioned in several histories. One by Marvin
who is the author of "Strike Swiftly" and the other by Stephen Ambrose,
author of "D Day." |
M4 Mobile Assault Bridge: Field modification in Italy. Double
track bridge with a-frame. Small number built.
M4 with Cullin Hedgerow Device: Field modification in Normandy.
Prongs from beach defenses added to help get through hedgerow country.
Mine Exploder T1E1 (Earthworm): Disks made of armor plate. Saw
limited use.
Mine Exploder T1E2: Disc roller being reduced to 2 forward units
each with 7 discs. Experimental only.
Mine Exploder T1E3 (M1) "Aunt Jemima": Two roller units
each of 5 10' steel discs. 75 built. Used in Normandy and Italy. Most
widely used mine exploder. Sometimes a 2nd tank was used to push it.
Mine Exploder T1E4: Developed in 1944 with 16 discs pushed in front.
Mine Exploder T1E5: Developed in July 1944 based on T1E3 but with
smaller wheels. Experimental only.
Mine Exploder T1E6: As T1E3 but with serrated edges to discs. Experimental
only.
Mine Exploder T2E1: Similar to T2 used on M3. Developed for US
Marine Corps. For use with Tank Recovery Vehicle M32 utilizing the boom.
Proved impractical and abandoned in Oct 1944.
Mine Exploder T2 Flail: American designation for British Crab I
equipment. Small number used by US Army in NW Europe.
Mine Exploder T3: Based on British Scorpion. Proved unsatisfactory
and development stopped in 1943.
Mine Exploder T3E1: T3 rebuilt with longer arms and sand filled
rotor. Proved unsatisfactory and cancelled.
Mine Exploder T3E2: T3E1 with rotor replaced by steel drum of larger
diameter. Terminated at wars end.
Mine Exploder T4: British Crab II.
Mine Excavator T4: Plough device developed in 1942. Impractical
and was abandoned.
Mine Excavator T5: Like T4 but plough was v shaped. Modified version
of this was designated T5E1.
Mine Excavator T2E2: Late 1943 was modified T5E1 with arms and
hydraulic lift gear from the M1 dozer so plough could be raised or lowered.
Mine Excavator T6: Design based on v shaped plough. Unsatisfactory
due to inability to control depth.
Mine Excavator T5E3: Angled plough was mounted on front of M1 dozer
assembly.
Mine Exploder T7: Late 1943, consisted of frame carrying small
rollers each made of 2 discs. Unsatisfactory and abandoned.
Mine Exploder T8: Steel plungers carried on a pivoted frame. Beat
up and down on the ground as vehicle moved forward. Steering was adversely
affect. "Johnnie Walker"
Mine Exploder T9: Six foot roller. Difficult to maneuver.
Mine Exploder T9E1: Lighter T9 but unsatisfactory as sometimes
failed to explode mines.
Mine Exploder T10: Remote controlled mine exploder with a tricycle
unit placed under tank and controlled by following tank. Unwieldy and
cancelled.
Mine Exploder T11: With 6 mortars to fire forward. Experimental
only.
Mine Exploder T12: 23 mortars. Proved effective but was cancelled.
Mine Exploder T14: M4 tank with added belly armor and heavy duty
tracks. Cancelled at war end.
Mine Resistant Vehicle T15, T15E1, T15E2: Similar to T14 and cancelled
at war end.
Snake Equipment for M4: Push snake explosive charge in front of
vehicle and detonated. Not used.
E4R2-5R1, E4R3-5R1, (M3-4-3) Flame guns: Mounted in place of hull
machine gun. Was a kit and fitted in field.
E4R4-4R 5-6RC Flame gun: Fitted to hull machine gun and fuel container
carried in the tank.
POA Flame thrower: US Navy Mk I flame thrower fitted inside a 105
mm barrel with breech removed. Used in Pacific.
POA-CWS 75-H1: Used 75 mm barrel.
POA-CWS 75-H2: Projector attached to right side of 75 mm gun.
E6-R1 Flame gun: Kit that fit in the periscope aperture in the
assistant driver's hatch.
E7-7 Flame gun: Short projector which replaced main gun. Fuel carried
in hull.
Ronson Flame gun: Canadian Ronson flame thrower. Used by USMC.
M4 Crocodile: Used British Crocodile equipment. 4 were used by
2nd Armored Division in Europe.
E1 Anti-personnel Tank Projector: Four projectors put on hull to
help ward of suicide troops. Cancelled at war end.
Rocket Launcher T34 Calliope: 60 4-6" rocket tubes mounted
above the turret. 2 sets if 12 tubes on bottom. First used by 2nd Armored
Division in France. Limited combat.
Rocket Launcher T34E1: 14 tubes in 2 bottom units.
Rocket Launcher T34E2: Longer and held 60 7.2" rockets. Saw
limited combat in 1945.
Rocket Launcher T39: Mount of enclosed box with doors over tubes.
20 7.2" rockets. Experimental only.
Rocket Launcher T40(M17) WhizBang: Box like frame with 20 7.2"
rockets. Saw some combat in 1944-45.
Rocket Launcher T40 short version: Shorter rocket tubes.
Rocket Launcher T72: Short tubes like T34 but never used.
Rocket Launcher T73: Similar to T40 but only 10 rockets. Never
used.
Rocket Launcher T76: M4A1 with 7.2" rocket replacing main
gun. Never used.
Rocket Launcher T105: M4A1 with box like case instead of main gun.
Never used.
Multiple Rocket Launcher T99: 2 box like mounts with 22 4.5"
rockets mounted on the turret. Never used.
Multiple Gun Motor Carriage T52: Developed by Firestone with 2
40 mm or one 40 mm and 2 .50 cal MGs in a ball traversing turret. Was
too slow and project terminated in October 1944.
Demolition Tank T31: M4A3 HVSS with 105 mm howitzer and 2 7.2"
rockets mounted in turret. Never used.
British Service:
Nicknamed Sherman and name stuck. Saw action with the 8th
Army at the Battle of Alamein on Oct 24, 1942. Major deliveries were of
the M4A4.
Sherman I: M4.
Sherman Hybrid I: Late production M4 with cast hull.
Sherman IB: M4 105 mm.
Sherman IBY: M4 105 mm HVSS, delivered late 1945.
Sherman IC
Sherman II
Sherman IIA: 76mm.
Sherman IIC Firefly: With 17 pdr gun. Was in Normandy landings
and only allied tank that could take on Tiger
and Panther tanks. Initially issued
1 per troop due to shortage of 17 pdr.
Sherman Scorpion IV: Scorpion equipment mounted on Sherman II in
North Africa in May 1943.
Sherman II (M32B1), ARV Mk III: M32 B1 TRV.
Sherman III
Sherman IIIAY: With 76 mm, wet stowage and HVSS. Delivered late
1944.
Sherman III, ARV Mk I: With turret removed and fitted with winch
and a-frame.
Sherman Kangaroo: 8th Army converted 75 Sherman IIIs in Italy.
Room for 10 infantry men.
Sherman III and V DD: Original conversions adding a screen erected
by rubber tubing filled with air. Two propellers drove vehicle at 4 knots.
Sherman III and V DD Mk I: Strengthened top rail.
Sherman III DD Mk II: Mk I with small improvements.
Sherman III and IIIAY DD Mk III: American conversions for British.
Had HVSS and 76 mm gun. In service late 1945.
Sherman IV
Sherman IVA: With 76 mm, wet stowage.
Sherman IVB: 105 mm.
Sherman IVC Firefly: With 17 pdr.
Sherman V
Sherman VC Firefly: With 17 pdr. Hull MG and gunner deleted to
increase ammo storage.
Sherman V (Rocket): Filed modification by Coldstream Guards, Guards
Armored Division. Provided twin launchers for 60 lb aircraft rockets on
side of Sherman V turret. Modifications not adopted elsewhere.
Sherman V, ARV Mk I: With turret removed and fitted with winch
and a-frame.
Sherman V, ARV Mk II: With dummy turret and dummy gun.
Sherman VII: M4A6. Few if any delivered to Britain.
Sherman VIIC: With 17 pdr.
Sherman Gun Tower: Converted in Italy for towing 17 pdr anti-tank
gun.
Sherman Badger: M4A2 HVSS fitted with Wasp equipment. Developed
in Canada in 1945.
Sherman BARV: Modified for deep wading for Normandy landing. Could
work in 9' of water. 52 delivered.
Sherman Fascine Carrier: 79th Armored Division removed turret and
carried 2 or 3 fascines. Not used.
Sherman OP/Command/Rear Link: Extra radio equipment.
Sherman Twaby Ark: Bridging vehicle similar to Churchill
Ark. Used in training.
Sherman Octopus: Similar to Ark with longer ramps.
Sherman Plymouth: Turret removed to carry Bailey bridge. Used in
Italy.
Sherman Pram: Flails and rollers carried on 2 rotor arms. Used
experimentally only.
Sherman Marquis: Flail assembly that could be lifted. Rotor drive
engine was carried in compartment where turret was removed. Originally
called Octopus.
Sherman Lobster: Similar to Marquis but power was taken from tank
engines and turret remained.
Sherman Crab I and II: Developed in June 1943 and brigade attached
to 79th Armored Division. Had 43 flails. Organized in troops of 5 and
were allocated to local commanders. Mk II had a contouring device to better
cover rough ground.
Sherman with CIRD: Identical to Churchill
CIRD.
Sherman with AMRCR: Similar to Churchill
AMRCR.
Sherman with Centipede: 12 concrete rollers intended to explode
German S mines. Used in limited numbers.
Sherman V Adder: Had armored tank at rear of vehicle. Not used.
Sherman Salamander: Wasp flame thrower equipment added. Some used
inside of dummy barrel. Not used.
Sherman Crocodile: 4 converted for American use.
|
M4, M4A1, M4A2, M4A3, M4A4, M4A6 |
M4 (105 mm), M4A3 (105 mm) |
M4 (76 mm), M4A1 (76 mm) M4A2 (76
mm), M4A3 (76 mm) |
Crew |
Commander, gunner, loader, driver, co-driver/hull gunner |
Commander, gunner, loader, driver, co-driver/hull gunner |
Commander, gunner, loader, driver, co-driver/hull gunner |
Physical Characteristics |
|
|
|
Weight |
M4: 66,500 lb
A1: 66,502 lb
A2: 69,000 lb
A3: 68,500 lb
A4, A6: 71,000 lb
A4: 34.8 tons |
M4: 66,500 lb
M4A3: 68,500 lb |
M4/A1: 70,000 lb
M4A2: 72,800 lb
M4A3: 71,100 lb |
Length w/gun |
M4: 19' 4"
A1: 19' 2"
A2: 19' 5"
A3: 19' 5.5"
A4, A6: 19' 10.5" |
M4: 19' 4"
M4A3: 19' 4.5" |
M4/A1: 24' 3"
M4A2: 24' 7"
M4A3: 24' 7" |
Length w/o gun |
A4: 19' 10.5" |
|
M4/A1:20' 4"
M4A2: 20' 8"
M4A3: 20' 7.5" |
Height |
9' |
9' 2 11/16" |
9' 9" |
Width |
8' 7" |
8' 7" |
8' 9.5" |
Ground clearance |
M4, A1: 17 1/8"
A4, A6: 15.75" |
17 1/8" |
17 1/8" |
Ground contact length |
M4, A1, A2, A3: 12' 3"
A4, A6: 13' 6" |
12' 4" |
12' 4" |
Ground pressure (psi) |
M4, A1: 13.7 psi
A2: 14.2 psi
A3: 14.1 psi
A4, A6: 13.4 psi |
M4: 13.7 psi
M4A3: 14.1 psi |
M4/A1: 14.4 psi
M4A2: 14.9 psi
M4A3: 14.6 psi |
Turret ring diameter |
|
|
|
Armament (mm) |
|
|
|
Main |
75 mm M3, L/40 |
105 mm howitzer M4 |
76 mm M1A1 or M1A2 |
Secondary |
|
|
|
MG |
.50 cal AA
.30 cal coaxial, hull |
.30 MG coaxial, bow
.50 MG AA |
.30 hull, coaxial
.50 AA |
Side arms |
M3 2" Mortar
M2 Tripod mount .30 cal MG
.45 cal submachine gun |
M3 2" Mortar
M2 .30 cal MG Tripod
.45 cal Submachine gun
Grenades |
M3 2" Mortar
M2 .30 cal Tripod MG
5: .45 cal Submachine guns
Grenades |
Quantity |
|
|
|
Main |
M4: 97
A1: 90
A2, A3, A4, A6: 97 |
66 |
71 |
Secondary |
|
|
|
MG |
300
4,750 |
4,000
300 |
6,250
600 |
Side arms |
12
600 |
18
600
12 |
18
900
12 |
Armor Thickness (mm) |
|
|
|
Hull Front, Upper |
50 |
50 |
63 |
Hull Front, Lower |
38 |
38 |
38 |
Hull Sides, Upper |
38 |
38 |
38 |
Hull Sides, Lower |
38 |
38 |
38 |
Hull Rear |
38 |
38 |
38 |
Hull Top |
25 |
25 |
19 |
Hull Bottom |
12 |
12 |
12 |
Turret Front |
75 |
75 |
63 |
Turret Sides |
50 |
50 |
63 |
Turret Rear |
50 |
|
63 |
Turret Top |
25 |
25 |
12 |
Engine (Make / Model) |
M4: Continental R-975
A2: GM 6-71 6046
A3: GAA-III V-WC
A4: Chrysler 5-line WC
A6: Caterpillar RD-1820 |
|
|
Cylinders |
M4: 9 |
|
|
Net HP |
M4, A1: 353 |
|
|
Transmission |
Synchromesh, 5 forward 1 reverse |
|
|
Fuel type |
M4, A1: Gasoline |
|
|
Octane |
M4, A1: 80 |
|
|
Capacity |
M4, A1: 175 gallons
A2: 148 gallons
A3: 174 gallons
A4: 150, 160 gallons
A6: 150 gallons |
175 gallons |
175 gallons
M4A2: 148 gallons |
Performance |
|
|
|
Traverse |
360° (36°/sec) |
360° |
360° (36°/sec) |
Max Speed |
M4, A1: 24 mph
A2: 29 mph
A3: 26 mph
A4, A6: 25 mph |
M4: 24 mph
M4A3: 26 mph |
M4/A1: 24 mph
M4A2: 29 mph
M4A3: 26 mph |
Cross Country |
15-20 mph |
|
|
Road radius |
M4: 120 miles
A1: 120 miles
A2: 150 miles
A3: 130 miles
A4, A6: 100 miles |
M4: 120 miles
M4A3: 130 miles |
M4/A1: 85 miles
M4A2/A3: 100 miles |
Turning Radius |
62' |
62' |
|
Elevation Limits |
+25° to -10°
A4: -12° to +8° |
+35° to -10° |
+25° to -10° |
Fording depth |
M4: 3'
A3: 3' 4"
A4, A6: 3' 6" |
3' |
M4/A1: 3'
M4A2: 3' 4" |
Trench crossing |
M4, A1, A2, A3: 7' 5"
M4, M6: 8' |
7' 5" |
7' 6" |
Vertical Obstacle |
2' |
2' |
2' |
Suspension (Type) |
Vertical volute |
Vertical volute |
Vertical volute |
Wheels each side |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Return rollers each side |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Track length |
|
|
|
Tires |
|
|
|
Track width |
16.5" |
|
23" |
Track centers/tread |
6' 11" |
7' 1" |
7' 1" |
Production |
|
Type
|
Total*
|
Dates
|
Location, Date, Quantity*
|
M4 |
6,748
|
7/42-1/44 |
3/1941: Lima, Pressed Steel, and Pacific Car & Foundry
Pressed Steel from July 1942-August 1943: 1,000
Baldwin Jan 1943- Jan 1944: 1,233
American Loco Feb-Dec 1943: 2,150
Pullman May-Sept 1943: 689
Detroit Arsenal Aug 1943 - Jan 1944: 1,676 |
M4(105) |
1,641
|
2/44-3/45 |
M4A1 |
6,281
|
2/42-12/43 |
Lima Feb 1942 - Sept 1943: 1,655
Pacific Car & Foundry Apr 1942 - Nov 1943: 926
Pressed Steel Mar 1942 - Dec 1943: 3,700 |
M4A1(76)W |
3,426
|
1/44-7/45 |
M4A2 |
8,053
|
4/42-5/44 |
Fisher/Grand Blanc Apr 1942 - May 1944: 4,614
Pullman Apr 1942 - Sept 1943: 2,737
American Loco Sept 1942 - Apr 1943: 150
Baldwin Oct-Nov 1942: 12
Federal Welder Dec 1942 - Dec 1943: 540 |
M4A2(76)W |
2,915
|
5/44-5/45 |
M4A3 |
1,690
|
6/42-9/43 |
Ford June 1942 - Sept 1943: 1,690
Grand Blanc Feb 1944 - Mar 1945: 1,381 |
M4A3(105) |
3,039
|
5/44-6/45 |
M4A3(75)W |
3,071
|
2/44-3/45 |
M4A3(76)W |
4,542
|
3/44-4/45 |
M4A3E2 |
254
|
6/44-7/44 |
M4A4 |
7,499
|
7/42-11/43 |
Detroit Arsenal |
M4A6 |
75
|
10/43-2/44 |
Detroit Arsenal |
Total |
49,234
|
2/42-7/45 |
* The columns may not add up as the information was from 2 different sources
|
|