The M4 Sherman was one of the most important and famous tanks used during the Second World War. Furthermore, the vehicle was the most used medium tank by the United States and the Allies in the conflict, particularly in North Africa, Western Europe and Italy. It can be said that the Sherman formed the backbone of U.S. armored units in World War II.
The vehicle was built taking the American M3 medium tank as a model. Lee (see article Allied medium tanks: the Lee/Grant M3).
It was conceived and designed in 1940 and the first prototype of the tank Sherman It was completed in September 1941. The vehicle entered active service with the U.S. Army in February 1942.
In total, more than 49000 units were built (including the different versions). It is worth noting that the vehicle was relatively “simple” to build, which allowed for a considerable production. Furthermore, from Sherman Various armored fighting vehicles were created, including infantry support vehicles, troop transporters, self-propelled artillery and tank destroyers.
Thanks to its engine and design, it Sherman It was fast and maneuverable, characteristics that made it effective in combat.
The armament initially consisted of a 75 mm gun, but in later versions a 76 mm gun was installed to more effectively counter German tanks. However, one of the tank's weak points was its armour: significantly lighter than that of the tanks Tiger e Panther (see article German tanks: the Panzer V Panther).
The US Army used the Sherman until 1957. Many others continued to employ the vehicle (improved and enhanced versions) in combat in numerous conflicts in the second half of the XNUMXth century.
The M4 medium tank Sherman (depending on the variant) had a length of 5,84/6,27 m, width 2,62/3 m, height 2,74/2,97 m and weighed 30/34 tons.
Armor was 12,7–177,8 mm. Armament consisted of a 75 mm gun, a 76 mm gun (later), and 7,62 mm and 12,7 mm Browning machine guns.
Engine: Continental R9 975-cylinder radial petrol engine, 400 hp (models M4 and M4A1). Maximum speed was approximately 40 km/h on the road.
The vessel could count on a crew of 5 men.
