M4A3(76)W HVSS Sherman (Easy Eight / M4A3E8)

History

During World War II (1939-1945), the classic American M4 Sherman medium tank underwent many tests and programs to help the series maintain a viable presence on the battlefield - especially against the latest generation of German tanks. This ultimately resulted in the Sherman going through several "generations" of production during its lifetime.

The First Sheerman inherited several of the shortcomings of the M3 Grant medium tank line - on which they were largely based - including narrow track links and a vertical volute spring suspension (VVSS) system that resulted in poor ground performance.

Even as the war raged, active work was carried out to improve the quality of the Sherman, which led to the completion of the "Horizontal Volute Suspension System" (HVSS) as well as wider links. While adding a heavier and wider tank offering, it improves the vehicle's working ground pressure. HVSS was applied to the M4A3 production model, resulting in the HVSS designation M4A3E8 / M4A3(76)W - nicknamed "Easy Eight".

The new car is also equipped with a larger caliber 76mm high-velocity main gun, has a welded body (as opposed to a cast body), and is powered by a Ford GAA V8 gasoline engine. The improved mass improved firepower (bringing the primary weapon closer to the capabilities of the German 75mm gun), armor protection and performance of earlier Sherman models.

Production form was available as early as August 1944, the variant was introduced in December of that year and fought at the Battle of the Bulge and beyond. However, despite the changes, this did not permanently solve the persistent problems of medium tanks in the battle against their German counterparts. The Sherman "Jumbo" (detailed elsewhere on this page) did more to make up for the missing qualities - it had significantly improved armor protection and carried a heavier gun.

In addition to its role as a medium tank, the Jumbo (M4A3E2) is also classified as an "Assault Tank".

In August 1944, Easy Eights produced a total of 2,617 examples. These are done by Detroit Tank Arsenal and Fisher Tank Arsenal.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

95 x 75 mm bullet.

300 times. 50 caliber ammunition.

4,750 times. 30-06 caliber ammunition.

Changes