Sherman Firefly (Medium Tank, M4A4)

History of the Sherman Firefly (Medium Tank, M4A4)

Externally, the Sherman Firefly series tank destroyer is identical to the M4 Sherman-based tank destroyer. Closer inspection will reveal that the British-designed system was ultimately capable of taking on the mighty German Tiger and Panther tanks at range.

The Sherman Firefly, despite its seemingly limited production, became one of the most important Sherman tank derivatives of World War II.

From the outset, Allied tank crews were at a disadvantage against well-armored German tanks, as their numbers and resourcefulness could often overwhelm their opponents. This caused Allied tank crews to adjust melee attacks to the flanks or rear of German units. The British and Americans were already looking for an improved version of the successful M4 (or "M4 Sherman") medium tank, as this weapon system was readily available in quantity and with a steady stream of examples rolling off the assembly line. record speed. Some members of the US military have proposed adding a 90mm main gun to the existing M4 superstructure, while others have ensured that tank-to-tank combat should be handled by specialized tank destroyer components. Others were concerned about the recoil effect and overall imbalance of adding this weapon to an already heavy Sherman design.

Still others were hesitant at the prospect of having to redesign an entirely new turret system to use the weapon.

Going it alone, the Brits are not worried about the prospect. From 1943, when the Germans were able to mount their anti-tank guns on existing Panther tanks, the British proposed to mount their 76.2mm anti-tank guns (also known as "17-pounders") on Concept on the Sherman tank.

The 17-pounder was comparable to the German 75mm gun and was recognized as an excellent penetrator for known armor configurations due to its superior propellant and longer barrel. An early Sherman model of the turret, which the British Army already had, proved to be a suitable testing ground for the concept, and the Firefly was immediately put into service.

It was quickly issued to each armored brigade - usually made up of five tanks - one of which was replaced with a Firefly.

Made three Firefly variants identified by the type of Sherman chassis used. In British service, the M4 medium tank was known as the "Sherman", followed by a Roman numeral to distinguish each brand. As such, Sherman I (which was the basis for the M4 Sherman) was used in the new Sherman Firefly, Sherman I Hybrid (M4 composite - called sch due to the welded and cast hull structure) and Sherman V (M4A4 Sherman).

In total, about 2,000 Sherman Fireflies will be in service.

Now, when the Americans see the fruits of the British's labor, they want to come in and order up to 160 fireflies. The shortage of British Army (and M4 Sherman chassis in general) and cultural prejudice within the US Army (it had to be "made by Americans in America" ??to be of value to the US Army) meant that the American order didn't come to fruition in the end even though there were actually 100 of these modified Shermans in the U.S.

Army inventory at the end of the war it just never saw action on the battlefield.

Fireflies now give allies some ranged power, and Fireflies can effectively engage targets up to 1000 yards away. In the final months of the war, as more and more powerful munitions became available, the destructive power of the Firefly became a growing problem for the Axis tank crews.

The arrival of the Sherman Firefly was so clear that German anti-tank personnel and tanks were explicitly ordered to engage and destroy the Firefly, the first priority of any engagement.

It should be noted that these Sherman modifications to the Firefly essentially inherit the "reasonable" armor protection of their original design, meaning that the new Firefly design has no additional armor protection. Therefore, Firefly tank crews can still fear for their own safety when in enemy fire.

The Fireflies appeared on the Normandy beaches in 1944 and were later attached to the Standard Tank Battalion, although the original purpose was for the Fireflies to form their own tank swarms.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

77 x 76. 2mm projectile.

5,000x7.62mm ammo.

Changes