Product Description
The M4A3 Sherman was the most produced variant of all the 7 Sherman models manufactured and was used predominantly by U.S. Forces during the War, the other main user of the A3 model being the Free French Army later in 1944. Of the nearly 50,000 Sherman’s produced between 1942-1945 over 12,500 of them were the A3 model. Manufactured by Ford, GM/Fisher Body and Chrysler the M4A3 had a fully welded hull like the original M4 but had fewer components so less welding was required. Two hull types were used – the first having a 57 degree glacis with small hatches, a protruding armoured Driver and co-Driver hoods, while later models had a 47 degree slope with thicker armour which eliminated the hoods, providing increased protection and creating larger crew hatches. All M4A3’s were fitted with a newer single-piece cast transmission housing in place of the older three-piece bolted type. This cast housing came in two different types, the earlier ‘round nose’ type and the later ‘sharp nose’ type. While the VVSS suspension was initially used newer steel pressed road wheels were later introduced, though the older spoked type wheels could still be seen on vehicles at the end of the War. New track types were also seen including all steel T54E1 (as seen on this model) and the T48 rubber chevron type which was widely used on U.S. vehicles. Later A3 versions used the newer much improved HVSS system with wider tracks which improved overall stability, weight distribution and reduced track throwing. The basic Sherman Turret remained the same though it was modified with the addition of a loader’s hatch on the turret roof and later with the much improved all round vision commander cupolas. The introduction of the 76mm gun would require a newer larger T23 Turret to accommodate this larger gun along with a larger mantlet. The M4A3 was initially armed with the standard 75mm gun but subsequently upgraded to the more effective 76mm. The 105mm Howitzer was also used by A3 models. The large volume of manufacturing for the War effort obviously saw the need for extra engines, hence the introduction of the Ford GAA V8 petrol engine. This engine was used in all M4A3’s and is still the largest petrol-powered aluminium engine ever produced. This 18,026cc engine produced 500bhp at 2600rpm and 1400nm torque. It was the only Sherman power pack specifically designed as a Tank engine, unlike the earlier Wright/Continental R975. The GAA became the engine of choice for U.S. tanks and was also used in the M10, M7, some M74’s and later in the M26. Of all the Shermans the M4A3 had the largest number of modifications and changes and was the basis for the later “Easy 8” and “Jumbo” models. It was still used by the U.S. some 10 years later in Korea and until the 1980’s, in heavily modified form, by Israel.
Safety Warning
Keep away from water