Tank M4 Sherman Engine. Weight. Dimensions. Armament. Main American Middle Tank M4 "Sherman Tank Creating History

M4 Sherman What it is - the main American average tank of the period of World War II. It was widely used in the American army at all places of hostilities, as well as in large quantities, was supplied to allies (primarily the UK and the USSR) under the Land Liza program.

Tank M4 Sherman - Video

After the Second World War "Sherman" consisted of arms of many countries of the world, and also participated in a variety of post-war conflicts. In the US Army, M4 was in service until the end of the Korean War. The name "Sherman" (in honor of the American General of the Civil War of William Sherman) Tank M4 received in the English army, after which this name was entrenched for the tank in the American and other armies. The Soviet tankists had a nickname "EMCH" (from M4).

M4 became the main American tank platform during World War II, and a large number of special modifications, sau, engineering equipment were created at its base.

From February 1942 to July 1945, 49,234 tank were released (not counting Canadian production). This is the third (after T-34 and T-54) the most massive tank in the world, as well as the most massive tank of American production.

By the beginning of World War II, the United States approached, without having in production and in service with any model of a medium or heavy tank, except 18 pieces M2. Enemy tanks were supposed to destroy anti-tank artillery or self-propelled anti-tank guns. Urgently developed on the basis of M2 and the M3 Li Tank made into production did not satisfy the military already at the development stage, and the requirements for a new tank, intended for its replacement, were released on August 31, 1940, even before the end of the work on M3. It was assumed that the new tank will be used already spent and developed by the industry M3 nodes, but its main tool will be located in the tower. Nevertheless, the works were suspended, up to complete development and production of the previous model, and began only on February 1, 1941. The prototype, called T6, appeared on September 2, 1941.

T6 retained many features of its predecessor M3, inheriting him low part Cases, chassis design, engine, as well as 75 mm M2 tank gun. Unlike M3, T6 received a cast case and a classical layout with the placement of the main weapons in the rotating cast tower, which saved it from most of the most characteristic M3 deficiencies.

The tank was quickly standardized, received the designation M4, and in February 1942 its mass production began. The first tanks belonged to the M4A1 option with a cast case, and Lima Locomotive Works were produced under a contract with the British army. Despite the fact that the tank was supposed to be equipped with an instrument M3, due to the unpretentiousness of the new gun, the first tanks received a 75-mm gun M2, borrowed from the predecessor.

M4 was easier, technological and cheaper in production than M3. The cost of various options M4 fluctuated in the area of \u200b\u200b$ 45,000- $ 50,000 (in prices of 1945), and was about 10% lower than the value of M3. The most expensive was M4A3E2 (Sherman Jumbo), he cost $ 56 812.

The 75-mm Sherman tool was suitable for supporting infantry and allowed a tank during use in North Africa to resist PZKPFW III and PZKPFW IV. The magnifier of the m3 instrument was lower than KWK 40 L / 48. Shortly before the completion of the battle in North Africa, the tank begins to confront PZKPFW VI Tiger I, which was completely superior to M4 and could only be destroyed by a joint attack of several Shermans with close distance And rear.

At first, the artillery and technical service began to develop the average T20 tank as a substitute for Sherman, but the US Army decided to minimize the separation of production and began upgrading the Sherman using the nodes of other tanks. Thus appeared modifications M4A1, M4A2, and M4A3 with a larger tower T23, equipped with a 76 mm m1 gun with improved anti-tank properties.

After the "day d" "Tigers" were rare, nevertheless, half of all German tanks on the West Front were "Panthers", which clearly exceeded the early Sherman's early models. Shermans with a 76-mm gun were sent to Normandy in July 1944. Anti-tank properties of 76 mm gun M1 were about equal to the T-34/85 T-34/85 instrument. M4A1 became the first "Sherman" with a new tool applied in real battle, after him in battle tested M4A3. By the end of the war, half of the American "Shermanov" was equipped with a 76 mm tool.

One of the most important improvements "Sherman" was the processing of suspension. Combat application The short service life of the spring suspension, taken from the M3 tank, and did not stand the biggest weight of Sherman. Despite the high speed on the highway and in the crossed terrain, the tank's passability sometimes left much to be desired. In desert North America Rubber caterpillars worked well, in the hilly landscape of Italy "Shermans" exceeded German tanks in the passability. On the soft surface, such as snow or dirt, narrow tracks showed the worse permeability than German tanks. To temporarily solve this problem, the US Army has released special trunks of the tract (installation), increasing the width of the trad. These wallpapers included in the factory configuration of the M4A3E2 JUMBO model to compensate the increased weight of the machine.

To eliminate these disadvantages, a new HVSS suspension has been developed (Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension). In this suspension, the buffer springs were moved from the vertical position to the horizontal. HVSS and the new caterpillar increased the mass of the car by 1300 kg (with T66 tracts) or 2100 kg (with heavier T80).

The new model received the designation E8 (which is why M4 C HVSS tanks had a nickname "Easy Eight"). A 76 mm gun was installed on the tank (the initial speed of the anti-tank projectile was 780 m / c, the shell punched 101 mm of reservation at a distance of 900m).

M4A3E8 production began in March 1944 and lasted until April 1945. The new tank entered the 3 (English) Russian. and 7 armies (eng.) Russian. In Europe, where he received the nickname "Super Sherman". Despite the fact that the tank still could not still hide with the "panther" or "tigr", its reliability and powerful weapons provided him with a long life.

After deploying full-scale mass production of M4 tanks and the line of derivative models of armored vehicles, International Harvester Corp. Corporation. Won a state contract for the production of three thousand average m7 tanks, however, the contract was soon recalled by the Customer and only seven serial samples were produced.

Production

The experimental prototype T6 was manufactured by the servicemen of the Aberdeen test landfill. Ten major American contractors from the private sector (in the field of mechanical engineering and production of rail rolling stock), each of which was responsible for the release of one or another modification of a tank or armored personnel on its chassis (indicating the structural units and modifications produced).

Of which at Lima, Paccar and Prased Steel plants, 6281 M4 tanks were produced by December 1943. At Chrysler and Fisher factories, 3071 M4A3 tanks were produced. In total, by the end of World War II, 49422 M4 tanks of all modifications and armored vehicles on its chassis were released (traditionally it was customary to round this figure to fifty thousand). 35919 tanks were produced by the locomotive industry enterprises (or 41% of the total tank produced). In general, the steam-employed enterprises were more prepared for the transition to a tank building than the automotive industry, which had to catch up with their production and quality of production directly in the production process, and, and the first successfully combined the production of tanks with the release of industrial rail rolling stock, manufactured in the same Workshops and on the same equipment as armored vehicles. In addition to American contractors, the release, repair and re-equipment of tanks, individual components and aggregates, engineering companies were engaged in other States parties to the anti-Hitler coalition. Own production was established in Canada:

Montreal Locomotive Works - only 1144 M4 tanks, of which 188 GRIZZLY I tanks.

Not all enterprises have a complete production cycle, so in addition to the production of tanks and assembly buildings, the production of tank towers was engaged in a limited number of enterprises supplying them to all the rest for the assembly. In addition, not all of the enterprises listed above had the possibilities of the engine, so even aircraft companies were connected to the production of the motor-transmission group.

The release of tank guns was established on the Watervilitian Arsenal of the US Army, Watetervit, New York, as well as in the following private enterprises:

Empire Ordnance Corporation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
- Cowdrey Machine Works, Fitchburg, Massachusetts;
- General Motors OldSmobile Division.

Design

The M4 tank has a classic English layout, with the placement of the engine compartment from the back, and the transmission - front of the tank. There is a combat department between them, the circular rotation tower is installed almost in the center of the tank. Such a layout is generally characteristic of American and German medium and heavy tanks of the time of VMV. Despite the refusal of sponsonic placement of the main tank gun, the height of the tank hull, albeit less compared to M3, still remained significant. The main reason for this is the vertical location of the star-like aircraft engine applied on this tank, as well as the front location of the transmission, which determines the presence of a high box for drive gear from the engine to the box.

Armor hull and tower

The building of most modifications of the M4 tank has a welded construction of rolled armored steel sheets. NLD, which is simultaneously lid the transmission compartment, cast, the team of three parts with a fastening on the bolts (subsequently replaced by a single part). In the production process, there were many variants of a tank hull, a slightly different form and very significantly - manufacturing technology. It was originally assumed that the tank would have a cast body, but due to the difficulties with the mass production of such a size casting, the cast case received only the M4A1, which was produced simultaneously with the welded M4.

The lower part of the housing was the same as that of the M3 tank, except that welding was used for the manufacture, and not a chip, including tanks with a cast case. In the first versions of the tank, the top front part of the housing had a slope of 56 degrees and a thickness of 51 mm. VLD was weakened by the promotion with the tasteings of inspection devices. At later modifications, the hatch was moved to the roof of the housing, the VLD became whole, but due to the transfer of the hatch, it had to make a more vertical, 47 degrees.

The board of the body consists of vertically installed armor sheets with a thickness of 38 mm, the same booking has the rear part. On the prototype, in board the tank there was a fairly large hatch for the crew, but they abandoned the mass machines.

In the bottom of the case behind the place of the Radrute Arrow there is a hatch designed to relatively safely leaving the tank by the crew on the battlefield under the enemy fire. In some cases, this hatch was used for evacuation from the battlefield of wounded infantrymen or members of the crews of other tanks, since the internal space "Sherman" was large enough to temporarily place a few more people in it.

Tank tank cast, cylindrical shape with a small feed niche, installed on a pursuit with a diameter of 1750 mm with a ball bearing, the thickness of the armor of the backyer of the Tower 76 mm, the side and the stern of the tower of 51 mm. The head of the tower is skilled at an angle of 60 °, the gun mask has a booking of 89 mm. The roof of the tower has a thickness of 25 mm, the roof of the case from 25 mm in front of up to 13 mm in the rear of the tank. In the roof of the tower there is a commander hatch, which is also input for the gunner and charging. In the Late Production Towers (since August 1944) there is a separate hatch for charging. The cover of the commander hatch is bivalve, the hatch is installed a zenith machine gun. The mechanism of rotation of the tower electro-hydraulic or electric, with the possibility of manual turn in case of refusal of mechanisms, the total turnover time is 15 seconds. In the left side of the tower there is an ambrusura for shooting from a pistol, closed by broncetic. In February 1943, the pistol ambrusura refused, but according to the requirements of the military introduced it back in early 1944.

The ammunition of the gun is placed in horizontal wake-ups located on the sides of the hull in the tumor shelves (one alert in the left sponson, two in the right), in a horizontal ammunition on the polishing of the tower basket, as well as in the vertical wagging in the back of the basket. Outside on board the housing in the placement places, additional armor plates with a thickness of 25 mm (with the exception of the tanks of the earliest series) are welcome. The combat use of Shermanov showed that when the armor-piercing shells hit in the board, the tank is inclined to the ignition of the powder charges of ammunition. Since mid-1944, the tank received a new design of the ammunition, which were transferred to the floor of the battle office, and water mixed with antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor was poured into the intervals between the shells of the shells. Such tanks were obtained in the designation index "(W)", and outwardly differed from earlier options for the absence of additional side armor plates. The "wet" the alert had a much smaller tendency to fire when defeating the sides of the tank shells, as well as in the fire.

Most of the released tanks had an inner paddle from Penorezine, designed to protect the crew from secondary fragments when the tank was defeated by the shells.

Armament

75 mm M3

When M4 went into mass production, its main weapons were an American tank gun 75 mm M3 L / 37.5, inherited from the late variants of the M3 tank. In the tanks of the first series, the cannon is mounted in the M34 installation. In October 1942, the installation was upgraded, having received an enhanced gun mask, covered not only the gun itself, but also a paired machine gun with him, as well as a direct telescopic gunner (before that, aiming was conducted through a telescopic sight embedded in the periscope). The new installation received the designation M34A1. The corners of the vertical flooring of the gun -10 ... + 25 °.

M3 has a caliber of 75 mm, the length of the barrel of 37.5 calibers (40 calibers - the full length of the gun), a wedge semi-automatic shutter, unitary charge. Pitch of cuts 25.59 calibers.

M3 generally corresponded to the Soviet F-34, and had a slightly smaller length of the trunk, similar caliber and armoredness. The gun was effective against German lungs and medium tanks (except for the latest modifications of PZKPFW IV), and in general, quite consistent with the requirements of time.

The gun is equipped with a gyroscopic stabilizer "Westingauses", which operated in the vertical plane. The unusual of the installation of guns in the tank is that it is mounted by 90 degrees to the left relative to the longitudinal axis of the gun. This greatly facilitated the work of the charging, because with such mounting, the gate controls are moving horizontally, and not vertically.
The buzz is 90 shots.

76 mm M1

During the war with the advent of the PZKPFW IV middle tanks in the German armored parts with long-term 75-mm cannons, medium tanks PZKPFW V "Panther" and heavy tanks PZKPFW VI "Tiger" there was a problem of insufficient armor of American 75-mm guns M3. To solve this problem, work was carried out on the installation on the M4 T23 Tower Tower T23 with a 76-mm long-term gun M1 in the M62 mask. The serial release of M4 tanks with T23 tower continued from January 1944 to April 1945. All tanks "Sherman" with 76-mm guns received in the designation "(76)" index. The new tower had a commander turret. Booking T23 Tower Circular, 64 mm.

M1 rush rush, 76.2 mm caliber, 55 caliber barrel length, semi-automatic sliding shutter, unitary charge. There are several vertices of the gun. M1A1 differs from M1 shifted forward supplements for better balancing, M1A1C has a thread at the moon end of the trunk for setting the mural brake M2 (if the muzzle brake is not installed, the thread is closed with a special protective clutch), M1A2 has a shortened step of cuts, 32 caliber instead of 40.

17-pound gun

In the English army, there were also options rearmed by the English anti-tank 17-pound gun MKIV, called Sherman IIC (based on M4A1) and Sherman VC (based on M4A4), more famous under common title Sherman Firefly. The 17-pound gun was installed in the usual tower, the mask-installation was specially designed for this gun. The tool stabilizer was dismantled due to the high weight of the gun trunk.

ORDNANCE 17 POUNDER MK.IV rush rush, caliber 76.2 mm, 55 caliber trunk length, 30 caliber slices step, sliding horizontal shutter, semi-automatic, unitary charging. The gun was equipped with a dool brake with a built-in counterweight.

The ammunition of the gun is 77 shots, and is placed as follows: 5 shots are placed on the floor baskets, another 14 shots - on the site of the driver's assistant, and the remaining 58 shots are in three waters on the floor of the combat department.

Interesting is the fact that the British, who did not satisfy the power of the M3 guns, began work on the equipment of the M4 17-pound gun long before the American command was taken seriously. Since the British were obtained very good results, they offered to the Americans to produce a 17-pound gun under a license and establish it to American Shermans, especially since the new tower was not required for its installation. Due to the reluctance to establish foreign weapons on tanks, Americans, after several experiments, decided to abandon this decision, and began to establish their own less powerful gun M1.

SVDS shells first appeared in the British army in August 1944. By the end of that year, the industry released 37,000 such shells, until the end of the war - another 140000. The shells of the first episodes had significant production defects, which made it possible to use them only at small distances.

105 mm M4 Gaubita

A certain amount of M4 of different types received the American 105-mm M4 Wrought as the main weapon, which was refined for the use of M2A1 as a Gaubic Tank. These tanks were intended for direct artillery infantry support.

The muscle is mounted in the M52 mask, the ammunition is 66 shots, and is placed in the right sponsony (21 shot), as well as on the floor of the combat department (45 shots). Two more shots were kept directly in the tower. The tower does not have a basket, as the latter makes it difficult to access a wagging. Due to the difficulties with the balancing of the tool, there is no stabilizer, in addition, the tower does not have a hydraulic line (it was returned to some tanks in the summer of 1945).

M4 M4 Gubitsa, caliber 105 mm, 24.5 caliber barrel length, 20 caliber slices step. Shutter sliding, unitary charge.

The M4 Gaubice can also fire all types of artillery shots intended for the M101 army warmness. All types of shots, except M67, have a changeable charge.

Auxiliary armament

With a tank gun, the M1919A4 screw caliber machine gun. The fire from a paired machine gun led member, using an electric band, made in the form of a solenoid, reinforced on the machine gun body, and affecting its trigger bracket. The same machine gun is installed in a movable ball mask on the front frontal part, the fire from it led an assistant mechanic-driver. On the roof of the tower, in a turret unit, combined with a commander hatch, a large-caliber machine gun M2H is installed, used as a zenith.

The ammunition is 4750 ammunition for paired and course machine guns, 300 ammunition for a large-caliber machine gun. The cartridge ribbons for the exchange machine gun were placed in the tongue shelf to the right of the driver's assistant, tapes for a paired machine gun on the shelf in a tower niche.

Since June 1943, the tank has been equipped with a 51-mm smoke mortar M3 mounted in the roof of the tower on the left side at an angle of 35 °, so that its treason part is inside the tank. The Mortyka is a licensed version of the English "2 Inch Bomb Thrower MK.i", has a regulator that allows you to fire for a fixed range of 35, 75 and 150 meters, the ammunition 12 smoke charges. Fire from her usually conducted charging. Also used ordinary mines from 50mm mortar.

In order to increase the crew defense, the tanks of all modifications were completed with M2 Machine for M1919 machine gun, Thompson Machine gun.

Crew accommodation, instrument equipment and sighting devices

The crew of the tank consists of five people, for all modifications, except the Sherman Firefly. In the housing of the tank on both sides of the transmission, a driver mechanic (left) and a radio operator (driver assistant) are located, both have hatches on the top of the frontal part (in early modifications) or on the roof of the body in front of the tower (late modifications). In combat department and tower are placed a tank commander, a gunner and charging. The place of the commander is located in the back right side of the tower, there is a gunner in front of him, and all the left half of the tower is given to the charging. The seats of the driver mechanic, the driver's assistant and the tank commander are adjustable, and can move in the vertical direction in a rather wide range, about 30 cm [NO in the source]. Each crew member, except the gunner, has a 360 degree periscopes of the M6 \u200b\u200bobservation, periscoves can also move up and down. The tanks of early models had observed sluts for the driver's mechanic and his assistant, subsequently refused them.

The aimed tools consist of a telescopic sight M55 with a three-time increase, tough on the mask of the gun, and the M4A1 gun periscope, having a built-in telescopic sight M38A2, which could be used as a reserve. Built-in periscope Sight synchronized with an instrument. Two metal pointers are welded on the roof of the tower, which serve that the tank commander can deploy the tower towards the target, leading to the periscope. Course machine gun has no sighting devices. Tanks armed with 105-mm Gaubice received the M77C telescopic sight instead of M38A2. For 76 mm, M47A2 was used instead of M38A2 and M51 instead of M55. Subsequently, the sighting devices were improved. The tank was received by a universal periscope of the m10 gunner (or its modification with an adjustable targeted m76 mesh) with two built-in telescopic sights, with a single and six-time magnification. Periscope could be used with any type of gun. Also installed direct telescopic sights M70 (improved quality), M71 (fivefold increase), M76 (with an extended field of view), M83 (variable 4-8 × zoom). The tank gun has pointers of the angles of vertical and horizontal tip, which allowed to lead a fairly effective artillery fire with closed positions.

The tank is equipped with a radio station mounted in a niche of a radio station of a VHF of one of the three types - SCR 508 with two receivers, SCR 528 with one receiver or SCR 538 without a transmitter. The radio station antenna is displayed from the left back of the roof of the tower. Commander tanks were equipped with an SCR 506 radio station located in the front of the right sponson, with an antenna derived from the right upper part of the VLD. The tank is equipped with an internal BC 605 negotiation device connecting all crew members, and a part of the radio station. An optional Communication kit with the accompanying infantry RC 298, equipped with an external telephone BC 1362, located on the right back of the housing. The tank could also be equipped with an AN / VRC 3 mobile radio station, which served to communicate with the infantry SCR 300 (Walkie Talkie). The T23 Tower has a commander turret with six fixed periscopic observation instruments. The same turret was equipped with late versions of tanks with 105-mm warmts. For action in conditions of poor visibility, the tank is equipped with a gyrocompace. In Europe, the gyrocompasses were practically not used, but were in demand in North Africa during sand stormsAnd also episodically used on the Eastern Front, in winter conditions.

Engine

Among other medium tanks, Sherman is allocated, perhaps the most wide range of engines installed on it. In total, five different versions of the motor installation were installed on the tank, which gave six basic modifications:

M4 and M4A1 - Star Aviation Engine Continental R975 C1, 350 liters. from. With 3500 rpm.
- M4A2 - Scribes of six-cylinder diesel engines GM 6046, 375 liters. from. at 2100 rpm.
- M4A3 - Specially designed gasoline V8FORD GAA, 500 liters. from.
- M4A4 - 30-cylinder power point Chrysler A57 Multibank, consisting of five L6 automotive gasoline engines.
- M4A6 - Diesel Caterpillar RD1820.

Initially, the layout of the tank and the dimensions of the engine compartment were calculated for the star-shaped R975, which gave enough space to install other types of engines. However, the 30-cylinder power unit A57 had dimensions that do not allow it to install it in a standard engine compartment, and in the M4A4 version, the tank received a longer housing, which was also used in M4A6.

In the USSR, M4A2 was supplied under the Lend Liza program, since one of the requirements for the tank in the USSR was the presence of a diesel power plant. In the American army, diesel tanks were not used on the basis of logistics considerations, but were in the marine infantry (had access to diesel fuel) and in curriculum. Also, diesel tanks amounted to approximately half of the UK delivered, where gasoline and diesel engineering applied.

The tank is equipped with a gasoline single-cylinder auxiliary power unit that serves to recharge batteries without starting the main engine, as well as to warm the engine under conditions of low temperatures.

Transmission

The transmission of the tank is located in the front of the housing, the torque from the engine is transmitted to it with a cardan shaft passing in the box along the floor of the combat compartment. Gearbox Mechanical 5-speed, there is a rear gear, 2-3-4-5 transmissions are synchronized. The transmission has a double "CletRAC" type differential and two separate brakes, with which control is performed. Mechanic-driver controls - two levers of brakes (with servo), clutch pedal, gear shift lever, foot and manual accelerator, manual parking brake. Subsequently, the manual parking brake was replaced on the foot.

The cast transmission case is simultaneously the bottom frontal part of the tank case, the lid of the transmission compartment is cast from armor steel, and is attached to the tank body with bolts. Massive details of the transmission to a certain extent were protected by the crew from the damage to armor-piercing projectiles and secondary fragments, but on the other hand, such a design increased the likelihood of damage to the transmission itself when shells in its housing, even if there was no armor breakdown.

In the process of production, the transmission design was not subjected to significant alterations.

Chassis

The tank suspension as a whole corresponds to the one that was used on the tank M3. The suspension is blocked, has three support trolley on each side. Trolleys have two rubberized support rinks, one by one supporting rope on the back side, as well as two vertical buffering springs. The tanks of the earliest episodes, until the summer of 1942, had a suspension with carts from M2, the same as early M3 options. This suspension option is easy to distinguish with supporting rinks located on the tops of the carts.

The caterpillar is broken, with a rubber-dollar parallel hinge, 420 mm wide, 79 tracks on M4, M4A1, M4A2, M4A3, 83 tract on M4A4 and M4A6. Tracts of caterpillars have a steel base. The first variants of the tracks were equipped with a rather thick rubber tread, which was even more thickened to increase the caterpillar resource. With the beginning of Japan's promotion in the Pacific, access to natural rubber has become limited, and tracts with a scanned, welded or screwed steel tread have been developed. Subsequently, the situation with raw materials has improved, and the steel protector began to cover the rubber layer.

The following options experienced:

T41 - a truck with a smooth rubber protector. Could be equipped with spur.
- T48 - Truck with a rubber tread with a primer in the form of Chevron.
- T49 - a truck with three welded steel parallel primers.
- T51 - truck with a smooth rubber protector, the tread thickness is increased compared to T41. Could be equipped with spur.
- T54E1, T54E2 - a truck with a welded steel tread in the form of Chevron.
- T56 - a truck with a simple steel tread on bolts.
- T56E1 - a truck with a steel tread in the form of Chevron on bolts.
- T62 - a truck with a steel tread in the form of Chevron on ripples.
- T47, T47E1 - Truck with three welded steel soils, covered with rubber.
- T74 - a truck with a welded steel tread in the form of chevron, covered with rubber.

Canadians have developed their type of caterpillar C.D.P. With cast metal trawls with an open metal consecutive hinge. These caterpillars were very reminded those that were used on most German tanks of that time.

Such a suspension has a VVSS designation (Vertical Volute Spring Suspension, "vertical"), in the title of the tank this abbreviation usually lowered.

At the end of March 1945, the suspension was modernized, the rollers became double, horizontal springs, the shape and kinematics of balancing were also changed, hydraulic shock absorbers were introduced. The suspension has gained wider, 58 cm, T66, T80 and T84 caterpillars. Tanks with such a suspension (called Horisontal Volute Spring Suspension, "horizontal") had an HVSS abbreviation in the designation. The "horizontal" suspension is different from the "vertical" less specific pressure on the soil, and gives upgraded tanks somewhat greater permeability. In addition, this suspension is more reliable and less demanding to maintain.

HVSS suspension caterpillar had three main options:

T66 - cast steel tract, serial metal open hinge.
- T80 - Rubberometallic hinge, Trackers with a steel tread in the form of chevron, covered with rubber.
- T84 - Rubberometallic hinge, tract with a rubber tread in the form of Chevron. Used after the war.

Modifications

Basic serial options

The peculiarity of M4 was the fact that almost all of its options were not a consequence of modernization, and had purely technological differences and were performed almost simultaneously. That is, the difference between M4A1 from M4A2 does not mean that M4A2 means a later and more perfect version, it only means that these models were produced at different planes and have different engines (as well as other minor differences). Modernizations, such as changing the ammunition, equipping a new tower and a gun, a change in the type of suspension, all types have been subjected in general at the same time, receiving army designations W, (76) and HVSS. Factory notation differ and include the letter E and numeric index. For example, M4A3 (76) W HVSS had a factory designation M4A3E8.

Serial options "Sherman" were as follows:

M4. - Tank with a welded body and a carburetor star-shaped engine Continental R-975. From July 1942 to January 1944, PRESSED STEEL CAR CO, Baldwin Locomotive Works, American Locomotive Co, Pullman Standard Car Co, Detroit Tank Arsenal. In total, 8389 cars were released, 6748 of them were armed with a gun M3, 1641 M4 (105) received a 105-mm warm. M4 produced by Detroit Tank Arsenal was distinguished by cast frontal part and got the name M4 Composite Hull.

M4A1 - The very first model that has been produced in production, a tank with a cast case and the Continental R-975 engine, almost fully corresponding to the initial prototype T6. From February 1942 to December 1943 by Lima Locomotive Works, Prased Steel Car Co, Pacific Car and Foundry Co. In total, 9677 cars were released, 6281 of them were armed with a gun M3, 3396 M4A1 (76) W received a new m1 tool. The tanks of the very first episodes had a 75-mm gun M2 and two fixed coursework machine gun.

M4A2. - Tank with a welded body and a power plant from two GENERAL MOTORS 6046 Diesels. We were produced from April 1942 to May 1945 by Pullman Standard Car Co, Fisher Tank Arsenal, American Locomotive Co, Baldwin Locomotive Works, Federal Machine & Welder Co. In total, 11,283 tanks were released, 8053 of them were armed with a gun M3, 3230 M4A2 (76) W received a new M1 tool.

M4A3. - had a welded body and a Ford GAA carburetor engine. Received by enterprises Fisher Tank Arsenal, Detroit Tank Arsenal from June 1942 to March 1945 in the amount of 11,424 pieces. 5015 had an instrument M3, 3039 M4A3 (105) 105-mm Gaubitsa, 3370 M4A3 (76) W new tool M1. In June-July 1944, 254 pieces of M4A3 with a gun M3 were redone in M4A3E2.

M4A4. - Machine with a welded extended body and a CHRYSLER A57 Multibank power unit of five car engines. Released in the amount of 7499 pieces of Detroit Tank Arsenal. All armed with a m3 tool, and had a somewhat modified form of the tower, with a radio station in a fodder niche and a port for shooting from a gun on the left side of the tower.

M4A5 - Designation reserved for Canadian Ram Tank, but so not assigned. The tank is interesting in that in essence, it was not a version of M4, but a very highly upgraded version of M3. Ram Tank had an English 6-pound gun, cast housing with a side door like a T6 prototype, a litter tower of the original shape, the chassis corresponded to M3, with the exception of tracked tracks. Montreal Locomotive Works produced 1948 cars. In the battles, RAM did not participate because of the too weak gun, but served as the basis for numerous armored vehicles, such as TBTP Kangaroo.

M4A6. - Housing welded, similar to M4A4, with cast frontal part. Engine - multi-fuel diesel Caterpillar D200A. 75 tanks were released by Detroit Tank Arsenal. The tower was the same as M4A4.

Grizzly Bear. - M4A1 tank, mass produced in Canada. Basically, it is similar to the American tank, he was distinguished from him the design of the driving wheel and caterpillars. A total of 188 pieces by Montreal Locomotive Works.

Experienced samples

Tank AA, 20mm Quad, Skink - English prototype of the anti-aircraft tank on the M4A1 chassis of Canadian production. The tank was equipped with four 20-mm anti-aircraft guns POLSTEN, representing a simplified version of a 20-mm anticon anticon gun. Despite the fact that Skink was brought to mass production in January 1944, only a few pieces were made, since the total superiority of the allies in the air would exclude the need for air defense agents.

M4A2E4. - Experienced version of M4A2 with an independent torsion suspension, similar to T20E3 tank. Two tanks were built in the summer of 1943.

Centipede. - Experienced version of M4A1 with a spring suspension from the half-sized conveyor T16.

T52. - American prototype of the anti-aircraft tank on the M4A3 chassis with one 40 mm gun M1 and two.50 M2B machine guns.

Special tanks based on Sherman

The conditions of the war, and especially the wishes of allies to provide heavy armored vehicles their large-scale landing operations, led to the creation of a large number of specialized tanks "Sherman". But even ordinary build machines often carried additional devices, for example, blades for passage through the "live bleeding" normandy. Specialized versions of tanks created both the Americans and the British, the latter were especially active.

The most famous specialized options:

Sherman Firefly. - Tanks M4A1 and M4A4 of the British army, re-equipped "17-pound" (76.2 mm) anti-tank gun. The alteration consisted in changing the guns and mask-installation, the transfer of the radio station to the outer box, installed on the back of the tower, the failure of the driver's assistant (part of the ammunition) and the course machine gun was placed. In addition, due to the long length of a decent trunk, a system of shaking fixation of the gun was changed, the Sherman Firefly tower in the marching position turned 180 degrees, and the trunk of the gun was fixed on the bracket installed on the roof of the engine compartment. In total, 699 tanks were alterated, which came to the English, Polish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand parts.

M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo. - assault heavily-mounted version M4A3 (75) w. From the usual M4A3 JUMBO was distinguished by Wedlan and Sponsons with additional armor plates with a thickness of 38 mm, enhanced by a transmission compartment cover, a new tower with enhanced booking developed on the basis of T23 tower. Mask-installation M62 was intensified by welding additional armor, and received the name T110. Despite the fact that usually the M1 gun was put in M62, Jumbo received 75-mm M3, since it had a shell with a big fugasic effect, and for a tank combat Jumbo was not intended. Subsequently, several M4A3E2 were re-equipped in field conditionsThey got the M1A1 gun, and were used as a tank fighter. Booking Sherman Jumbo was as follows: VLD - 100 mm, a transmission compartment cover - 114-140 mm, sponsons - 76 mm, gun mask - 178 mm, forehead, side and back of the tower - 150 mm. Due to the enhanced booking, the weight increased to 38 tons, as a result of which the transfer number of the highest transmission was changed.

Sherman DD. - Specialized version of the tank equipped with Duplex Drive (DD) system to overcome water obstacles. The tank was equipped with inflatable rubberized tarpaulin casing and propellers with a drive from the main engine. Sherman DD was developed in England in early 1944 for the implementation of numerous marine landing operations, which had to lead the allies to the armies, primarily for landing in Normandy.

Sherman Crab. - The most common English specialized tank trawl, equipped with a bolt trawl for laying passes in mineral fields. Other options for mine-mine "Shermanov" - amrcr, Cird, and others, mostly roller type.

Sherman Calliope - M4A1 or M4A3 tank, equipped with a T34 Calliope slotting system mounted on the tower, with 60 tubular guides for 114-mm missiles M8. The horizontal guidance of the launcher was carried out by turning the tower, and the vertical approach and the lowering of the tank gun, the trunk of which was connected to the guides of the starting unit with a special burden. Despite the presence rocket armamentThe tank fully maintained armament and booking of ordinary Sherman, which made it the only RSW, capable of acting directly on the battlefield. The Sherman Calliope crew could fire the rockets, being inside the tank, the removal in the rear was required only for recharging. The minus was that the thrust was attached directly to the gun trunk, which did not allow fire from it until the launcher was reset. In the launchers T43E1 and T34E2, this disadvantage was eliminated.

T40 Whizbang - A variant of a missile tank with a start-up for 182-mm missiles M17. In general, the launcher was structurally similar to T34, but had 20 guides, armor protection. Such tanks were used mainly in assault operations, including in Italy and the Pacific TVD.

- Option "Sherman" with a bulldozer knife m1 or m2 installed in the front. The tank was used by engineering parts, including for clearance, along with special anti-mining options.

Sherman Crocodile, Sherman Adder, Sherman Badger, Poa-CWS-H1 - British and American diseases of Sherman.

SAU based on Sherman

Since Sherman was the main tank platform in the American army, on its basis there was a sufficiently large number of self-propelled artillery plants of various purposes, including heavy tank fighters. The American SAU concept differed somewhat from Soviet or German, and instead of installing the guns in a closed armor hatcher, the Americans placed it or in the opening tower open from above (on fighters of tanks), in the open armored hole (M7 Priest) or on an open platform, in the latter case He conducted staff outside.

The following variants of SAU were produced:

3in Gun Motor Carriage M10 is a fighter tanks, also known as Wolverine. Equipped with a 76 mm gun M7.
- 90 mm Gun Motor Carriage M36 - Tank Fighter, known as Jackson. Equipped with a 90 mm gun M3.
- 105 mm HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGE M7 - self-propelled 105-mm Gaubita Priest.
- 155 mm GMC M40, 203 mm HMC M43, 250 mm MMC T94, Cargo Carrier T30 - heavy gun, Gaubice and ammunition conveyor based on M4A3 HVSS.

The British had their own saough:

Tracked Self-Propelled 25 Pounder Sexton I, II - Approximate Analog M7 Priest on the Canadian Ram Tank chassis.
- Achilles IIC - M10, re -med by an English 17-pound gun MK.V.

The Sherman's chassis also served as the basis for creating a SAU in some other countries, for example in Israel and Pakistan.

Bram.

The American army had a fairly wide range of armored repair and evacuation machines created mainly on the basis of M4A3:

M32, M4A3 chassis, with an armored superstructure installed instead of the tower. Bram was supplied with a 6-meter thirty-tonic A-shaped lifting faucet, and had 81 mm mortar to ensure repair and evacuation work.

M74, a more advanced version of Bram based on Tanks with HVSS suspension. M74 was characterized by a more powerful tap, swans, and installed in the front of a bulldozer knife.

M34, an artillery tractor based on M32 with a dismantled crane.

The British had their own versions of Bram, Sherman III Arv, Sherman Barv. Canadians also produced Sherman Kangaroo TBTR.

Post-war options

Several hundreds of Tanks M4A1 and M4A3 with 75-mm cannons were re-equipped with 76-mm guns M1A1 without replacing the tower. Alteration was carried out at Bowen-McLaughlin-York Co. enterprises (BMY) in York, Pennsylvania, and on the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois. Tanks received index E4 (76). These machines were supplied in particular in Yugoslavia, Denmark, Pakistan and Portugal.

Israeli "Shermans"

Of all the numerous post-war modifications of Shermanov, perhaps the most interesting are M50 and M51, which were in service with the AOI. The history of these tanks is as follows:

Israel began to buy "Shermans" during the war for independence, in September 1948, mostly were bought in Italy M1 (105) in the amount of about 50 pieces. In the future, the procurement of Shermanov was conducted from 1951 to 1966, in France, Great Britain, Philippines and other countries, about 560 pieces were purchased different modifications. Basically, the designed tanks remaining after World War II, their recovery and acquisition was made in Israel.

In Aoi Shermans, they were designated by the type of installed tools, all tanks with a gun M3 were called Sherman M3, tanks with a 105-mm warm tank were called Sherman M4, tanks with a 76-mm gun - Sherman M1. HVSS suspension tanks (these were purchased in 1956 in France M4A1 (76) W HVSS) received a SUPER SERMAN M1 name or just Super Sherman.

In 1956, Israel began re-equipment of Shermanov on a French 75-mm CN-75-50 gun, developed for the AMX-13 tank, in Israel, it was called M50. Ironically, this to the instrument was the French version of the German 7.5 CM KWK 42 installed on the "Panthers". The prototype was made by Atelier De Bourges in France, the re-equipment works themselves were produced in Israel. The gun was installed in the tower of the old sample, the back of the tower was cut off, and a new one was glad to this place, with a large niche. In the aoy tanks received the designation of the Sherman M50, and in Western sources they are known as the "Supercherman" (despite the fact that in Israel, they never worn such a name). In just 1964, approximately 300 tanks were re-equipped.

In 1962, Israel showed interest in re-equipment of their "Shermans" even more powerful implements, to confront Egyptian T-55. And here again the French helped, offered a short-term CN-105-F1 to 44 calibers, developed for AMX-30 (in addition to the shortened barrel, also received a muzzle brake). In Israel, this instrument was called M51, and was established on Israeli "Shermans" M4A1 (76) W in the modified T23 tower. In order to compensate for the weapon weight, the tanks received a new anti-tank system SAMM CH23-1, new American Diesels Cummins VT8-460, modern sighting equipment. The suspension of all tanks was replaced by HVSS. In total, about 180 tanks, who received the Sherman M51 designation, and became more famous in Western sources as "Israel Sherman", or simply "I-Sherman". Israeli "Shermans" took part in all Arab-Israeli wars, during which they encountered both the Tanks of the Second World War and with significantly newer Soviet and American tanks.

In the late 1970s, approximately half of the 100 M51 remaining in Israel were sold in Chile, where they were in service until the end of the twentieth century. Another half, together with some M50, was transferred to South Lebanon.

In addition to the original "Shermans", as well as mentioned modifications, Israel also had a large number of SAU, BRAM and a BTR of its own production based on Sherman. Some of them are in service until now.

Egyptian "Shermans"

Egypt also had a "Sherman" in service, and they were also rearmed by the French cannons CN-75-50. The difference from the Israeli Sherman M50 was that the FL-10 tower from the AMX-13 tank was put on the M4A4, together with the gun and the charging system. Since the Egyptians used diesel fuel, gasoline engines were replaced with diesel engines from M4A2.

All work on the design and construction of Egyptian "Shermanov" was performed in France.

Most Egyptian "Shermans" were lost during the Suez crisis of 1956, and during the six-day war of 1967, including in collisions with Israeli Sherman M50.

Reviews

"Sherman was much better" Matilda "in terms of maintainability. Do you know that one of the designers of Sherman was the Russian engineer Tymoshenko? This is some kind of distant relative of Marshal S. K. Tymoshenko.

The high location of the center of gravity was a serious disadvantage of Sherman. The tank often overturned on the side as Matryoshka. I am leading the battalion, and on the turn, my mechanic driver hits the car about a pedestrian border. Yes, so that the tank turned over. Of course, we crippled, but remained alive.

Another drawback of Sherman - the design of the driver's mechanics. Shermanov has the first parties, this hatch, located in the roof of the housing, simply leaned up to the upstream. The mechanic driver opened his part, having a head, so that it was better to be visible. So we had cases when at the turn of the tower, the hatch hung the gun and he, falling, folded the neck to the driver. We had one or two such cases. Then it was eliminated and the hatch was lifted and simply moved aside as on modern tanks.

Another big plus Sherman was in recharging batteries. On our thirty part for charging the battery, it was necessary to drive the engine to full power, all 500 horses. Sherman in the combat department stood a charging petrol fuel, small, like a motorcycle. He started him - and he charged the battery. For us, it was a great thing! "

D. F. La View

Supplies on Land Liza

In United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has become the first country that received the M4 according to the Land Liza program, and the first who applied these tanks in battle. In total, the British received 17,181 tanks, almost all modifications, including diesel cars. The Shermans supplied to England before entering the troops were revealed and underwent a small modification, designed to ensure their compliance with the standards adopted in the British army. Alterations were as follows:

The English Radio Set # 19 set was installed on the tank, consisting of two separate radio stations and a negotiation device. The radio station was placed in a bronorob, welded to the back of the tower, a hole was cut into operation in the rear wall of the tower.
- The English 2-inch smoke fruit mortar was mounted on the tower, afterwards it began to be installed on all the "Shermans" at the factory.
- Tank was equipped with two additional fire extinguishing systems.
- Boxes for zip are mounted on the tower and rear plate of the housing.
- Some tanks received a rearview mirror installed on the right front of the hull.

In addition, the tanks were repainted in the standard, adopted for TVD colors, received English labeling and distinctive signs, and also passed a small upgrade depending on the intended site. For example, tanks intended for actions in North Africa received additional wings over caterpillars, to reduce the clouds raised when dust moving. All these alterations were made in specialized workshops after the arrival of tanks in England.

The English army adopted its own designation system other than American:

Sherman i - M4;
- Sherman II - M4A1;
- Sherman III - M4A2;
- Sherman IV - M4AZ;
- Sherman V - M4A4.

In addition, if the tank was armed with an instrument other than the standard 75-mm gun M3, then the letter was added to his own English designation.

A - for American 76-mm guns M1;
B - for American 105-mm M4 M4;
C - for the British 17-pound gun.

HVSS suspension tanks received an additional Literature Y.

The full list of the indications taken by the British:

Sherman i - M4, delivered 2096 units;
- Sherman IB - M4 (105), 593 units were delivered;
- Sherman IC - M4, with an English 17-pound gun (Sherman Firefly), 699 units;
- Sherman II - M4A1, 942 units were delivered;
- Sherman IIA - M4A1 (76) W, delivered 1330 units;
- Sherman IIC - M4A1, with an English 17-pound gun (Sherman Firefly);
- Sherman III - M4A2, delivered 5041 units;
- Sherman IIIa - M4A2 (76) W, 5 units are delivered;
- Sherman IV - M4AZ, 7 units are delivered;
- Sherman V - M4A4, 7167 units are delivered;
- Sherman VC - M4A4, with an English 17-pound gun (Sherman Firefly).

Many tanks delivered to the UK served as the basis for various English-made combat machines.

The American Tank M4A3E8 HVSS "Sherman" of the 21st Tank Battalion of the 10th Armored Division on Rosswalden Street (Rosswalden) in Germany. Now it is the area of \u200b\u200bthe city of Ebersbach-on-fils.

IN USSR

The USSR became the second by the volume of the Shermanov recipient. By law on Land-Liza, the Soviet Union received:

M4A2 - 1990 units.
- M4A2 (76) W - 2073 units.
- M4A4 - 2 units. Test delivery. From the order refused due to gasoline engines.
- M4A2 (76) W HVSS - 183 units. Posted in May-June 1945, in combat actions in Europe participation did not take.

In the USSR "Sherman" were often called "EMCH" (instead of M4). According to its main combat characteristics, Shermans with a 75-mm gun approximately corresponded to the Soviet T-34-76, with 76 mm - T-34-85.

No modifications in the USSR did not undergo tanks, did not even repainted (Soviet identification signs were applied on them even at the factory, since the stencils of the American and Soviet stars in general coincided, it was necessary only to change the color), many tanks did not have any national identification signs at all . The deconsisation of tanks was made directly in the troops, while they were manually applied tactical numbers and identifying parts of parts. Some amount was re-equipped with F-34 by the forces of field workshops, due to the fact that at the initial stage of operation in the Red Army, the deficit of American 75-mm shells was observed. After the supply has been settled, the alterations stopped. The exact number of re-equipped tanks that got the name M4M is unknown, it seems to be insignificant.

The first time in the conditions of the autumn-spring dishthele and winter caterpillars in the troops wipes spurs. Later, Sherman was supplied with removable spurs in a set and in such a modification, the need to disappeared. Some tanks were re-equipped in Bram by dismantling the gun or the tower, as a rule, these were tanks damaged in battles. There were no other alterations in the USSR. Despite some disadvantages, as it is not too high-quality armor on the cars of the first parties, (the lack that soon eliminated), M4 earned a good reputation from Soviet tank. In any case, having received a classic layout with the main tool in the tower rotating 360 degrees, they differed very beneficially from their predecessor of the middle tank M3. Another advantage was the presence of powerful radio stations.

Americans had special representatives in the USSR, who were observed american tanks Directly in the troops. In addition to the functions of technical consultants, these representatives were also responsible for collecting reviews and advertising, sending them to manufacturers. Related flaws are quickly quickly eliminated in the following series. In addition to the tanks themselves, the Americans also supplied repair kits; In general, there were no problems with repairs and restoration. Nevertheless, quite a large number of damaged "Shermanov" was disassembled on parts, and the details went to restore their more successful fellow. The equipment kit "Sherman" included coffee makers. What made a big impression on Soviet mechanics who were preparing tanks for exploitation.

In addition to Great Britain and the USSR, Shermans were supplied on Land Lesu Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Free France, Poland, Brazil. Canada, in addition, had its own production M4.

Combat application

North Africa

The first "Sherman" arrived in North Africa August 1942, it was M4A1 with a gun M2, used to teach tankers and attendants. In September, the first batch of new tanks arrived, and on October 23, they entered the battle under El Alamein. In total, the beginning of the battle of the 8th British army had 252 M4A1 as part of the 9th tank brigade and the 1st and 10th tank divisions. Despite the fact that several dozen PZKPFW III and PZKPFW IV with long-life cannons, Shermans have already arrived by the African Corps, showed good reliability, maneuverability, adequate weapons and armor. According to the British, new American tanks played a rather significant role in their victory in this battle.

For the first time, the Americans applied Shermans in Tunisia on December 6, 1942. The inexperience of American crews and miscalculations led to large losses in counterattacks against well-trained PTO. In the future, the tactics of Americans improved, and the basic losses of Shermanov were not related to countering German tanks, but to anti-tank mines (which caused the development of Sherman CRAB), the actions of the artillery of PTO and aviation. The tank troops received good reviews, and very soon "Sherman" became the main average tank in the American parts, replacing the average tank M3.

In general, M4 turned out to be a very suitable tank for action in the desert, which confirmed his post-war history. At very extensive and even African expanses, it was impossible to turn out to be its reliability, good speed, the convenience of the crew, excellent visibility and connection. The tank lacked the distance, but the allies decided this problem at the expense of well-working supply services, in addition, tank workers were often made with them extra fuel in the canices.

On February 14, 1943, the first clashes of Shermanov occurred in Tunisia (1st tank regiment and 1st armored division) with a new heavy German tank PZKPFW VI Tiger (501th heavy tank battalion), which showed the inability of M4 to deal with equal With severe German armored vehicles.

Eastern front

In the USSR "Sherman" began to come in November 1942 (the first tanks received the 5th Guards TBR), but in noticeable quantities, this tank appeared in Soviet troops only at the end of 1943 (in Kursk battle Several dozen Shermanov participated - 38 M4A2 as part of the troops of the 48th Army and 29 Shermanov in the 5th Tank Corps). Starting from the spring of 1944, Shermans took part in almost all battles on all the fronts of the Great Patriotic War. Tankers took American tanks well, especially the convenience of the crew is especially noted compared to Soviet tanks, as well as very high quality instrument equipment and means of communication. Get to serve at the "foreign car" was considered luck. On the positive assessment of the tank, it was also influenced by the fact that, on the one hand, he was much more perfect for its predecessor M3, and on the other hand, the subtleties of the exploitation of American equipment have already mastered in the Red Army.

In the winter of 1943, some M4A2 flaws were revealed, specific to winter Russian conditions. Tanks, supplied by the USSR, had a sleek rubber protector of tracks of caterpillars, which caused enough serious problems when moving around opelened winter roads. The insufficient clutch of the caterpillars with the soil was aggravated by the high center of gravity, and the tank was quite often turned over. In general, the tank almost completely corresponded to the Soviet T-34 (yielding to him in the security of sides) and was used in the same way, without any particular differences. Often, a much smaller noise of "Shermanov" was often used, compared with the Soviet tanks, and the fire infantry was practiced with armor while driving, which was provided with a soft suspension. T-34-85 has already had additional superiorities in the caliber of the gun, and the protection of the head-based projection of the tower.

In the USSR, tanks obtained by Land Liza tried to combine into separate parts (at the level of tank battalions or brigades), to simplify the preparation of crews and supply. A large number of Shermanov received in the USSR made it possible to create both corps (for example, the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps, the 9th Guards Tank Corps), armed with only this type of tank. Often, American average tanks and light tanks T-60 and T-80 Soviet production were used in the same parts. In the summer of 1945, M4A2 (76) W HVSS were sent to the Far East, and participated in the war against Japan.

Shermans in Western Europe

The first use of M4 in Europe belongs to landing in Sicily on July 10, 1943, where the 2nd armored division was operating and the 753rd separate tank battalion. By the time the Overlord operation began, the command of the allies was aware that Sherman appeared in the mid-1942 in 1944 in 1944, since the collisions with severe German technology in Italy showed the lack of booking, and the main-weapon of Sherman. The Americans and the British responded to this situation in different ways.

The British urgently began work on the installation of their new anti-tank 17-pound guns on them, which showed excellent results in the fight against German tanks, including heavy "tigers" and "panthers." Works were quite successful, but the scale of re-equipment was limited to the insignificant production of the tool itself, and the ammunition to it. The Americans who were invited to produce a 17-pound gun on their plants, from this proposal refused, preferring the production of their own models. As a result, by the beginning of active hostilities in France, the British had just a few hundred Sherman Firefly, distributing them in their tank parts, approximately one on the tank platoon.

Americans, despite their time from them by that time, a fairly solid experience of applying tanks (albeit less than that of the British), they held the opinions that tanks should first be used to support infantry, and to combat enemy tanks it is necessary to apply special high-clean Tank fighters. This tactic could be effective as opposition to the Tank breakthroughs of Blitzkrieg, but for the type of hostilities, which was characteristic of the second half of World War II, it did not fit, as the Germans ceased to apply the strategy of concentrated tank strikes.

In addition, after the victories in North Africa, the Americans were characterized by some arrogance. The Commander-in-Chief of American Ground Forces General McNeer, in particular, said:

The M4 tank, especially the M4A3, has been proclaimed the best combat tank. There are signs that the enemy believes the same way. Obviously, M4 is the perfect combination of mobility, reliability, speed, armor and firepower. In addition to this strange, representing a British glance on the problem, a request for anything has not been received by the certificate of the need for a 90 mm tank gun. In my opinion, no fear of the German tanks T.Vi ("Tiger") our troops are not tested ... There is no basis for the production of T26 tank and can not be, except the concept of a tank fighter tank, which, I am unreasonable and not necessary . And the British and American combat experience demonstrated that anti-tank guns In sufficient quantities and on the correctly selected positions are completely superior to tanks. Any attempt to create a strongly armored and armed tank capable of surpassing the anti-tank gun inevitably leads to failure. There are no signs that a 76 mm anti-tank gun is inadequate vs. Hermansky.vi.

- General Leslie McNeor.

As a result of this approach, Americans at the time of landing in Normandy approached, having only medium tanks M4, including with enhanced weapons, despite the presence of quite successful programs for replacing the M4 new type. The program for the production of a heavy tank M26 "Pershing" was also not implemented.

In addition to ordinary tanks, such a colossal amusement operation It also required a huge number of engineering and improper equipment, which gave rise to a large number of specialized M4 options, the most famous of which was Sherman DD. The creation of such equipment was mainly engaged in the British, in the Hobart group, using for this not only American, but also English tanks. In addition to amphibian tanks, Shermans also received snores to overcome shallow water.

During the attachment of the Hobart toys, they had to clear the road from mines and other atlantic shaft barriers, and the Sherman DD came to the shore should have supported the infantry breaking coastal reins for their fire. In general, it happened, with the exception that the Americans mostly neglected specialized assault equipment, relying mainly on their infantry and support of the fleet guns. The situation was aggravated by the fact that at the Omaha landing site, amphibious tanks were lowered much further from the coast, which was supposed according to plan, and as a result we sank before they were able to go ashore. On the rest of the Amphibian sites, assault and sapper tanks worked perfectly, and the landing passed without much losses.

American M4, thrown by the crew at the Youth Beach landing site during Overlord surgery. The tank is equipped with two snorkels for action on shallow water.

After the seizure of the bridgehead, the Allies had to face German tank divisions, which were thrown on the defense of the "Fortress of Europe", and it turned out that the allies underestimated the degree of saturation of the German troops with heavy types of armored vehicles, especially Panthan tanks. In direct clashes with German hard tanks "Sherman" had very little chance. The British could at a certain extent could count on their Sherman Firefly, whose excellent gun produced a big impression on the Germans (so much that the crews of German tanks tried first to hit the Firefly, and then to deal with the rest). The Americans who were counting on their new tool quickly found out that for confident defeat "Panthers" in the front of its armor-piercing shells is still not enough.

The situation was aggravated by the fact that natural conditions Normandy, especially her "living hedges", did not give "Shermans" to realize their advantage in speed and maneuverability. In addition, the same conditions did not give the opportunity to make a strategic tank breakthrough, for which Sherman with its speed and reliability was perfectly adapted. Instead, the allies had to slowly sneak among the "living ingredients", carrying very large losses from the German tanks and "Fautpatronnikov" acted against them (the latter used the advantage of the terrain in order to approach the remote heat).

As a result, the allies tankers mainly had to count on their overwhelming numerical superiority, perfectly working repair services, as well as on the actions of their aviation and artillery, who worked as the defenses of the Germans before the onset of tanks. Allied aviation quite effectively suppressed communication and rear services of German tank troops, which was very syrupted by their actions.

According to Belton Cooper's "Death Traps" ("Death TrapS"), which was responsible for the evacuation and repair of tanks, only the 3rd Tank Division for ten months lost in battle of 1348 middle tanks "Sherman" (more than 580% of the standard number in 232 tanks ), Of which 648 were completely destroyed. In addition, nebarean losses amounted to approximately 600 tanks.

In Normandy, very many "Shermans" were subjected to field modifications, for example, homemade and factory devices were mounted on them, armor intensified, by welding additional armored vehicles, as well as simply by hanging spare tracks, sand bags, improvised anti-vulterative screens. The underestimation of infantry cumulative anti-tank agents led to the fact that the American industry of such screens did not produce until the very end of the war.

After the yield of the allies to the operational space in France, the excellent strategic mobility of Shermanov was fully manifested. On the other hand, it turned out that M4 is not very suitable for hostilities in cities, mainly due to weak booking, and small caliber of tank guns. Specialized Sherman Jumbo was not enough, and the tanks of artillery support with 105-mm Gaubes in the city were too vulnerable.

Shermanov's missile versions were very active and successfully used, as well as flame retardant tanks (especially during the assault of long-term fortifications on the German border). But the actions of the fighters of the M10 tanks were not very effective, since, besides the insufficient power of their guns, there was also an insufficient booking, in addition, the crews in open towers were very vulnerable to mortar and artillery fire. M36 showed itself better, but he also had an open tower. In general, the fighters of tanks did not cope with their task, and the major severity of tank battles lay on the shoulders of ordinary "Shermans".

Sherman DD was quite actively used to forcing rivers, such as Rhine.

By the end of 1944, 7591 "Shermanov" were 7591 "Shermans", not counting the reserves. In total, at least 15 American tank divisions, not counting 37 separate tank battalions operated at the Western European Theater. The main problem of American tank troops on this theater was not the disadvantages of M4 itself, which showed itself very effective weapons, and the fact that there were no more heavy types of armored vehicles capable of entering into confrontation with German tanks. "Sherman" wondered as a tank of infantry support, and in this capacity showed itself from the best side, but in actions against Panther, Tiger and " Royal Tigers"The Germans it was not very effective.

Marines are hiding behind the tank on Saipan. The M4A2 tank, with the Schnorhel installed for action in shallow water (apparently, this tank was in the forefront during the landing on the island).

Shermans against Japan

The first "Shermans" appeared on the Pacific Ocean during the operation on Tarave, on November 20, 1943, as part of the compounds of the American marine infantry. Since the American fleet had no problems with diesel fuel, against the Japanese operated mainly diesel versions of M4A2. After Tarai "Sherman" became the main type of American tank on the Pacific TVD, completely replacing M3 "Lee", which remained mainly on the garrison service. In addition, Shermans were replaced by "Stewarts", since the use of light tanks in assault operations was recognized in impractical (their advantage in mobility did not mean anything on the islands area). The situation on the Pacific TVD is radically different from the actions in Europe and North Africa. Japanese tanks were very small, outdated, and for the most part related to light types, directly to confront the American M4 they could not. Designed in 1944 specifically for the confrontation of Shermanam, the new type "Chi-Well" did not accept in combat actions, since it was intended for defense directly by the Japanese islands.

Since almost all operations of the American Marine Corps and the army on this TVD were the nature of the breakthrough of the long-term defense of the Japanese, Shermans mainly carried out the role of infantry support tanks, that is, exactly the role for which they were created. Japanese tanks could not have sufficient opposition due to the weakness of their weapons, unable to punch Shermanov armor. Americans of the same problems with the defeat of Japanese tanks, as a rule, did not have. This led to the fact that the Japanese mainly used their tanks as improvised long-term firepoints, acting from specially prepared trenches. Attempts active use Japanese tanks also prevented very weak tactical training of Japanese tank commanders who did not have experienced tank battles. With the greatest activity of Japanese tank parts, the Americans collided in the Philippines, where the 2nd Tank Division of the Shaob Group acted, under the command of General Tomoyuki Yamasit. In total, the Japanese had about 220 tanks there, most of which were lost during the onset of Americans in the direction of San Jose.

On the Pacific TVD "Sherman" proven itself as an excellent infantry support tank, the plus was also relatively low weight and sizes, which made it easy to transfer tanks from the island to the island. The tank turned out to be adapted for action in the conditions of a hot wet climate, and did not have any problems with reliability and permeability. The main losses of American tanks came from undermines on anti-tank mines. Without having enough effective anti-tank artillery and infantry anti-tank agents, the Japanese often used the tactics of suicide attacks, sending their infantry tanks with the Ranger, magnetic and sixth mines, anti-tank grenades, etc. Rocket tanks, artillery support tanks, and Also flametic tanks.

The specific nature of hostilities has led the tanks as part of individual tank battalions that support infantry divisions. Tank divisions on Pacific TVD were not formed, for the lack of the need to concentrate armored vehicles, as well as due to the impossibility of strategic maneuver of tank parts.

Post-war conflicts

The post-war history of the tank turned out to be at least rich events.

In the US Army "Sherman" modifications M4A3E8 and M4A3 (105) consisted in service until the mid-1950s, and in parts of the National Guard - until the end of the 1950s. A large number of tanks remained in Europe, where it was in service with American and British occupying troops. A large number was also transferred to the armies of liberated countries in the order of military assistance.

Shermanam happened to participate in almost all world conflicts of the 50s, 60s, and even the 70s. The geography of their service included almost the entire globe.

Korean War

The offensive of the North Korean troops put the American command in a very difficult position - the only tanks in South Korea There was some lungs of American M24 Chafth. The decision could be the urgent transformation of tanks from Japan, but there were only options with 75 mm implements M3, since there was no need for a 76-mm tools during the quiet ocean during the war. Since these tanks seriously inferior in the Fire power of the T-34-85, which was resulted in the Korean People's Army, it was decided to reoperack their 76 mm implements M1. The re-equipment was produced in the Tokyo Arsenal, the guns were installed in the usual M4A3 towers, 76 tanks were converted everything. The first re-equipped "Shermans" arrived in Korea on July 31, 1950 as part of the 8072th battalion of medium tanks, and 2 August entered into battle at Chungam. Subsequently began to arrive tanks from the United States, and in total in the Korean war, 547 Sherman tanks of various modifications participated, mainly M4A1E4 (76). In armament of the British forces consisted of Sherman Firefly.

The main opponent "Sherman" in this war was T-34-85, which were in service with the Northern Koreans and Chinese. After the arrival of American medium and heavy tanks, the T-34 domination on the battlefield came end, and tank battles were usually ended in favor of American tankers. Having approximately equal to T-34 Booking, Sherman exceeded it in accuracy and rapidity of the gun, mainly due to best optics and the presence of a stabilizer. The guns of both tanks were quite powerful in order to punch each other's armor almost at all distances of a real battle. But the main reason for the failures of Korean and Chinese tankers was a higher level of preparation of their American opponents.

From July 21, 1950 to January 21, 1951 as part of the 8th Army and the 10th army corps In combat actions, 516 M4A3 participated, from which 220 tanks were lost on incomplete data (120 irretrievably). The level of irrevocable losses was the highest among all massively used tanks. A large number of broken and abandoned in the retreat of tanks was captured by North Koreans and the Chinese. On April 1, 1951, 442 M4A3 tank were in Korea. From January 21 to April 8, 1951, 178 tanks of this type were lost. From April 8 to October 6, 1951, 362 Sherman Tank was lost.

At the beginning of the war, the Americans were widely used more heavy tanks M26 "Pershing", but very soon it turned out that despite the powerful gun and good booking this tank could not effectively act in the Korean mountains, because it has the same engine as Sherman, With significantly larger weight. As a result of Sherman, they assumed the main load of the war, despite the fact that they were worse armed and more easily book.

In general, the combat service "Shermanov" in Korea was quite successful, except that the insufficient capacity of 76-mm fugasal shells was manifested once again. More successfully in this sense, artillery "Shermans" acted. The passive phase of the war was distinguished by a large scale of tank battles, and the main role played by American tanks - support for infantry, patroling, and shelling the enemy from closed artillery positions. Also, tanks were used as peculiar mobile firepoints, helping the infantry to reflect Chinese "human waves".

Arab-Israeli Wars

In the war for independence, only two M4A2 tank, which went into the Israelis into the inheritance from the British was participated. In time Suez crisis 1956 in Aoi numbered 122 "Sherman" (56 Sherman M1 and Sherman M3, 25-28 Sherman M50 and 28 Super Sherman M1), and they constituted the basis of Israeli armored forces, the losses of Israeli Shermanov are not known, they probably accounted for half of 30 lost tanks . Egypt had several tens of M4A2, including French tower, of which 56 was lost in battles.

In 1967, Israel had 522 "Sherman" of different types, which was approximately half of its tank fleet. By this time he was the only country in the Middle East, which had these tanks in service. Nevertheless, during the six-day war, they were used mainly in the secondary directions, the main shock force was English heavy "centurions", which had more severe weapons and best booking. In the Sinai front there was a case when the company "Super Shermanov", having destroyed the division attacked by the Egyptians, destroyed five more modern Egyptian T-55.

Before the century of the day of the Day of 1973, Shermans gradually starred from weapons, and after the war they were either converted to SAU and other cars, or sold to other countries.

Indo-Pakistani Wars

India received the first tanks even during World War II, and they took part in the fighting in Burma. These were both American and British versions of Shermanov. In the future, the tanks were actively purchased by India and Pakistan.

In the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965, Shermans participated on both sides of the conflict. At the time of the beginning of the war, India had 332 "Sherman" of various types, and Pakistan - 305. Basically it was M4A1 and M4A3, many tanks that had 75 mm tools were re-equipped with a 76-mm gun M1. In India, attempts were made to re-equipment by the French cannon by analogy with Israeli Sherman M50. Indian Shermans participated in the defeat of Pakistani "Pattones" M47 / 48 during the battle at Asal-Uttara.

Despite the fact that Shermans accounted for a little less than half of the tank fleet of both sides, they were used mainly in secondary directions, as well as for flanking attacks. The first line tanks were less mobile, but more serious and better armored "Pattones" (from the Pakistani side) and "Centurions" (with Indian).

War in Yugoslavia

According to M. Baryatinsky, Sherman tanks were used during civil War In Yugoslavia 1991 - 1995

Evaluation of the car

Design and development potential

The "Sherman" layout was typical for American and German tanks of time VMW, with the placement of the engine in the rear of the tank, and the transmission - in the front. One of the most characteristic distinctive features of M4 was its height, large than any other comparable tank, with the exception of M3. There are three reasons for this. First, the front location of the transmission, which increases the height of the tank due to the need to have a cardan shaft in the combat department. Secondly, the tank was designed for a star-shaped engine located vertically. Thirdly, the highly located crankshaft of the engine was associated with a transmission obliquely installed cardan shaft, which held high enough over the floor of the combat compartment. German designers solved this problem with the help of composite cardan shafts, or trying to arrange the engine so that its crankshaft is at the same height as the transmission entrance shaft. Americans did not go to these measures, primarily for considerations of the design.

Due to vertical sides and overall high height, M4 was distinguished by a large volume of booked space, still being one of the leaders on this indicator (but yielding M3). Despite the fact that this did not yet effect on the security of the tank (there were vertical boards that have a decent square), tank was lovers for the convenience of internal accommodation. Vertical boards and large toned shelves allowed to make a pursuit of a large diameter tower. In general, the layout of the tank did not contribute to the increase in its combat qualities (especially security and secrecy), but positively influenced the crew comfort, allowed to dissemble vital components in the space, and, in addition, gave a decent potential for further modernization.

The design of the chassis was typical for the pre-war tanks, by the time of the appearance of Sherman, it is somewhat outdated. Nevertheless, there were no special complaints on the running part, and the caterpillars with a rubberometallic hinge were at that time a rather progressive solution. Initially, the suspension design was calculated for more lungs M2 and M3, but with the beginning of mass production of the carts were reinforced. Subsequently, the tank received the HVSS suspension with horizontal springs and supporting rollers on the housing. The visibility of the tank was quite acceptable, the quality of overview optics is good. The tanks of late release differed for the better, since they had a commander turret. Nevertheless, the German tanks "Sherman" in this respect a little inferior, but significantly superior Soviet. The design of the tank, according to American standards, is very technologically, and is suitable for mass production at automotive plants. The components used were also suitable for mass production. The only technologically complex part was the tool stabilizer, but the Americans had a very developed instrument making (who worked mainly for aviation needs).

Sherman had a very great modernization potential, mainly due to the large amount of combat branch, which allowed to place the ammunition of a fairly large guns, as well as due to the large diameter of the tower, which made it possible to change the tower to a more spacious. In addition, the placement of the elements of the chassis made it almost completely changed its design, without affecting the other parts of the tank (the chassis was replaced among the already released tanks). The tank had a substantial stock by weight, and the spacious engine compartment allowed to have a wide range of engines. In general, the design of "Sherman" was quite successful and modern. On the other hand, no innovative solutions for the world tank construction in the design of this tank was not, and to a certain extent, he was a simple and fast response of the American industry on the demands of the army. The layout of the tank, the design of its chassis, the type of transmission, etc. did not become the standard, and Sherman was not destined to become the founder of post-war series, unlike T-34, which was further developed in models T-44 and T-54 .

Sled German tank pz.kpfw. VI AUSF. E "Tiger" from the 508th battalion of heavy tanks (Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 508) and the New Zealand tank of the American production M4 "Sherman" from the composition of the 20th armored regiment (20th Armoured Regiment) on the road between Jodjoli (Giogoli) and the city of Galuzzo (Galuzzo) south of Florence.

Armament

At the time of the appearance of "Shermans" on the battlefield of his 75 mm, the M3 gun could successfully fight with all types of German and Italian tanks. According to armor proof, it was inferior to the German 7.5 CM KWK 40 L / 43 installed on PZKPFW IV AUSF. F2. Nevertheless, almost simultaneously with Sherman, the military career of PzKPFW VI Tiger I began, whose frontal armor did not pierce the Sherman tool, and the 8.8 CM KWK 36 cannon significantly exceeded M3 in all indicators. Since the American military industry by then did not release tanks with more powerful weapons, it can be said that the Sherman's armament is outdated almost at the time of appearance. The M3 instrument was almost similar to the Soviet F-34 installed on the T-34, differing only at least the initial speed of armor-piercing shells. An American fragantic-fuza 75-mm M48 projectile, used also in the British tank guns of this caliber, had a mass of 6.62 kg and contained 670 g of an explosive substance and inferior to Soviet fragile-fugasal projectiles in efficiency. In addition, in contrast to F-34, in the M3 ammunition, there were no mass-produced cumulative or sub-caliber projectiles.

76 mm M1 gun exceeded 7.5 cm kWK 40 L / 48 armor moron, and almost equal to 8.8 cm kwk 36 L / 56 tiger 1, but 7.5 cm kwk 42 "Panthers", and 8, and 8, significantly inferred 8 cm kwk 43 "Royal Tiger". With regard to the fight against unarmented targets, re-equipment on M1 was rapidly a step back, due to the smaller affecting actions of the fragmentation projectile, and the smaller nomenclature of the ammunition. The m1 tool had comparable armoredness with the same types of shells with Soviet 85-mm D-5 and ZIS-C-53, but the supply of mechanics with a tungsten core M93 was adjusted earlier than the Podkaliban BR-365P.

A very large advantage of the armament "Sherman" was that his instrument was equipped with a gyroscopic stabilizer worked in a vertical plane. Since the telescopic sight was sprayed with a gun, and periscopic synchronized with it, the field of view of the gunner also remained stabilized. The performance of the stabilizer did not allow to lead aimed gun fire from the stroke, but it worked as a very effective damper of oscillations - the goal remained in the field of view of the gunner, and the gap between the tank stop and the opening of the fire was very short. In addition, the tank could lead a targeted fire from a paired machine gun. On the other hand, the effective use of the stabilizer required a certain crew preparation, so many crews preferred to disable it.

The presence of the stabilizer, the high quality of the manufacture of cannon trunks and shells, as well as the good quality of the tank optics did the fire "Sherman" very accurate, which partially compensated for insufficient power of the gun. Compared to the T-34, the hydraulic drive of the tower was significantly more accurate and smooth, compared with German tanks - it provided faster (16 sec.) Full turnover of the tower (at T-34-85 - 12 seconds, 34 - 14 seconds; 26 sec. PZKPFW IV, 69 seconds. At the Tigra). The disadvantage of such a drive was its large compared to electric fire hazard. Another important feature of the weapon of this tank was equipped with its large-caliber browning m2 machine gun in Troli over the hatch of the commander, a large-caliber machine gun had no other tank of that time but more severe IS-2. The disadvantage was the lack of targeted course machine guns. It was assumed that the shooting of it will be carried out blindly, tracing ammunition, under the leadership of the tank commander. In practice, this was not always triggered.

In general, it can be said that the service of the Sherman tank corresponded to the armed with the T-34, and just like the latter, inferior to the arming of German medium and heavy tanks, starting from March 1942. The Sherman's gun allowed to fight all types of light and medium-sized German tanks, but was not enough powerful to combat heavy types. The re-equipment could not fundamentally change the situation, although it allowed to exceed the German average tank PZKPFW IV according to this indicator.

Protection

Booking "Sherman" approximately corresponds to the level of other medium tanks VMW. The tower reservation was more powerful compared to T-34, and about the same as the T-34-85 and PZKPFW IV. The smaller ending angle of the front armor case was compensated for greater thick, but the large size and vertical board reduced the security. The minus was too high accommodation of the agencies, subsequently, this lack eliminated. In an effort to maximize the maintainability of the tank, the designers have equipped its front easily removing even in the field conditions of transmission and externally located suspension nodes. But this led to a relatively low vitality of these nodes. The front location of the transmission and its insufficient protectedness is guaranteed to deprive the tank of mobility in the breakdown of the lower part of the frontal armor, and could also burn the crew with hot oil, and during shooting to the lower part of the side, even the suspension failed to the bottom of the side. Therefore, for high maintainability of Sherman crews, they had to pay a more frequent repair due to the combat breakdowns. With the last disadvantage, fought by hanging out the external armor lists, which, however, were subtle and made their way to any type of artillery weapons. In addition to the probability of spraying hot oil from the PPC, the fire-hazardous electro-hydraulic drive of the tower turning and use on most modifications of gasoline engines also deserves attention. However, still placing the tanks in the engine compartment, the armored house between the motor and combat department, the presence of an automatic and manual fire extinguishing system made the tank relatively safe, even despite potentially high flammability. Compared to heavy German and Soviet tanks, the booking "Sherman" was insufficient. The exception was M4A3E2, but these tanks were released in minor quantities and, in the bulk, had relatively weak weakens.

Armor "Shermanov" was not cemented, and therefore was more viscous than the German and Soviet tanks. This reduced the likelihood of a ricochet or splitting of shells, but such an armor gave a lot less than secondary fragments, which was highly valued by the crews.

The early models of Shermanov suffered a tendency to fire when the projectile hit with a high initial speed. "Shermans" received such evil nicknames as "Tommizarka" (eng. Tommycoooker) (from the Germans who called English soldiers "Tommy") and Ronson (from the British, on the brand lighters, which was advertised under the slogan "will light the first time, everytime!"). Polish tankers called them "burning graves", and the Soviet tankers nicknamed the tank "fraternal grave to five." This vulnerability increased the loss of crews and strongly lowered the maintainability of the baked tanks. The investigation of the US Army showed that the main reason for this was the storage of ammunition in sponsons without proper protection. The existent opinion that the gasoline engine was a gasoline engine remain unconfirmed; Most of the tanks of that era had gasoline engines. Initially, the problem was solved by a welcoating of additional armor plates of an inch thickness to vertical sponsons in the locations of the ammunition baskets; In subsequent models, the ammunition was transferred to the bottom of the housing, with additional water shirts surrounding the shell repository. This modification significantly reduced the likelihood of "grip".

Mobility

Strategic mobility

M4 satisfied all the requirements for the average tank in terms of strategic mobility. Low weight and a small width allowed it to easily carry it with all types of transport, including railway. Loading and unloading also did not make up problems. Reliability and resource of power units, transmissions and chassis allowed the transfer of "Shermans" to long distances by their move, the cut-off caterpillar did not break the road, the tank kept the majority of bridges. The speed of movement was acceptable, the soft suspension retained the relative crew comfort. In this regard, Sherman exceeded all Soviet tanks, as well as most German.

The disadvantage was high fuel consumption (more than other average Tanks VMW), and as a result, a small reserve of the course, on most early petrol modifications - no more than 190 km, and later even less - 160 km.

Tactical mobility

With regard to tactical mobility, Sherman was also evaluated high enough. The energy transportation is good, at the level of the best average tanks of VMW, depended on the type and model of the installed engine. Formally, the tank was inferior in this regard to the Soviet T-34, but in practice, the difference in the power of the engines was compensated by a more successful "Sherman" transmission and the best selection of gear ratios in the gearbox. The speed and on the highway, and the rough terrain was good, the management of the tank - light, thanks to the amplifiers. The tank was not prone to longitudinal star, as T-34. The maneuverability of the tank was somewhat limited to a large ratio of length to width, as well as the use of a "CletRAC" type transmission, a minus of which was the impossibility of turning on the spot. This caused certain difficulties when maneuvering on the battlefield, and was especially manneurized during cramping conditions, such as loading or unloading.

Patency on soft soils M4 with suspension VVSS was worse than those of Soviet and German tanks, due to the greater specific pressure on the ground. HVSS suspension brought "Sherman" to one of the leading positions on this indicator. The geometric patency of the tank was limited to the high location of the center of gravity, at a time of one caterpillar on a high obstacle, the tank could turn over, especially if the hit took place at high speed. Plus was a high ground clearance. The coupling properties of the caterpillars depended on the type of tracks, in general were satisfactory, but the tank was inferior to the German and Soviet samples when driving on ice and other slippery surfaces. The problem was partially solved at the expense of removable spurs, however, it was mainly manifested with actions in Russia, and very little on other TVD.

Rubberometallic hinges and rubberized tracts made tank quiet in motion, which was complemented by a quiet engine operation. This made it possible, firstly, relatively secretly regrouping tanks directly on the front line, and secondly allowed to make hidden maneuvers, which was especially manifested on the eastern front (Soviet tanks were very noisy, and the quiet "Shermans" were often unpleasant for the Germans).

Reliability

The reliability of almost all the aggregates "Sherman" was very high; However, it was treated almost to all American tanks of that time. The reason for this was a high engineering and industrial culture, as well as the use of well-spent aggregates, the source of which was the automotive and tractor industry. The design of the tank was relatively simple, which also had a positive way on his reliability.

The engines of all options had a large resource, rarely demanded maintenance, and almost did not need adjustments, which favorably distinguished American tanks both from Soviet and German samples. Transmission also did not create problems. Caterpillar, thanks to the rhine metal hinge, had a resource, superior resource of all other types of caterpillars. QUALITY REQUIREMENTS WAS ON THE MEDIATED LEVEL, DIFFERENT DEPENDING DEPENDING on the type and engine model. As a rule, tanks worked well on affordable fuel.

In general, Sherman was one of the most reliable and unpretentious Tanks in VMW, and the best average tank of war on this indicator. The disadvantage was his smaller, in relation to the Soviet tanks, maintainability, especially in the field. In addition, the tank required a more qualified service and repair personnel.

The crew of the American tank "Sherman" M4A3E2 (Sherman M4A3E2 JUMBO), companies with, 37th tank battalion, 4th armored division (4th Armored Division), December 26, 1944, the first to enter the city of Bastogne, putting the beginning of the release of US troops surrounded by in the town. The car had its own name "Cobra King".

Analogs

Sherman belonged to the category of medium tanks, the most numerous and diverse among all presented during the VMW and after it. Almost any country that had a tank industry at that time produced a tank compared to M4:

T-34 - the most close to the characteristics of the Sherman analog, which appeared several years earlier. Somewhat exceeds the last on mobility and onboard armor, it is approximately equal to him in the power of weapons (in comparison with the Sherman with a 75-mm gun), like Sherman has an outdated running part, but less reliability and significantly worst conditions of the crew.

T-34-85 - the upgraded version of T-34, appeared half a year earlier than the "Sherman" with a 76-mm cannon. Also somewhat surpasses "Sherman" on mobility and armor armor. The armoredness is similar to the 76-mm gun M1A2 (yielding, however, in the armor vehicle version of the Sherman Firefly), the power of the fragoration-fugasic projectile is significantly higher. As the T-34, the worst working conditions of the driver's mechanics, but in the rest of the lag from Sherman was reduced.

PZKPFW IV is the main German analog, also older. Had comparable characteristics, surpassing American tanks in the mobility (except M4A3), the power of the gun (with modifications pzkpfw. IV AUSF F2 in comparison with Sherman with 75 mm cannon). The tank was not equipped with a stabilizer, but possessed the best sighting devices.

PZKPFW V - Panther has become the main, and most serious opponent "Shermanov" on West Front. Despite the fact that Panther refers to a more severe weight category, according to the German classification, it is considered an average tank, which corresponds to the degree of saturation of the German troops by the end of the war. "Panther" completely surpasses "Sherman" in all major combat performance, yielding only in reliability. Panther appeared a year later than ordinary Sherman, but before M4 (76), with both of them. Comparison only with small-sector M4A3E2.

Cruiser MK VIII Cromwell is an English cruising tank of about the same weight category, and appeared later "Sherman." I am inferior in the power of weapons and booking, but has better energy-proof. He had a spring suspension close to the design to the T-34 suspension.

Cruiser, COMET, A34 - The most perfect English cruising tank of the Second World War, appeared later "Sherman". Superior Sherman in all major combat performance. Despite the somewhat weight, it has a significantly higher energy transportation and better mobility. The gun approximately corresponds to the Sherman Firefly.

It can be said that among their analogues "Sherman" was allocated primarily simplicity and technological design combined with high quality manufacturing. This allowed him to become, along with T-34, the main tank of the Second World War.

The COMB (comb)

M4A4 in the Israeli Museum. An early sample gun mask is visible, the lack of a periscopic sight, upgraded for action in the desert wings. On the left near the factory labeling on the lid of the transmission office is visible comb.

Sherman's tank is associated with one rather curious story. Post-war historians and enthusiasts did not give peace for quite some time that the strange subject occurs in many photos of "Shermans" of early samples and even falls on some preserved tanks. The item is a small metal bar with several slots or hooks under the course of the transmission branch under the coursework, and it is very diverse. Among the enthusiasts, the mysterious item was called "Comb". In the "Operation Manual", this item is not described, the memories of veterans are not mentioned and it looks quite mysterious.

What only assumptions were done. The "comb" was considered an antenna mount, a wire cutting device, someone believed that it was needed for cleaning the dirt from the shoes of tankers, and some generally called it for bottles. Even the version is considered that this is a fixture for quick emergency reset tank with a trailer for transportation.

When the riddle was resolved, it turned out that this is a device for blocking the brakes of the tank in a position for the transportation by the sea or by rail. A cable loop was thrown onto the brake levers, she was skipped in the slave of the driver's mechanic, the purpose of which was also a mystery for a long time, and was displayed out through the machine-gun port (in tanks coming from the factory, the exchange machine gun was dismantled, and was dismantled in a tank in a canned condition). The comb served so that the cable can be pulled and fixed by fixing the levers in the posterior position. The tank at the same time was in a stroken state, and the transport staff could quickly reset the cable, pouring the tank, and move the tank to a new place. Without such an adaptation, it would be not easy, since the hatches of tanks were in a closed position, and, as a rule, were separated.

Gifts Tankists

In the book Hero of the Soviet Union of Officer-Tankist D. F. Voza "Tankist on a foreign car" described a rather interesting case. The Shermans on the USSR entering the USSR was revealed directly in the troops in which they came in the form in which the factory gates left. Representatives of American firms told the Soviet tankers that employees of the factories usually leave small gifts for tankers in the tank, but despite the fact that the tanks came canned, nothing interesting to find them.

Canned tanks came with two guns from a cannonal sala in the trunk of the gun: one side of the shutter, the other - in the dignulous part. When the cork was detached, the junction was knocked out. When knocking out the next traffic jam, the bottle of whiskey fell out of the barrel. It is curious that the diameter of the standard bottle of whiskey is just 3 inches, which coincides with the caliber installed on the "Sherman" guns M2, M3 and M1. After that, the trunks began to spread very carefully.

The lower evacuation hatches of Shermanov were a permanent object of theft of American infantrymen - they arranged improvised roofs of individual rifle cells. This led to the fact that the hatches began to fasten the chains.

Tank M4A3 "Sherman" (M4A3 Sherman) from the 9th US Army, stuck in the mud during the German offensive in Ardennes. The operation wore the code German name "Wacht Am Rhein" (WachTa on the Rhine).

Tactical and technical characteristics of M4 Sherman

Crew, people: 5
Layout: Control Department and Transmission Front, Motor Rear
Manufacturer: Lima Locomotive Works, American Locomotive Company, Baldwin Locomotive Works and Prased Steel Car Company
Years of production: 1942-1945
Number of released, pcs: 49 234

Weight M4 Sherman

Sizes M4 Sherman

Case length, mm: 5893
- Housing width, mm: 2616
- Height, mm: 2743
- clearance, mm: 432

Armor M4 Sherman

Book Type: Steel Homogenic
- housing forehead (up), mm / hail.: 51/56 °
- housing forehead (bottom), mm / hail.: 51 / 0-56 °
- boardboard, mm / hail.: 38/0 °
- Corps feed, mm / hail.: 38/0 ... 10 °
- bottom, mm: 13-25
- Roof of the housing, mm: 19-25 / 83-90 °
- Lob Tower, mm / hail: 76/30 °
- Mask guns, mm / hail.: 89/0 °
- Towers, mm / hail: 51/5 °
- Tower feed, mm / hail.: 51/0 °
- Roof of the Tower, mm: 25

Armament M4 Sherman

Caliber and Gun Mark: 75 mm M3 (U M4), 76-mm M1 (at M4 (76)), 105-mm M4 (at M4 (105))
- Type of guns: row
- Stem length, calibers: 36.5
- gun gun: 97
- Angles of VN, Grad.: -10 ... + 25
- Sights: Telescopic M55, M38, Periskopic M4
- machine guns: 1 × 12,7 mm M2hB, 2 × 7,62-mm M1919A4

Engine M4 Sherman.

Engine Type: Radial 9-Cylinder Carburetor Air Cooling
- engine power, l. S.: 400 (395 European l. p.)

Speed \u200b\u200bM4 Sherman

Speed \u200b\u200bon the highway, km / h: 48
- Speed \u200b\u200bby intersection area, km / h: 40

Highway reserve, km: 190
- Specific power, l. p. / t: 13.0
- Type of suspension: Slapbed pairs, on vertical springs
- Specific pressure on the soil, kg / cm²: 0,96
- overcame wall, m: 0.6
- overcomed by ditch, M: 2,25
- overcomed by Brod, M: 1.0

Photo M4 Sherman

Tank M4 "Sherman" from the 66th Army Army Army Army (66th Armor Regiment), baked in the district of the German city of Korschenbroich (Korschenbroich). The photo shows that the strengthening of the frontal armor in the form of bags with cement saved the tank from the break.

Despite the fact that in the 20s-30s of the twentieth century, the Americans led intensive work in the field of tank building, and the famous "Christie" constantly filed all new and new ideas, the real meanings of tanks were given little. So, by the beginning of World War II, in the US Army, no more than 400 cars of this type were numbered, and only 18 of them were among the category of medium.

But after the invasion of Germany to Poland and France and the following events, the attitude towards armored vehicles changed dramatically. Already in 1941, the production of the model M-3 started. This tank was quite original, since two guns had immediately: a gun on a 75 mm and a 37-mm gun. Since the first was installed in Sponson, they really used only a 37-mm gun, which, at least it was possible to rotate. In addition, the height of more than three meters did "General Lee" with an excellent gift to German artilleryrs.

Understanding this, the Americans have been intensive work in the field of creating a new, more maneuverable and adapted for the modern combat machine in the fall of the same year. So the Sherman tank appeared. Perhaps it was the best American armored vehicle of that period.

New approach to the creation of the case

To simplify and accelerate production, the housing was made from the rolled sheets of armor steel. Unlike the "straight-line" Germans, US engineers have placed the upper sheet at an angle of 47 °, its thickness was 50 millimeters. Feed plates were located at an angle of 10-12 °, the side was straight.

The thickness of the on-board and forage sheets was 38 millimeters, on the roof - only 18 millimeters. Fastening the nose body of the housing to the power elements bolted. Note that the frontal part was gathered immediately from the seven rolling blanks, so that manufacturers had a difficult task to ensure the highest possible quality of welded seams. We can say that with the task they coped fine.

Why is this conclusion? In the small village of Snegiri there is a monument from two "Shermans". Their enclosures have long been greeted from rust layer, but welded connections are still in perfect condition.

It should be noted that the Sherman Tank of the release of 1943-1944 is distinguished by an additional armor pad on the right side. This was done in order to place an additional set of shells on the floor of the battle compartment (to ensure the security of ammunition). One lining has begun on the left side.

However, it did not particularly help against the guns "Tigers": the story of the Sherman tank knows many cases when their shells stitched the car. But this could be said about any allies tank, except for the IS-2 and Pershovka, which appeared under the end of the war.

It can be said that the duel - the Sherman Tank against the "Tiger" in most cases ended with the victory of the latter. The M-3 gun pierced this model of the German tank hardly from the distance of the pistol shot, while the instrument of KWK 36 L / 56 at the "German" could effectively hit Sherman about a kilometer.

Tower

Tower in the tank "Sherman" cast, cylindrical shape. Mounted on a hinge support. Its frontal and on-board part were protected by armor with a thickness of 75 and 50 millimeters. The feed of the tower has a thickness of 50 millimeters, the roof is 25 millimeters. The mask of the gun was protected best, as the thickness of the armor in this place was 90 millimeters.

As you can see, Sherman tank (the drawings of which are in the article) did not differ much in terms of protection against the legendary domestic T-34. Despite the approval of American designers on the invulnerability of the gun mask, for the entire war, there were repeated cases when the enemy's shells pierced the mask. This, as a rule, served as the cause of the death of charging.

This was especially brightly manifested in Normandy: "Panthers" and "Tigers" easily hit the Sherman tank. The rage of General Eisenhawer did not give in description. Presumably, it was he who forced scientists and engineers to hurry with the development of a normal tank with a good gun, which could be able to fight German analogues on an equal footing.

In principle, the general success did not achieve a special success: "Perching" appeared only at the end of the war, and he also treated to heavy tanks conditionally.

Armament

The American tank "Sherman" was armed standard:

• The main tool is the gun M3. Caliber 75 mm, subsequently introduced a long-spending modification by 76mm.
• Large-caliber machine gun "Browning" M2NV, located right above the hatch of the tank.

Do you play "WORD OF TANK"? "Sherman" in this game on the balance of weapons corresponds to the T-34, which reflects the real state of affairs. Thus, the armor-piercing shells of "American" were much better than domestic, but punched a smaller thicker of armor. On the other hand, domestic products were better in the ballistics, just the tankers themselves such shots were rarely seen, since tungsten carbide used in their manufacture was very deficient and roads.

Useful properties of armor

Tank "Sherman" had good glory from domestic tank workers. And the point here is not only in the convenience of internal equipment. So, Americans had no problems with nickel and other armored additives. As a result, their armor was viscous: even in the case of the body breaking, if the shell did not kill someone from the crew or did not output the engine, the tank continued to perform a combat task.

The domestic machines armor was solid. If the shell pierced it (even in the area free from the engine or crew), inside the car, the whole hurricane of the small fragments of the scale was raging. Many tank workers were killed or crumpled for this reason.

Conditions of the crew

By the way, how did Sherman tank felt like that? It is quite decent, if compared with the terms of Soviet cars. First, all noted the high quality of observation instruments, because of which the tankers always had a great review. In addition, in addition to the main engine, a small gasoline motor for the generator of the charging station was mounted in the tank. How was it valuable?

The fact is that the tank always required a charged rechargeable battery. To charge it on the T-34 in a parking lot, it was necessary to drive the main engine. As a result, a huge overrun of fuel and exhaustion without that meager motor test. Finally, inside the Sherman tank was much more spacious, and the quality of the finish was higher.

"Lifebuoy"

In the back of the Sherman Corps, a niche had a niche where a regular radio station was installed. The entrance hatch was located on the roof of the tower and was closed by a two-rolled lid. There, the turret of the zenith machine gun was mounted. This Tank "Sherman" was distinguished from Soviet cars to which the machine gun was serially installed only after the appearance of the IS-2. Since 1943, the tower has become equipped with an oval hatch designed to land-disembarking charging.

The fact is that the charging itself, the radioist and even the mechanic tribal could not get out of one hatch. Why did the driver and driver get out through it? Everything is simple: Often, the gun turned out to be shaped as a result of a successful enemy hit, after which the driver simply could not use the exit destined for him.

Soviet tank workers on the T-34 strongly suffered from the tower gas zod. The fact is that the fans borrowed from BT, "dangle" somewhere in the front of the tower, while the executioner of the gun was very given back. The installation capacity was so-so, and therefore most of the powder exhaust remained right there.

Americans with their M-3 had approximately the same problem. But she was decided as once in Sherman, setting three fans directly protected by armored caps.

Different from each other different modifications of the tank?

Note that during the Second World War, the following modifications of Sherman tank were existed:

• M4. Deliched the CONTINENTAL R-975 carburetor engine and a simple welded body.
• M4A1. The engine is the same as in the previous case, but the case cast.
• M4A2. It is characterized by a diesel engine General Motors 6046 (Soviet tankers loved), the welded body.
• M4A3, (Sherman 3). The tank was completed with the force set of Ford GAA carburetor type. The case is standard, manufactured by welding.
• Tank "General Sherman" M4A4. Again diesel RD -1820. Also manufactured by welding.
• M4A6. Similar to previous variety in everything. Represents the late, post-war modification. It has greater technological and quality of manufacture, the best radio station was installed on the car.

In addition, there was a "theoretical" model of Sherman Tank, M4A5. This name was reserved in case an enterprise producing American cars will be open and in Canada. These plans were not destined to be pretended to life, but the name was not used. More precisely, the Canadian version (Grizzly 1) was indeed produced from September 1942 to autumn 1943, but then the release was minimized, since American supplies with interest covered the needs of the country.

Differences models

Despite such a variety, outwardly, these models almost did not differ from each other (unless there was an excellent form of the tower). The exception is M4A1, which has dramatically stand out against the background of others with its cast case. Placement of aggregates, tools and chassis on all "Shermans" were absolutely the same. It should be noted that American cars have significantly different from their Soviet and German counterparts in that there are invalid bidding sets of armor.

The tanks of the first episodes had observed sluts in the windshield. Only then they were completely closed with covers and put the periscopes. Subsequently, the tilt of the frontal armor has also changed significantly: it was 47 °, and became 56 °. It is for this reason that the average characteristics has a car in the game "World of Tanks". "Sherman" there in many ways corresponds to T-34. However, this is true (judging by the review of veterans).

Engine

In general, the Tank M4 "Sherman" - a phenomenon in some way is unique, since there was no one to have such a number of motors that were installed on it. What was it caused? Everything is simple. Up until World War II, the Americans seemed to be medium and heavy tanks they were not needed in principle. The emphasis was made on the development of aviation and the fleet, and in this area they coped fine.

When you needed medium tanks, the question arose about what kind of engines to use them? Aviation, of course, since the aircrafttener plants in America were enough with an excess. By the way, precisely because of the star engine, which was installed on the first "Shermans", the car was high, since otherwise the motor would simply do not get there.

In addition, the "civil" transmission was used initially adapted for mass and cheap trucks. Its sizes were great, as the designers in this case were not particularly bored with its compactness. However, Sherman is a tank, whose characteristics quite fit the spirit of time. In particular, the Germans also massively used truck details in the development of PZ.II, one of the most mass machines of that era.

Why was the number of power plants used? Everything is just just. During the war, Americans not only needed airplanes, but also supplied to their allies. Accordingly, those enterprises that have manufactured engines for them worked at the limit of opportunities. Often, for tanks, there simply did not remain planned by the design of motors, which had to look for analogs. However, about everything in order.

Characteristics of power plants

On the first modifications, that is, on the M4 and M4A1, the CONTINENTAL R975 C1 aircraft engine was set. He developed 350 horsepower, the number of revolutions was 3500 rpm. For comparison, B-2 of the legendary T-34 has developed operational capacity in 400 horsepower, issuing 1700 rpm.

Detailed history of the engine "Wright" (Continental)

Initially, this motor was used for light airplanes. To make a Sherman tank engine, engineers needed a lot to work. For example, it was necessary to "fasten" the gearbox, which was not needed by an airplane, for obvious reasons. In addition, it was necessary to dramatically increase the torque on low revs, as well as create a normal air purification system (the dust clouds are rarely found in the sky), in the sky there is a cloud of reducing the volume of oil consumed by the engine.

After the year of work, bench tests were carried out on which the engine showed quite acceptable results. In 1940, an M2 was held on the Aberdeen Polygon Polygon, the overall ancestor "Lee" and "Sherman" with the "Wright" engine. In addition, the tests were involved in the tests, which, next to the American tank, seemed to be "sluggish." The military was satisfied, they liked the model that the Sherman tank would be called. The reviews were very good, it was recommended to take the car to armared.

The total weight of the power plant was 515 kg. It should be noted that aviation fuel with an octane number of at least 92 should be used as a fuel. The compression ratio was 6.3: 1.

Some shortcomings

However, further tests have shown that the military is early rejoiced: with the slightest increase in the mass of the test, the lack of power began to be felt, and the cooling system did not cope with the increased load. In addition, due to the increase in temperature in the carburetor itself, the density of the air falling there is sharply, because of which the power fell dangerously. In such conditions, the engine tank "Sherman" could work only 100 hours, after which he needed a full-fledged overhaul.

Reorientation of production

Because of this circumstance, the production was decided to pick up the company "Wright" and transfer the release of a larger company "Continental". It was assumed that at least thousands of motors would be manufactured at its factories monthly. By the way, only 750 engines were released for all previous time "Wright".

New engineers with heat took to remove the flaws of the design. First, the cooling system was reinstalled. Secondly, they developed a new air purification filter. Finally, at the production of strict requirements for admission of outlooks, because of what the overall quality of the engines increased significantly.

The M4A2 was sparkling six-cylinder diesel engines GM 6046. The motor developed the power of 375 horsepower. The number of revolutions is 2100 rpm. As we have already spoken above, the engine liked our tankers for their unpretentiousness, reliability and maintainability. Moreover, its motor is several times exceeded that in T-34. In fairness it is worth noting that these two middle tank rarely transferred more than three-four fights at the beginning of the war.

By 1944-1945 and 1946 (war against Japan), the engine B-2 was somewhat brought to mind, so the difference was not so noticeable. So, Sherman tanks in the Red Army, together with the Soviet technique, reached Manchuria. There were no special complaints about Soviet cars or American production.

What motors were delivered to our country?

It is officially believed that in the USSR, only this model was supplied on lendelis. But some Soviet tankers describing the tank M4 "Sherman" said that "he broke out, like a match." Often there are also mention of gasoline engines. All this suggests that M4 or M4A1 was also supplied to the Soviet Union.

In addition, it can be assumed that a number of gasoline "Shermans" fell into our country from England, where the United States was supplied both diesel and gasoline modifications (British troops were equally provided with gasoline and diesel engineering). The Americans themselves used mainly gasoline modifications. The exception was only the maritime infantry, which had an unlimited supply of ship diesel.

Actually, that is why Diesel "Sherman" was so popular in our country. The tank in the USSR (as in the US) approximately to the 30s was considered an auxiliary unit consumable. When it took something more serious, it turned out that for tank Hordes, it was not enough gasoline. I had to use a diesel fuel, which in those years was considered a waste of oil refining.

The most "advanced" was the M4A3 model. For her, the V-shaped eight-cylinder Ford GAA motor was specially developed. Its capacity was 500 horsepower. The most complex and bulky was the M4A4 design: five automotive engines (ordinary, serial) led the tank in motion. Just imagine what and how the unfortunate mechanics said, who were forced to repair this miracle of engineering thought in case of breakdowns.

Where are these cars now?

And where can I see the Sherman tank? "Fury" (historical facts in this film are more or less close to reality) shows these machines in cinema. In the troops, Paraguay (as of 2013), there are still four such tanks. The set of half-filled and half of the collapsed cars are found on the coast of the Philippines, where Shermans are massively used for the Japanese defense breakthrough. "Advertising" Tank "Sherman" wORLD game Of Tanks, where it is quite popular.

Since the beginning of the mass production of the American average tank M4 "Sherman", its design was constantly upgraded and improved. Against the background of this, many modifications of Sherman appeared:

Tank M4 "Sherman" with a 105-mm cannon. One of the most serious alterations in terms of weapons tank. In an enlarged tower, instead of 76 mm, a powerful 105-mm Hubitsa was installed, which was able to fight many tanks of Germans, including Tiger and Panther. On the "Shermans" with 105-mm guns "Wet laying" was absent, instead of it was installed in the so-called. "Dry laying", that is, in armored boxes in the center of the combat department. On the Tank Arsenal in Detroit from February 1943 to September 1943, 800 such tanks were issued.

American Middle Tank M4 "Sherman" with 105-mm cannon

Tank M4 "Sherman" With 105 mm warmness and with HVSS suspension. This tank was not much different from the previous modification, with the exception of the suspension. Here, a more reliable HVSS suspension was performed as a runner, which had trolleys with double rinks and vertical springs were replaced in horizontal. In addition, the suspension had excellent maintainability. From September 1944 to March 1945, Tank Arsenal in Detroit produced 841 cars.

Tank M4 "Sherman" with HVSS suspension

Tank M4A1 "Sherman" With 76 mm cannon. Standard serial tank, but with improvements, like modifications M4A1, M4A2, M4A4 and in later modifications of the M4A3 tank. The American company PRESSED STEEL in the period from January 1944 to June 1945 created 3396 tanks.

Tank M4A1 "Sherman" with 76 mm cannon

Tank M4A2 "Sherman" With 76 mm cannon. Standard serial tank with improvements of modifications M4A1, M4A5 and M4A3. The American company Grand Blank from June 1944 to December 1944 produced 1596 tanks, and the company PRESSED STEEL created only 21 tank from May 1945 to June 1945.

Tank M4A2 "Sherman" with 76 mm cannon.

Tank M4A3 "Sherman" With 76 mm cannon. Standard serial tank with modifications M4A1, M4A5 and M4A2 modifications. Tank Arsenal in Detroit made 1,400 such tanks from February to July 1944, and Grand Blank photographed from September 1944 to December 1944, 525 tanks.

Tank M4A3 "Sherman" with 76 mm cannon

Tank M4A3 "Sherman" With a 76 mm cannon and an improved HVSS suspension. Standard serial tank with modifications M4A1, M4A5 and M4A2 modifications. Tank Arsenal in Detroit from August 1944 to December 1944 produced 1445 tanks.

Tank M4A3 "Sherman" with a 76 mm gun and an improved HVSS suspension

Tank M4A3 "Sherman" With 105 mm warmness. Standard serial tank with improvements of modifications M4A2, M4A4 and M4A5. Tank Arsenal in Detroit in the period from April 1945 to August 1945 produced 500 such tanks.

Tank M4A3 "Sherman"

Tank M4A3 "Sherman" With a 105 mm warmness and an improved chassis of HVSS. Standard serial tank with improvements of modifications M4A2, M4A3? M4A4 and M4A5. Tank Arsenal in Detroit from August 194 to May 1945 produced 2539 such tanks.

Tank M4A3 "Sherman"

But a clear example of a comparison of the usual suspension tank M4A1 "Sherman" and improved (below) HVSS suspension.

Heavy assault tank M4A3E2. The most interesting modification of the M4 Sherman tank represented the compromise design of the tank, which American designers were provided at the end of 1943. He represented a tank direct support for infantry, which in early 1944 was offered to use when landeding a landing in Northern Europe. This decision was offered after it became clear that the heavy assault tank T26E1 would appear in mass production until January 1945. A constructive solution was simple: to increase the tank armor to 10 cm. At the same time, a new, heavier tank tower with armor up to 10.5 cm was designed, however, it is not clear for what reasons left 76-mm gun. Naturally, the weight of the tank has increased greatly, about 38 tons. Based on the experience of tankers, modernized caterpillars with not removing primers were installed on the new tank. These rowing blades significantly increased the mobility of the new tank. Under the rough terrain, the tank could maximize the speed of 22 miles per hour. These tanks produced Grand Blank from May to June 1944. A total of 254 M4A3E2 tanks were produced, which was supposed to be sent to the European Theater of Military Activities. True, tanks in Europe went without any weapons, as they arrived in their place, they received weapons in the form of 76-mm cannons M1, from the Sherman tanks boutered earlier. American tankers called the tanks M4A3E2 JUMBO (Jumbo).

Not so long ago, in the world film distribution, another Hollywood military blockbuster "Rage" with delirium Pitt, who played a steep sergeant tanker was released. The film turned out rather ambiguous and caused a lot of discussions, but the daily work of the tank crew in it is quite well shown. However, the main role in this picture was not played by Pitt, but the famous American Tank M4 "Sherman", which in the film has its own name Fury - "rage".

M4 "Sherman" was the main middle tank of the American army during the Second World War. His name Tank was received in honor of American General William Sherman.

In addition to the US Armed Forces, this combat vehicle was supplied to the American Allies: Great Britain, USSR, Australia, Canada. After the end of the war, Sherman was in service with Israel, Pakistan, Italy, France, India, Japan and Yugoslavia.

As part of the program of Land Lisa, the USSR received more than 4 thousand Sherman tanks. Soviet tankers called this fighting machine "EMCH" (from the designation M4) and loved it. Get to serve the American tank was considered luck. The convenience of the crews favorably distinguished M4 from any Soviet cars. Also, Soviet tank workers noted a high level of "Shermans", excellent quality instruments and a powerful radio. The equipment of each American tank included a coffee maker, this fact consistently made a powerful impression on the Soviet fighters.

Since 1943, Sherman has become the main tank, which came from the USA on Land Liza. In significant quantities, this combat machine also supplied the UK.

Tank "Sherman" began his combat path in North Africa, then there was an allied landing in Normandy and martialctions in Europe. Americans used M4 at the Pacific Theater of Combat.

And after the end of the World War, the service of this combat vehicle continued. Sherman was in service with the US Army until the end of the 50s, participated in the Korean War, where he "closer" with Soviet T-34-85 tanks.

Because of the huge number of manufactured combat machines, after the war, the Americans willingly transferred the "Sherman" by the armies of liberated countries and allies. M4 was in service with the army of Israel during the war of independence and the six-day war. During the Indo-Pakistan conflict of 1965, these combat vehicles were used both India and Pakistan.

M4 Sherman is one of the most mass tanks In history, for three years (from 1942 to 1945), the Americans managed to release more than 49 thousand of these combat vehicles. The more massive are only Soviet T-34 and T-55.

Many experts are primarily foreign, of course, they call the middle tank "Sherman" of the best combat vehicle of the Second World War, putting it ahead of the Soviet "thirty parts". This question is very debated, but these two tanks accurately cost each other and comparable for combat power and armor protection.

However, before starting a review of Sherman Tank, you should say a few words about the history of its creation and modifications of the machine.

History of creation

The US Army approached the beginning of World War II, without only not only tank troops, but even a normal average tank in serial production. Possessing a serious automotive industry and developed tractor construction, the American generals did not consider tanks with something deserving serious attention. It was believed that enemy machines would be destroyed by fire of artillery and self-propelled installations.

Although serious work in the field of tank building in the United States was held: the tanks of the American designer Christie became a model to create an English cruiseider and Soviet BT.

The history of the Sherman tank begins in 1939. The US military were stamped by epic tank battles, which took place in Europe, as well as the effectiveness with which Wehrmacht used tank troops in their campaigns. At the same time, the US Army possessed several hundreds of tanks, which in their characteristics did not have any comparison with European counterparts.

The only serial American tank was m2, armed with a 37-mm gun and eight machine guns. He was planned to launch in large-scale production in 1940, but at the last moment the order was canceled. Compared to the characteristics of German tanks, 37-mm gun looked absolutely sorry and unpromising. And install a more powerful 75 mm gun in existing Tower It was impossible. Then the idea was born to create a multi-tank tank with a 75-mm gun in the side sponson.

So the Tank M3 "Lee" appeared. However, he also stopped satisfying the US military already at the development stage. M3 "Lee" was nevertheless launched into mass production (more than 6 thousand pieces were released) and was adopted. This "loyalty" even came in the USSR on Land Lesu and received the "fraternal grave" deserved nickname from Soviet soldiers (the crew consisted of seven people).

In parallel with the works on M3, the development of another tank began, which was assumed to arm one 75-mm gun located in the circular rotation tower. In his design, it was planned to use the chassis of the M3 tank, its running part, suspension, transmission and engine, that is, almost the entire bottom of the combat vehicle. The prototype of the future "Sherman" was ready on September 2, 1941 and received the designation T6. He had on-board doors and a commander turret, which were eliminated after showing the prototype to military leadership. There were other minor comments, after finalizing the tank was adopted.

Serial production was deployed in February 1942. Modification of the tank with a welded body received the designation M4, and with the molded - M4A1.

Initially, the tank was planned to equip a new 76-mm gun M3, but because of his unwitting on Sherman, an old 75-mm gun from the M3 "Li" was installed.

The cost of one Tank M4 was 45-50 thousand dollars, which was ten less percent than that of M3 "Lee".

The prototype T6 tank was made on the Aberdeen test landfill by the forces of military personnel and technical personnel. Dozens of private contractors were brought to serial production of the car. Usually one plant was engaged in the manufacture of one or another element: parts of the chassis, engine or weapon.

Modifications

Sherman had a large number of modifications, and the peculiarity of this car was that various tank options appeared not as a result of modernization, but simply had significant technological differences and were produced in parallel. Often they were associated with the peculiarities of enterprises where the combat vehicles were made. For example, M4A1 modification is formally considered the second, but it has been launched in production a few months earlier than M4.

The main differences of various modifications of Sherman tank are a method of manufacturing a housing and a different type of power plant. At the same time, different types of combat vehicles were periodically subjected to various improvements, but it happened about the same time. In this case, the upgraded tank received additional letters in the notation: W, (76) and HVSS. Factory notation differed, they included the letter E and figure. For example, the M4A3E8 Sherman tank.

Here are the main modifications of the combat vehicle:

• M4. One of the first modifications of the tank, its release began from mid-1942 and lasted until January 1944. The machine had a welded body and a CONTINENTAL R-975 carburetor engine. The total number of tanks of this modification - 8389 pieces, 6748 of which were armed with M3, and another 1641 - 105-mm warm.
• M4A1. The very first modification that went into mass production. This tank had a cast case and the Continental R-975 engine, it almost completely corresponds to the prototype T6. The production of this combat vehicle continued from the beginning of 1942 to the end of 1943. The total number of machines manufactured - 9677 pieces, 6281 of which were armed with a gun M3, and 3396 tanks received a new m1 tool. Initially, M4A1 had an instrument M2 and two coursework machine gun.
• M4A2. Modification with a welded body equipped with a power plant consisting of two GENERAL MOTORS 6046 diesel engines. Its release continued from April 1942 to May 1945. The total number of manufactured machines of this modification is 11,283 pieces, of which 8053 were armed with a gun M3, 3230 cars received an instrument M1.
• M4A3. Modification with a welded body and a Ford GAA gasoline engine. The tank was produced from June 1942 to March 1945. The total number: 11,424 units, 5015 of which had an instrument M3, 3039 pieces (M4A3 (105)) were armed with a 105-mm warm-up, and 3370 pieces (M4A3 (76) W) to the m1 tool.
• M4A4. A modification that had a welded elongated housing and a power plant consisting of five car engines. A total of 7499 combat vehicles of this modification were issued. All of them were in service with an instrument M3 and differed several other form of the tower, a radio station was located in the fodder niche, and on the left side of the tower there was a hatch for shooting from personal weapons.
• M4A5. This designation was originally reserved for the Canadian RAM tank, but it was not assigned to him. This car is curious in that, in fact, is a significantly upgraded version of the M3 tank. The fighting vehicles had an English 6-pound gun in service, she had a cast tower and a cast side door with a side door, the chassis was almost similar to M3. In total, 1948 cars were released. M4A5 did not participate in hostilities due to too weak gun, but on its basis several armored vehicles were made.
• M4A6. Modification with a welded housing, similar in the form and dimensions of M4A4, but with cast frontal part. The power plant consisted of Caterpillar D200A diesel engine. A total of 75 tanks of this model were released.
• Grizzly Bear. This is a modification of the M4A1 tank, which was serially produced in Canada, cars had small differences in the chassis. 188 tanks of this model were released.

In addition to modifications, there were special tanks created on the basis of this combat vehicle. For example, Sherman Firefly - M4A1 and M4A4 modifications tanks, armed with English 17-pound (76.2 mm) anti-tank gun, or Sherman Jumbo - assault tank, with enhanced booking and 75-mm gun M3.

Extremely interesting machines were the so-called rocket tanks: Sherman Calliope and T40 Whizbang equipped with start-up installations jet shells. On the basis of Sherman, clearing machines (Sherman Crab), engineering (M4 DOZER) and flame retardant tanks were created.

Design Description

The Sherman Tank is made according to a scheme that is more characteristic of the German tank construction of those years: its transmission and the control department are placed in the front of the body, and the engine compartment is in the rear. There is a combat department with a circular rotation tower, which is located in the center of the housing. The crew included five people.

Inside the tank was covered with a selection of Penorezine, who defended the crew from fragments.

Such a layout increased the height of the combat vehicle: the designers had to be placed in the housing a cardan shaft, which came from the engine to the gearbox. Increased the height of the tank and the vertical location of the engine.

Different modifications of the tank differed little by their design, so the description of the M4A2 model with a diesel engine is given below, which is most massively supplied to the USSR on Land Lases.

In the front of the housing there was a department of control, in which the workplaces of the driver mechanic and its assistant were placed, control devices and control levers, transmission elements and a course machine gun with ammunition.

Behind him was a combat department with a rotating tower. It was located in the commander of the machine, gunner and charging, ammunition guns, fire extinguishers and batteries. In the tower, a tool, aiming devices and observation devices, a lifting mechanism of a gun, a paired machine gun and a radio station are placed. Also in the combat department was the turning mechanism of the tower.

In the rear of the tank there was a motor compartment, which was separated from the combat special partition.

The M4A2 modification tank housing was made of rolled armor plates that were connected by welding. The windshield part of the car was one massive litter, which was located at an angle of 56 ° and had a thickness of 51 mm. The thickness of the housing sides was 38 mm. On the right at the bottom of the sheet there was a ball machine gun unit. In the bottom of the hull there was a hatch that was used to evacuate the crew under the enemy's fire. Two landing hatches with built-in surveillance devices were located above the department.

Sherman had a litter tower with a small feed niche, her frontal armor thickness was 76 mm, the side and feed had armor at 51 mm, and the mask of the gun had a reservation of 89 mm. On the roof of the tower there was a bivalve commander hatch, which was used to evacuate all crew members in the combat department. At the later series of the machine to it, another hatch for charging was added.

Initially, the main Bayuzapace Tank was in the tongs of the shelves, which had an additional reservation outside. However, the practice has shown that such a location led to the detonation of ammunition, therefore it was transferred to the floor of the combat department on the latter series machines, and the so-called wet wet was used: shells were poured with water with the addition of ethylene glycol.

Initially, a 75-mm gun M3 was installed on the M4A2 modification tank, and from 1943 to 76 mm M1A1 instrument. A machine gun was latched with a gun, a 12.7-mm anti-aircraft machine gun was mounted on the roof of the tower.

The aiming tank fixtures consisted of a telescopic sight M55 and the periscopic device M38. Sherman gun was stabilized in a vertical plane.

The M4A2 power plant consisted of two GM 6046 diesel engines with six cylinder each. The total capacity was 375 liters. from. The capacity of the tank fuel tank was 590 liters.

Sherman was equipped with a 5-speed gearbox of a mechanical type, the torque from the engine was transmitted to it using a cardan shaft.

The chassis of the tank consisted of six single support rollers for each of the sides, they were combined in pairs in three trolleys, each of which was suspended on two springs. In addition, on each board there were three supporting rink, leading front wheel and guide wheels. In mid-1942, the chassis of tanks was somewhat modernized.

Shermans installed powerful radio stations.

Efficiency and combat use

The first "Shermans" began to enter the troops in mid-1942, but american tankers So it was not possible to master the new technique: soon all the combat cars were transferred to the British. At this time, the English parts were heavy fighting in North Africa, and the situation was clearly not in their favor. Churchill personally asked the American president about help.

In September 1942, 318 Sherman tanks arrived in Egypt and were almost immediately thrown into battle. For the Germans, the appearance of enemy hundreds of modern tanks has become a real shock. Most of the German African Corps tanks could not punch the American tank armor. It can be said that the battle near El Alamein was largely won precisely thanks to Shermans.

American tankers on the "Shermans" first entered the battle during landing in Tunisia. Because of the instortion of crews in the first fights, many cars were lost, but later, spending tactical techniques, the Americans were very successfully used "Shermans". In general, it should be noted that this tank was perfect for the conditions of the desert. In February 1943, M4 first met with the German novelty - heavy pzkpfw vi tiger tank. It became very quickly clear that Sherman could not confront this German car on an equal one.

Tanks M4 and M4A1 took part in the landing of allied troops in Sicily. True, in Italy, there were practically no large tank battles.

The following significant operation with the participation of Sherman was the founding of allies in Normandy. American machines in Normandy had difficulty. Germans actively used against them newest tanks "Panthers", against which M4 had little chance. In addition, the crossed terrain of the North of France did not give "Shermanam" to demonstrate their best qualities: speed and maneuverability. Large losses American cars carried from "

For nine months, battles only the 3rd tank division lost 1348 combat vehicles.

In November 1942, the first M4 arrived in the Soviet Union. In the USSR, a diesel modification of the M4A2 tank was most popular, since gasoline western tanks did not "digest" domestic fuel too well. The first new cars received the 5th Guards Tank Army in the North Caucasus.

M4 was actively used in the campaigns of 1944 and 1945. The most massive "Sherman" was used during the Bagration Operation, although these cars fought through the entire line of the Soviet-German front, from the Black Sea to Baltic.

Soviet tankers loved the American tank. It was much more convenient for the crew, than Soviet fighting vehicles. But, most importantly, it usually was much more reliable. The undoubted plus "Shermans" were aiming devices and observation devices, a powerful radio station, a high level of booking and sufficient firepower. The suspension at M4 was much softer than that of T-34, it no less noisy. The gun of the American tank had stabilization that raised the shooting accuracy during the movement.

In the design of Sherman, many nodes and serial vehicles are used, which ensured the high reliability of the tank.

Among the minuses can be called the design of tracks of caterpillars, which were not too adapted for the conditions of the Russian winter. They provided a weak grip with a soil, because of which the tank often slipped. The shortcomings of Shermanov include too high silhouette and a kind of body shape. The fact is that Sherman was high and narrow, which, together with unsuccessful caterpillars, often led to the tipping of the machine.

75-mm gun M3 approximately corresponded to the Soviet gun F-34, 76-mm gun M1 allowed Shermans to confidently hit the German pz.IV, but for the fight with "tigers" and "panthers" it was necessary to use pyline-free shells.

Sherman VS T-34

Many disputes raise the question of which tanks were better than T-34 or Sherman. These tanks have repeatedly encountered in battle, but after World War II. During the Korean war, Soviet T-34-85 were the main opponent "Sherman", which were ruled by Korean and Chinese tankers. Most often, the opposition of Soviet and American tanks ended in favor of the latter.

T-34 and Sherman were the machines of the same class: they did not give way to each other in booking, the American 76-mm gun at the expense of the ballistics and ammunition of the best quality at least was not worse than the Soviet 85-mm ZIS-S-53, there was similar Mobility of these tanks. However, Sherman had an advantage at the expense of a larger convenience of the crew, the accuracy of the shooting and the rapidity of the gun. High quality differences and target devices "American" were also distinguished.

Another important advantage of M4 was his reliability. The quality of the assembly of "thirty parts" of wartime very often left much to be desired.

Given the state of the US Tank Industry at the beginning of the war and the almost complete lack of experience in this area should be recognized that the creation of Sherman in such a short time is a huge achievement of Americans.

If you have any questions - leave them in the comments under the article. We or our visitors will gladly respond to them

Almost in parallel with the design of the Ministry of Health, the development of a new tank began, in which the disadvantages of the latter were assumed, in particular the unsuccessful placement of 75-mm guns, and at the same time maximize the use of existing nodes and aggregates. In June 1941, a full-sized wooden layout of a tank that received the T6 designation was made. Then in Aberdeen began assembling the prototype with cast top of the case. At the same time, the Rock Island Arsenal created a car with a welded body, but without a tower. The Aberdeen Prototype was ready by September 2, 1941 and was demonstrated by representatives of the command of the Tank Forces and the Arms Department.

Taking into account a number of amendments, the Arms Committee of the US Congress on September 5, 1941 recommended this machine to armared the Army of the United States under the designation of the "average tank M4". The protocol of December 11, 1941, the arms committee assigned the designation of the M4 tank with a welded corps, and M4A1 - with cast. In the American army, all models of the M4 M4 models were called "General Sherman", and in English just "Sherman". However, with the light hand of the British, the most common name was the second name.

The average tank M4A2 during the tests for NIIBT polygon in Cuba. Summer in 1942.

Tank M4A2 (76) W per NIIBT Polygon in the Cuban near Moscow. 1945 year. Under its American index, this modification of Sherman in the Soviet documents of the military years never figured.

One of the two placed in the USSR during the Second World War M4A4 Tanks at the Polygon in Cuban. 1945 year.

From February 1942 to July 1945, 6 main modifications of the M4 tank consisted in mass production. In principle, all the models of the Sherman tank (M4, M4A1, M4A2, M4AZ, M4A4, M4A6) were no different from each other. In appearance, only M4A1 was dramatically highlighted with its cast case. Guns, towers, placement of nodes and aggregates, the chassis - everything was the same. All models over time received a single litter front part - the transmission compartment cover (instead of the team of three parts used earlier), oval hatch of charging, falseboard, overhead armor and much more. Initially, the tanks had observed sluts in the windshield sheet of the case, then they were closed with armored keys and introduced periscovers, and finally, in the late 1943th - the beginning of 1944 there was a one-piece head cooker, and the hatches were transferred to the roof of the body. True, I had to reduce the angle of inclination of the frontal armor from 56 ° to 47 ° from the vertical.

The main difference of "Shermanov" from each other was the type of power plant. So, on M4 and M4A1, a 9-qi-linder radial carburetor engine "Continental" R-975 was used; on M4A2 - Sparries of GMC diesel engines; For M4AZ, the carburetor 8-cylinder engine "Ford" GAA-8 was designed (by the way, the most powerful one from all used on Shermans - 500 hp at 2600 rpm) and, finally, five installed on M4A4 in a single unit Gasoline engines "Chrysler Multibenk" A-57. To install such an aggregate, I had to lengthen the body slightly. M4A6 has the same length, but a diesel engine "Caterpileler" RD1820 was used as a power plant. In all modifications, the transmission was located in the front of the hull, which led to a relatively large tank height.

By the beginning of 1943, the command of the US Army's armored forces came to the conclusion that the war could not be completed with the tanks of the modifications issued. This view has led to the first major modernization associated with the installation of new cast towers with 76-mm long-life cannons and with 105-mm warmts. Modernization did not affect only the tanks M4A4 and M4A6.

By February 1944, Chrysler developed project documentation and manufactured prototypes of all new models. In these tanks, the alert was moved from the tumor niches of the hull to the floor of the battle office and was posted on both sides of the cardan shaft. An interesting feature of this, the so-called "wet" of the wets was the placement of cannon shots in cassette boxes, the double walls of which were filled with water. It was assumed that in the event of a shell hit in a wake, water will be broken and preventing a fire. On tanks with 105-mm warm-up, the wives was "dry", in armored boxes.

The appearance of the commander's turret with a periscopic device and six guns, the Triplex made it possible to drastically improve the overview from the commander's location. Somewhat later, the oval hatch of the charging was replaced with a round bivalve.

Installation of a powerful 76-mm gun M1A1 (with a muzzle brake - M1A2) with the initial speed of the armor-piercing projectile 810 m / s. allowed Shermans to fight heavy German tanks.

The second major modernization of Tanks "General Sherman" was the introduction of the so-called horizontal suspension on them and a new 24-inch caterpillar. Experienced samples were designated as M4E8, M4A1E8, M4A2E8 and M4Ase8. The mass of the tank has somewhat increased, but due to the use of broader caterpillars, the specific pressure on the ground has decreased, and the permeability not only has not decreased, but even increased. At the end of March 1945, the release of Tankov "General Sherman" with a horizontal suspension began. A new chassis was obtained all modifications that were produced at that time. To highlight any of them as the best is quite difficult, since there were no fundamental differences in the tactical and technical data between them. It should be noted that only the Tanks of M4AZ of different options were delivered to anyone on Land Lesu and as a result of this were more than half of the Shermanov, which were in the US Army. The remaining modifications were intensively exported. It is enough to say that only in England was put on Land Lase 17 174 Tank M4 (Sherman I), M4A1 (Sherman II), M4A2 (Sherman III) and IW4A4 (Sherman V). The name "Sherman IV" received M4AZ, they were put in England 7 cars - the only exported tanks of this modification.

The average tank M4A2 (76) W HVSS with a horizontal suspension and a 23-inch caterpillar during the tests for NIIBT polygon in Cuban in 1945.

According to American data, 4063 M4A2 tanks of different options were delivered to the Soviet Union and two M4A4 tanks. Since M4A2 tanks made up more than a third of all tanks received by our country from allies on Land Lesu during the war, then the design of these combat vehicles makes sense to stop more.

The housing of the M4A2 tank was welded from rolled armor plates. Its frontal part consisted of a massive cast part (on the tanks of the first series - welded, detachable of three parts), which served simultaneously with the transmission hatch cap and the carter of the rotation mechanism, and the top sheet with a thickness of 50 mm, located at an angle of 56 ° to the vertical. The cast frontal item was attached to the upper sheet, onboard sheets and bottom bolts. From the outside, onboard gearboxes were attached to it from the sides.

The upper front sheet was welded to the sides and roof of the body. In the lower part of it, the ball installation of the machine gun was mounted on the right, the right and above which was the cylindrical nest of antenna entry (in case the tank was equipped with two radio stations). In the upper part of the windshield, there were two protrusions in which there were viewing gaps with triplexes, opened from the inside of the tank. From the second half of 1942, armor plates were welded to protrusions, and then cast caps; Instead of the observation cracks, periscopic MB observation devices were installed. At the end of 1943, a solid upper front sheet was introduced without observation slots, located at an angle of 47 ° to the vertical.

Bore hull vertical. On the tanks of the release of 1943-1944, until the transfer of the waters on the floor of the battle office, two armor plates and one were welded to the upper right side sheet - to the upper left side sheet. The stern part of the case consisted of two inclined (10 ... 12 °) sheets - upper and lower. The top was shifted to the bottom so that the pocket for the release of air coming from the fans was formed between them. The armor of the sides and the stern had a thickness of 38 mm, the roof of the housing is 18 mm.

In the front of the roof of the case above the control department, there were oval landing hatches of the driver and his assistant, located along the housing and the surveillance devices built into the covers. On both sides of the hatches were installed two fans. From the end of 1943, the hatches were located across the case, the design of the covers was changed, one fan was stored between the hatches.

Tower cast, cylindrical shape with a small feed niche. The forehead and board were protected by 75-mm and 50-mm armor, feed - 50mm, the roof of the tower - 25-mm. In front of the tower, Mask-Installation was attached (the thickness of the armor is 90 mm). On the roof of the tower there were landing hatch, a ventilation hatch of a combat compartment, closed by armored hat, two observation devices and antenna entry. The landing hatch was closed by a double lid fixed on the loop in the rotating turret of the zenith machine gun. Since December 1943, an oval hatch of charging appeared on the roof of the tower.

The tower was driven by a hydroelectric rotary mechanism or manually. With the help of the hydroelectric mechanism, the tower could be rotated 360 ° during from 16 to 840 C, depending on the angle of rotation of the control handle. The mechanism had an additional drive to the tank commander, when the gunner was turned off.

From May 1944, a new cast tower of increased size was installed on the tank, but with the same diameter of the tower pursuit in the light. The weapon was mounted in a new mask-installation (the thickness of the armor is 100 mm). On the roof of the tower there were a TRIPLEX-PRIPLEX and a periscopic observation unit, an oval hatch of charging, observation device hatch, an anti-aircraft gun bracket and antenna entry. In the left side of the tower there was a hatch for shooting out of personal weapons, the fan of the combat department was mounted on the stern.

Sherman -tyagach with railway station Morozovskaya in the North Caucasus is now exhibited in the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Moscow. On the frontal armor of the housing, the traces of the welding of the assembly of the fastening of the crane arrows are visible.

At M4A2, a 75-mm gun of the MW was installed with a 37.5 caliber barrel length. Since 1944, 76-mm gun M1A1 was installed on the M4A2 Tank M4A2 (76) W, and then M1A1C or M1A2 with a 52 caliber barrel length. All guns had vertical wedge shutters and copied semi-automation. Vertical tip - from -10 ° to + 25 °. Guns were stabilized in the vertical point of the guidance.

Two 7.62-mm Browning machine gun M1919A4 was installed in the tank, one paired with a gun, another course, and a 50,8 mm smoke grenade lam. On the roof of the tower was mounted anti-aircraft large-caliber 12.7-mm Browning M2HB machine gun.

M4A2 tank ammunition consisted of 97 artwesters, 300 12.7-mm and 4750 7.62-mm cartridges, 12 smoke grenades; Tank M4A2 (76) W - 71 Artvystrel, 600 12.7-mm and 6250 7.62-mm ammunition, 14 smoke grenades.

On the tank M4A2, the GMC 6046 of the model 71 was installed, which consisted of two 6-cylinder two-stroke uncompetitive row diesel engines located in parallel and connected to one unit with a capacity of 375 hp. at 2100 rpm. Starting engines was carried out by electric starters. To facilitate the winter start, two flare nozzles with fastened candles for each engine were used.

The transmission consisted of two one-piece main friction friction friction (one per engine), a transverse connecting transmission, a cardan shaft, gearbox, a rotation mechanism and onboard gears. Gearbox - mechanical, five-speed (5 + 1), with synchronizers on all transmissions, except for the 1st and reverse. The rotation mechanism is a double cell differential type.

Tank M4A2 Senior Lieutenant N. Sumarois. 3rd Ukrainian Front, 1944.

Column tanks M4A2 with a landing on armor. 1943. Despite the smooth move, to keep on Sherman was a difficult thing, because there were completely absent on the tank any handrails or staples. In the American army, the motorcycle movement was transported on armored personnel carriers and cars.

M4A2 tanks on march to the front line. 1944 year.

The chassis of tanks M4A2 and M4A2 (76) W in relation to one board consisted of six single rubberized support rollers, seized in pairwise in three balancing carts suspended on two vertical buffer springs each; Three supporting rollers, guide wheels, the leading wheel of the front location with removable gear crops (engagement of the valve). In each caterpillar 79 double-grade tracks width of 420.6 mm, the step is 152 mm. Metal tracks or rubberometallic with silent block.

The chassis of the M4A2 tank (76) W HVSS in relation to one board consisted of six dual saw-separated support rollers, scored pairwise in three balancing carts suspended on two horizontal buffer springs each; Three single and two dual supporting rollers, a circulated guide wheel, leading the wheel of the forefront with removable gear crops (launching). In each caterpillar 79 one-grade tracks width of 584.2 mm, the step is 152 mm. Metal tracks or rubberometallic with silent block. In each trolley of the suspension, a hydraulic shock absorber was installed.

Tanks M4A2 All options were released 10,968 pieces, of which 8053 were with a 75-mm gun. Since the American army received only tanks with gasoline engines, then M4A2 was used in the USA as training and supplied on Land Lesu to other countries, mainly in England (7418 pieces). A certain amount of M4A2 was used by the US Marine Corps in the fights in the Pacific Ocean. The main manufacturers were Fisher Tank Arsenal and Pulm Standard; At the end of 1942, "Amerikhen Lokomotiv", "Federal Mishch End Verder" and "Bvlin" joined them. The release of M4A2 with 75-mm cannons was completed in May 1944. Then the company Fisher Tank Arsenal is the main manufacturer of diesel "Shermanov" - passed on the production of M4A2 (76) W and until May 1945 released 2894 tanks, 21 cars produced the company "Pressed-style car". The total production of M4A2 with a 76-mm cannon was 2915 pieces.

In the Soviet Union, according to American data, 1990 tanks with a 75-mm gun and 2073 with 76-mm were delivered according to Land Lisa. In May 1945, the Red Army received a number of tanks with a horizontal suspension.

The first "Shermans" arrived in the USSR in November 1942. This modification was not chosen by chance. Soviet experts with whom the nomenclature of the supplied technique was agreed, the difficulties that arose during the operation of Tanks of MS and MZL in the USSR, whose gasoline engines could only work on imported high-octane gasoline.

It should be noted that the number of shippeds sent above does not coincide with the number of obtained. So, according to receiving commissions GBTU of the Red Army, in 1942, 36 tanks M4A2 arrived in the USSR, in 1943 - 469, in 1944-2345, in 1945 - 814. In total, in four years - 3664 cars.

Tank M4A2 supports infantry attack. 2nd Ukrainian Front, 1944.

The first to receive new American tanks 5th Guards Tank Brigade and the 563rd Separate Tank Battalion of the North Caucasus Front. In the latter on January 5, 1943 there were nine tanks M4A2 and 21 MZL Tank. Soon, by order of the commander of the front, the 563rd separate tank battalion passed on its "Sherman" to the 5th Guards Tank Brigade, having received the MZL instead. Such an exchange was necessary for the completion of the 563th battalion with light tanks, which were planned to be used in the implementation of the landing in the southern lake. In July 1943, the 299th separate tank regiment was included in the troops of the 48th Army, which had 38 m4A2.

New American tanks were well taken in the armored parts of the Red Army. For example, in the report of the 5th Guards Tank Brigade, dated October 23, 1943, was noted:

"Thanks to the high speed, the M4A2 tank is very convenient for persecution, has greater maneuverability. The armament fully corresponds to its design, as it has a fragmentary and armor-piercing shells (blanks), the penetrative ability of which is very high. 75 mm gun and two browning machine guns in the worklessness. The disadvantages of the tank include a large height, which is the target on the battlefield. Armor, despite the greater thickness (60 mm), is poorly quality, since there were cases when it was made from PTR at a distance of 80 meters. In addition, there were a number of cases when Yu-87, with a bombing, shelled tanks from 20-mm guns and pierced the side armor towers and side armor, as a result of which there were losses among the crews. Compared to the T-34 M4A2, more easily manageable, more enduring with long-term marches, since the engines do not require frequent adjustment. In battle, these tanks work well. "

According to reviews from the troops, during the shelling of tanks, even fragmentation ammunition took place of small fragments on the inside of the armor. It happened not on all machines, but about this defect. Nevertheless, the Americans were notified in April - May 1943. Almost immediately after that, the shipment of M4A2 in the USSR was suspended, and the cars arrived from November 1943 had a better armor.

Tanks M4A2 pass through the Romanian city of Batoshan. April 1944.

Residents of the liberated G. Balti welcome the Soviet tank workers entering the city on the tanks M4A2. August 31, 1944.

Tank M4A2 One of the parts of the 8th Guards Tank Corps runs along the street of liberated Lublin. Poland, July 27, 1944.

In addition to summarizing the experience of military operation, during 1943 Shermans were subjected to intensive tests on specialized polygons. Here are some excerpts from the "report on the tests of the M4A2 middle American tank in summer conditions. 1943 NIIBT Polygon GBTU KA ":

"Purpose: to establish the reliability of the tank in general and its individual units and mechanisms.

Tank production of 1942 Fisher Tank Arsenal plant.

Before the start of summer tests, the M4A2 tank was held in the winter and spring conditions 1285 km. Engines worked 89 hours.

During the summer tests, the tank passed 1765 km, on the highway 450 km. Engines worked in summer conditions 87 hours.

By the end of the test, the tank passed 3050 km, the engines worked 176 hours.

Conclusion.

1) The American Tank M4A2 has good reliability in operation and requires minimal cost of service time.

2) Compliance with the frequency and volume of maintenance of the tank specified in the composed of the BT BT polygon "Memo Crew M4A2 crew" fully ensures normal and reliable tank operation.

3) GMC engine engines installed on the M4A2 tank are reliably working on domestic diesel fuel brand "DT" and diesel oil. The engine shift in the engine must be made in 50-60 hours of operation.

4) Transmission tank can normally work 4000-5000 km without changing the American oil refueling SAE-50, with which the M4L2 tanks arrive in the USSR. Refueling transmission must be produced by the domestic aircraft "MK" or "MS".

5) Metal and rubberometallic caterpillars for its adhesion with a soil in summer conditions are equivalent. When operating a M4A2 tank on a metal caterpillar, the reliability of the chassis is reduced (the service life of rubber bands of support rollers is especially reduced). "

To this assessment of the reliability of Sherman, given by Soviet test officers, it is difficult to add anything. It is worth emphasizing that during the fighting 1944-1945, it was fully confirmed. Looking ahead, let's say that, unfortunately, the fact of increased wear of rubber bands of supporting rollers was also confirmed at intensive exploitation of tanks on a metal caterpillar. Such trouble, for example, has happened in the parts of the 5th mechanized building during the Nazo-Chisheven operation in August 1944.

The massic equipment of various parts and connections of the Red Army "Shermans" began with the spring of 1944.

On February 13, 1944, the 4th Guards Mechanized Corps was given to the 212th separate tank regiment, armed with tanks M4A2. Together with other parts and compounds of the Corps, the regiment took part in the Bereznegovo-Spegirevsky offensive operation conducted by the troops of the 3rd Ukrainian Front.

March 13, 1944 at the Tank M4A2 Guard of Junior Lieutenant V. A. Sivkova from the 212th Tank Regiment aviation Bomb Ripped a caterpillar chain. All day the crew repaired a tank. And all this time, German aircraft, as soon as they found the movement of people around the tank, immediately tried to shoot their machine-gun and cannon flames. In one of the raids by enemy aviation, the mechanic-driver was killed. Senior Sergeant Ivan Volodin and gunner tools Sergeant Boris Kalinichenko. In total, only two is the commander and the arrows of the radio operator P. K. Peasants.

Twilight has already descended to Earth, aviation raids stopped. The tank was again ready for battle, however, in the crew lacked exactly half. There was no one to keep the tank, but remain in the desert steppe Tankers did not think. Peter peasants sat in the place of the driver-driver, and in the tower he took his place to Vadim Sivkov.

Under the cover of the evening twilight, the tank at the maximum speed rushed south. Tankers wanted to catch up with his regiment as quickly as possible, which, according to their calculations, was supposed to be in the area with. I'm in the cinema. About what happened later, you can learn from a premium sheet:

"... Junior Lieutenant Sivkov V. A. On the night of 13 at 14mart, following the route the regiment, the opponent learned on his route in the village of Javin. It was not embarrassed him, and he decided, by all means it began to break through to his part. Going close to the village of Javin, the junior lieutenant Sivkov opened a hurricane fire from all types of weapons of Tank M4A2, at the limit velocity broke into the village. Skillfully maneuvering the streets, created the appearance that at least 10 tanks broke into the village. The opponent in a panic rushed from one house to another, from one street to another, but everywhere I got under hugled fire and caterpillars tank ...

On the night of March 14-15, the enemy, having tightening significant forces, went to the counterattack on the village of Javino. Reflecting an opponent's attack, maneuvering in the village, the tank hit the anti-tank ditch. Without the opportunity to use the gun and machine guns, he guailed the enemy to come close to the tank and suggest the crew to surrender, to which Sivkov responded with the opening of fire and with the exclamation: "Komsomol residents are not surrendered!" - Related by grenades.

The opponent fled, leaving a dozen corpses from the tank. Then the junior lieutenant Sivkov using anti-aircraft installation, I began to shoot the runaway opponent. After spending all the ammunition, without having the opportunity to lead a further struggle, the junior lieutenant Sivkov blew himself up and settled the tank.

Conclusion: I imagine posthumously by the title of the Hero of the Soviet Union.

(Commander of the 212th separate tank regiment Guard Major Barbashin.)

Our troops, joining 15 March, discovered the exploded Soviet tank. Inside it was found a small package and in it two sheets of finely written paper, which reported:

"We, the remaining two in Tank No. 17, Sivkov Vadim Aleksandrovich (commander of the tank, junior lieutenant) and the Radiist of the Crossanins Peter Konstantinovich, decided to better die in his native tank than to leave him.

You do not think clearly, leaving two or three cartridges for yourself ...

The Germans approached the tank twice, but could not open. At the last minute of life, we blow up the tank grenades so as not to get the enemy. "

For courage, courage and infinite dedication to the Rodina Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of June 3, 1944, Lieutenant V. A. Sivkov and the ordinary P. K. Peaceaninov was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

Tanks M4A2 (76) W on the march. 2nd Ukrainian Front, Austria, March 1945.

EMCH is forcing a water barrier on the footplate on the approaches to Vienna. April 1945.

Tankists of the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps Guard Lieutenant I. G. Dronov and Guard Sergeant N. Idrisov on his "Sherman" first broke into Vienna. April 1945.

The arrival of a significant amount of "Shermanov" allowed to arm and large connections. For example, on June 22, 1944, the 3rd Guards Stalingrad mechanized building, operating in the 3rd Belorussian Front, had 196 tanks, mainly foreign production: 110 m4A2, 70 "Valentine IX" and 16 T-34.

July 2, 1944, five Sherman tanks from the 9th Guards Tank Brigade of the 3rd Guards Cropus, who went to the head hiking heading under the command of the head of the senior lieutenant G. G. Kiyashko, crossed the river. Berezina and got the task to break in the city of Red and in case of successful development of events to capture it. The opponent's garrison did not expect the appearance of Soviet troops. Tanks broke into the streets scored by German cars. Wearing fire from guns and machine guns, armor and caterpillars Guardsmen have a lively strength and technique of the enemy. The enemy was knocked out of the city. During the battle, the guardsmen destroyed four guns, more than 30 cars, about 80 Nazis, having lost only one "Sherman" of the younger lieutenant A. E. Bashmakov. Tankists cut the highway and the railway going to the Red from Minsk. In order to hold out before the approach of the main forces, Kiyashko put three tanks in the ambush. By this time, the Tank of Lieutenant E. N. Smirnova, who, in the Taran, the rotary mechanism of the gun was damaged, took the wounded and loss of the connection with the main forces of the brigade.

Soon the Soviet cars were attacked by the German troops, who were moving from Minsk to Molodechno through the Red. Against the three Soviet tanks, the Germans threw 20 tanks and SAU, including several Panther, and before the infantry battalion. For a few hours of unequal battle, three Sherman beat six German pz tanks. Iv, one "Panther" and the Stug III assault tool, destroyed the infantry companies. But the forces were unequal. All Soviet tanks were chopped, the remnants of the crews managed to break through their.

And here is another combat example. On July 26, 1944, the tankers of the 44th Guards Tank Regiment tied the battles on the outskirts of Shaulia.

"The tank crews of the Lieutenant Guard of Milkova, V. Stoleshch and A. Safonov, the crushing fire of his guns destroyed the Nazis. The commander of the 1st tank company Guard captain wolves, who was on one of the cars, skillfully led the battle. The walls of the houses collapsed, and enemy guns and machine guns were silent. The enemy cars light up and the boxes with ammunition were rushed in their bodies. House behind the house, the street for the street was cleared by brave Soviet soldiers from the resisting enemy. "

Shermans 43, 44 and the 45th Guards Tank Regions of the 3rd Guards Mechanized Corps were liberated by Shauliai and Yelgava, participated in the defeat of the Kurneda enemy grouping.

The veteran of the 44th Guards Tank Regiment N. Z. Alexandrov is divided by his impressions of the Sherman.

"Received a new match -" Sherman ". How we did not want to sit on these tanks! The armor is not oblique. T-34 frictions - it can spin on the spot. And they have satellites, he unfolded like a car, in a circle. The short-barre room 75-mm cannon was weak. From positive moments, you can note the presence of a zenith machine gun. Inside the tank is very comfortable - everything painted white paint, nickel-plated handles, seats covered with skin. Rubberometallic caterpillars are very quiet. It was possible to paint to the enemy. I had such a case in the Baltic States.

We walked along the road through the field framed by the forest. Before the settlement, we were fired. The Germans in the defense stood a saau and anti-tank gun. They moved away a little back and on the edge of the forest, joining the shrub, on the small gas they came to the flank. I walked with four car masters, and the tank is behind. Truble for three hundred meters. Automatic workers ordered to take the defense so as not to let anyone, and he returned to the tank. The armorbeat was burned by self-propelled, and then destroyed the gun. German infantry ran away. Thus, they opened the road.

We fought on the "Shermans" for a long time, and by the autumn of the 44th year they were replaced by T-34-85. "

Honestly, some judgments of a tank veteran are surprising, in particular the criticism about the "not inclined" armor and a "weak" 75-mm gun. It is quite clear that neither the other unfair. Compared to T-34, Sherman was not inclined only onboard armor. However, the main indicator of the tank security is the frontal armor. According to the characteristics of on-board armor, the tanks are never compared at all. And the frontal armor at Sherman was more powerful than T-34. As for the 75-mm cannon, it was identical to our ballistic characteristics, it was identical to our F-34. Due to the best quality of ammunition, the American gun over armormen exceeded Soviet. To unfold on the site "Sherman", which, as a mechanism of rotation, the double differential, really could not. However, the veteran does not mention how much physical effort mechanics-driver T-34 cost a turn on the spot. The quiet course of the American tank was celebrated all Soviet tankers. This was especially noticeable on the background T-34. "Thirtyweight" with her roaring without silencers, the engine and cutting tracks with ridge engagement, according to the testimony of front-line, the quiet moon night was heard for 3 km!

Well, finally, something does not fit in a veteran and with re-equipment on T-34-85. According to the documents, by January 1945, acting already in the 1st Baltic Front, the 3rd Guards Mechkorpus had 176 m4A2 (of which 108 with 76-mm cannon) and 21 Valentine IX. There were no T-34-85 and in messenger.

Shermans of the 9th Guards Mechanized Corps of the 6th Guards Tank Army on Vienna Street. Austria, April 1945.

Column "Shermanov" on the street Brno. 2nd Ukrainian Front, Czechoslovakia, April 1945.

On Berlin Street - Sherman 219th Tank Brigade of the 1st Mechanized Corps. 1st Belorussian Front, May 1945.

Tankists welcome Soviet girls freed from the fascist captivity. In the background - Tank M4A2. Berlin, May 1945.

By the way, "Sherman" was distinguished not only by a quiet, but also a smooth move, which was especially valued by Motor-Stop TankaDesting. According to the memoirs of many veterans, from the second half of 1944, the M4A2 tanks were actively used to combat "phausers". It was done so. Four or five car guns were set on the tank, which belt belt tied to brackets on the tower. When moving the car, the infantrymen conducted a fire on any shelters within a radius of 100-150 m, which could be "fa-maternities". This technique was called the "broom". And for "brooms" came only "Shermans". On the T-34, due to its candle pendant and its characteristic longitudinal swing, the infantry tied with a belt belt was practically impossible to retain.

Another advantage of "Shermanov" before domestic machines appreciated tankers - these are excellent radio stations that provided reliable and high-quality radio communications! This is how D. F. Lose spoke on this:

"I must say that the quality of radio stations on the tanks" Sherman "caused envy in tankers who fought on our tanks, and not only them, but also soldiers of other types of troops. We even allowed themselves to make gifts by radio stations that were perceived as "royal", first of all our artilleryrs ...

For the first time, a comprehensive inspection of the Radiocommunication divisions of the Brigade was underway in the January-March battles forty-fourth year at the right bank of Ukraine and under Yassami.

As you know, on each "Sherman" stood two radio stations: VHIs and square meters. The first is for communication within platforms and mouth at a distance of 1.5-2 kilometers. The second type of radio station was intended for communication with the senior commander. Good equipment. I especially liked that by setting the connection, it was possible to fix this wave - no shaking of the tank could knock her down.

And one more aggregate in the American tank still causes my admiration. About him, in my opinion, we were not previously speech. This is a gasoline small engine intended for recharging batteries. Wonderful thing! It was located in a combat department, and its exhaust pipe is derived outwardly on the right side. You could run it to recharge batteries at any time. On the Soviet T-34 during the Great Patriotic War to maintain the battery in working condition, it was necessary to drive five hundred horsepower engine, which was quite expensive, given the consumption of the motor and fuel ...

In offensive battles in Romania, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Austria, communications worked uninterrupted. Even with the separation of advanced units from the main forces to remove 15-20 kilometers, the connection was carried out by a microphone or key if the locality turned out to be crossed. "

The presence of radio stations generally distinguished all the Led Lizovsky tanks from domestic. The latter, as we know, have become 100% staffed by radio stations only from the second half of 1943.

It should be noted that the entire Lenid Lizovskaya armored vehicle in the USSR, including the Shermans, was equipped with English radio stations Wireless Sets No. 19 MK. II. WS 19 radio stations were produced in England since 1941, and from 1942 they also produced in Canada and the United States. WS 19 began to enter the USSR at the end of 1941 together with the English tanks "Matilda" and "Valentine", and since 1942, in addition to the English, the radio stations of Canadian and American production began to receive radio stations. The latter had all operational inscriptions in English and Russian. Equipment of all imported armored vehicles by radio stations in the English design is not accidental, but this is not a tribute to unification. The fact is that American tanks led radio communication in the range of 20 ... 28 MHz using frequency modulation, while WS 19 radio stations had 2 ... 8 MHz and 229 ... 241 MHz, working in them with telegraph or amplitude modulation, that is, were completely incompatible with regular radio stations of American tanks.

At the same time, the WS 19 completely blocked the frequency range of 4 ... 5.63 MHz, in which tank radio stations of Soviet production worked, and could be used without refinement in the armored and mechanized troops of the Red Army.

In 1944, Shermans were supplanted by foreign tanks of other brands from the tank units of the Red Army, with the exception of Valentinov. So, for example, the 5th Guards Tank Army - the main shock force of the 3rd Belarusian front in the operation "Bagration" - was equipped with a technique of both domestic and foreign production. It has 350 T-34 tanks, 64 "Sherman", 39 "Valentine IX", 29 IP, 23 ISU-152, 42 Su-85, 22 Su-76, 21 SAU M10 and 37 Su-57 (T48) . Thus, imported combat vehicles accounted for 25% of the entire Army Park. It should be noted that in the tank and mechanized parts of the Soviet fronts who participated in the operation "Bagration" in the number of "Sherman" were inferior only by T-34.

Tanks "Sherman" were used in the Red Army until the end of the war. For example, the 8th Guards Alexandria mechanized Corps of the 2nd Belarusian Front on January 14, 1945 had in its composition 185 m4A2, five T-34, 21 IP, 21 Su-85, 21 Su-76, 53 "Scouta" Mza1, 52 BA-64I 19 3SU ML7.

During the taste-Oder Operations, the 1st mechanized case was held as part of the 2nd Guards Tank Army, equipped with Sherman and Valen Tyne tanks. In the future, the building took part in the storming of Berlin.

Tanks M4A2, especially in a variant with a powerful 76-mm gun, loved by Soviet tankers. They were awarded quite a lot of friendly nicknames and nicknames. "EMCH" (from "EM Four"), Gorbach, "May Beetle", "Bronnosavr" in the hands of an experienced crew that knew her car well, her strengths and weaknesses, was terrible to the enemy. This is evidenced by many combat examples.

On March 23, 1945, a battalion of the 46th Guards Tank Brigade of the 9th Guards Mechanized Corps was distinguished in Hungary in Hungary, who was commanded by Senior Lieutenant D. F. Lose. In a premium sheet, the following was reported: "The battalion fell and burned out 29 tanks and self-propelled enemy, captured 20 and destroyed 10 cars, destroyed about 250 enemy soldiers and officers."

As Dmitry Lose himself recalls, it was like this:

"Explorayed - the platoon of the guard of Lieutenant Ivan Tuzhikov - came out for the approach to Veszpremu and disguised himself in the forest, to the left of the highway. She was discovered a large tank column of the enemy. "You hise the fascist tanks to meet you," Identified to me ... I had to bring the battalion faster and deploy it, preparing an ambush by the approach of the column ... I filed a team: "Do not linger! To follow the relocation! "The ions reported that he was behind the steel highway. I order him to go through another kilometer and turn on the right of the road. He knows about the approach of the enemy column, as well as all battalion officers.

Danilchenko platforms came to the southern outskirts of Highimashker. From the West to it, twelve cars went on the velocity at speed. A wonderful goal! .. Everywhere it was clear that the enemy did not know the latest situation in the area. He did not have intelligence and help ...

At the signal, eight "Shermanov" Grigory Danilchenko hit the guns. Trucks covered the flame. The surviving infantry began to pop up from car bodies and scatter in different directions, but only a few managed to carry his legs ...

I order ROTE Danilchenko follow me. We skip the relocation, the development of roads, go around eight hundred meters ahead, go with the highway to the right and deploy in battle order. How lucky we are! The divisions were on the artillery of the enemy's artillery polygon, exorposed by the countless number of positions for guns of different calibers and shelters for their tractor. Well, just the case! We have taken those that came up in size.

And at that time, the enemy column, who does not know about anything, continued to move to the north on the highway. For her, Lieutenant Tuzhikov was still observed. Over the forest, the sun has already risen over the horizon. Visibility has improved. The time passed from the moment the "Shermans" clause before the appearance of a head fascist tank seemed to us by eternity ... Finally, on the turn of the highway, we saw the head of the enemy column. Tanks went on abbreviated distances. Very good! With a sudden stop, which inevitably, when they fall under our fire, marching the enemy "sprout", and then the commanders of the guns "EMCH" will not miss. I was given a strictest order not to open fire until the shot of the gun of my tank sounds, and all the tanks are silent. Patiently waiting for the moment when the entire column will be in the field of our vision. Commander of the gun of my tank guard Senior Sergeant Anatoly Romashkin continuously holds on the sight of a head enemy car. Behind the tail German tanks are relentlessly "watching the trunks of the Shermans of the platoon of Tuzhikov. All tanks of the enemy are distributed and taken to the fly. "A little more, another second," I restrain myself. And here all the enemy tanks are like a palm. Command: "Fire!" The air broke the seventeen shots that sounded as one. The head machine immediately caught fire. Meat in place and tank in the tail of the stopped column. Once upon an unexpected massive fire, the Nazis have noticed. Some tanks began to unfold right on the road to substitute a thicker front armor under our shots. Those who managed to do this, opened the retaliatory fire, which was shot down by one "Sherman". Lively in it remained the commander of the guns of Guard Sergeant Petrosyan and the mechanic-driver Guard Senior Sergeant Ruzov. Together, they continued to fire from the place, not allowing the enemy to go to the battalion flank. The resistance of the Germans was short-lived, and after about fifteen minutes everything was over. The highway was gone by bright fires. Enemy tanks, cars, fuel-tankers. Sky clouded smoke. As a result of the battle, twenty-one tank and twelve opponent armored personnel carriers were destroyed.

Shermans began to leave the shelters employed to continue moving to Veszpremu. Suddenly, a sharp cannon shot came out of the forest, and the left-hand drive car of the head of the senior lieutenant Ionov pushed aside, and she, tiring on the right side, stopped. Four crew members were seriously injured. Chunky fastening mechanic-driver Guard Sergeant Ivan Lobanov rushed to help comrades. Tied them and, pulling out through the emergency hatch, laid under the tank. At some fraction of a second, his gaze was delayed on the edge of the grove. According to it, breaking the young shrub, slowly pleasing to the road "Arstuturm". Lobanov quickly returned to the tank, charged the weapon with an armor-piercing projectile and, sowing to the place of the gunner, caught the enemy self-propeller in the crosshair. The shell sewed the side of the armored vehicles, and its engine compartment embraced the flame. One by one of the self-propelled shift began to pop up the Nazis. Lobanov, without losing time, grabbed the machine, jumped out of the car and, bonded by the EMCH case, shot German tank workers. It should be noted that at the moments of the respite and on the re-formation of the battalion tankers always worked out interchangeability of crew members. In this situation, the driver's mechanics was useful to the skills of handling tank weapons, which were subsequently rewarded by the battalion command.

In about half an hour, the battalion division approached Veszpremu. What we saw in the near approaches to the city was worthy of surprise. On both sides of the highway on carefully equipped positions stood eight "Panther", which on our fire did not respond and were shot with a short distant. Soon the plated stories that the German soldiers and officers were so shocked and depressed by the shooting of the tank column, which, when our units, raising the clouds of dust, to come up to a well-equipped defensive line, the crews "Panther" dismissed their cars and with infantry In the panic fought. "

For the skillful management of the battalion and the personal courage of the guard of the senior lieutenant Dmitry Fedorovich Voza was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union.

The brilliant result of this fight does not cause much surprise. The battalion commander competently organized an ambush, and the crews skillfully used the firing power of their tanks.

With regard to the latter, sometimes you can hear undeserved criticism. Especially often the 76-mm gun "Sherman" is opposed to the 85-mm gun T-34-85, reducing everything to comparing calibers. However, if the caliber is greater, it does not mean that the gun is better. In any case, the Soviet 85-mm gun at the expense of greater caliber was superior to American only in terms of the fugasal action of shells. For the rest of the rest, it did not have any advantages, which can be seen in the following example.

In the fall of 1944, the Polygon in Cuban was tested by the decoration of the royal tiger trophy German heavy tank. In the black test report on white recorded:

"American 76-mm armor-piercing shells punch onboard sheets of tank" TiGR-B "from a distance of 1.5-2 times greater than the domestic 85-mm armor-pipe shells."

Here, as they say, it is neither adding to nothing ...

Arms comrades - Sherman and T-34-85 6th Guards Tank Army in the Mountains of Austria. May 1945.

Tank M4A2 (76) W9-RO Guards Mechanized Case in Manchuria. Transbaikal front, August 1945.

In the future, the Tanks M4A2 (76) W of the 9th Guards Mechanized Corps participated in the capture of Budapest, in the reflection of the German counterdard at Oz. Balaton, in the liberation of veins. After the end of the fighting in Europe, leaving, like all the compounds of the 6th Guards Tank Army, its technique in the same dislocation area, the corps was transferred to the Far East. Upon arrival, 183 new "Sherman" received 183 new "Sherman", who had just received from the United States received from the Born and Choibalsan. There is reason to assume that some of them were tanks M4A2 (76) W HVSS with a horizontal suspension. Together with the T-34-85 of the 5th Guards Tank and 7th Guards Mechanized Corps "Sherman" of the 9th, Big Hinggang overcame and reached the Central Manchu Plain. The rapid actions of the 6th Guards Tank Army had a decisive effect on the course of the entire operation in Manchuria. The brigades of the 9th Corps participated in Masterchun and Mukden, the liberation of the Liaodo Peninsula, and after the end of the war with Japan, the Guards Shermans became also red-known. On September 20, 1945, the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the 46th Guards Tank Brigade was awarded the Order of the Red Banner, the 18th and 30th Guards Mehbrigradam was awarded the honorary name of the Highanskaya, and the 31st Guards Mechanized Brigade became Port Arthurskaya.

Tank M4A2 (76) W HVSS, converted after the war in the tractor.

Imported armored equipment was in service with the Soviet army and some time after the end of World War II. Thus, for example, in the Sherman's 46th Guards Mechanized Brigade already mentioned, until the summer of 1946. Then he entered the order to prepare equipment for the transfer of the Americans. However, soon it was canceled: part of the tanks were written off, some of the cars were converted into tractors. In different parts, apparently, reworked in different ways. In the 46th brigade, they simply removed the towers, and the cars were then used in the Krasnoyarsk Territory on logging. There was another version of the alteration: the hole formed in the roof was brewed with a steel sheet, on which the commander turret with Sherman was installed. The tractors were equipped with a traction winch and a crane. Most of the machines converated in this way entered the rehabilitation trains of the Railways of the North Caucasus and Ukraine, where they were exploited until the end of the 1960s. Individual cars could be found in Ukraine and in the 1980s, and in the rehabilitation train of the Morozovskaya railway station at the North Caucasus Tykach "Sherman" was operated until 1996!