The M4A3, powered by the excellent Ford GAA V8 engine, was the US Army’s preferred Sherman variant. It began to replace other Sherman types in US Army service in 1944.
In late 1943, the M4A3 underwent a major overhaul as part of a program to improve the Sherman design and rationalise production. The main improvements were a revised hull with larger hatches, redesigned ammunition stowage to reduce the likelihood of the tank burning when penetrated, and a simplified glacis angled at 47 degrees. In addition to the standard 75mm gun-armed version, a version armed with a 76mm gun was also built. Designated M4A3(76mm)W (“W” = wet stowage), this utilised a larger turret originally intended for the aborted T23 medium tank. The M1A1 76mm gun was rushed into service in July 1944 because the 75mm gun was found to be inadequate against the latest German tanks, but its anti-tank performance proved to be mediocre (at least until an HVAP projectile became available in 1945).
Product Highlights:
- Choice to build either a M4A3 or M4A3E8
- Includes both early & late production T23 turret
- Includes both VVSS & HVSS suspension
- Includes “duckbills” extended end-connectors
- Open hatches, extra tracks and stowage
- US tank crew figures included