The principal types of Shermans in US Army service in 1944 were the M4 and the M4A1. They were identical internally, both being powered by the Continental Whirlwind radial engine, but the M4 had a welded hull and the M4A1 a cast armor hull1.
the M4 had a welded hull.
The M4 was designated as the Sherman I in British service.
Key Identifying Features:
- Engine: The M4 variant of the Sherman tank was powered by the Continental R-975 radial gasoline engine.
- Welded Hull: The M4 was consistently produced with a welded hull, though some models were « composites » with a cast front section.
- Engine Access Doors: Two large doors located at the rear, below the back armor, allowed partial access to the R-975 engine.
- Rear Armor Plate: A hole at the center of the rear armor was used for manual cranking to lubricate the engine before starting.
- Rear Armor Shape: Variants featured either flat or inverted « U »-shaped rear armor plates.
- Engine Air Cleaners: Positioned on either side of the rear access doors, these box-like components were partially obscured by the rear armor and are often absent on preserved tanks.
- Engine Deck: The deck was flat and solid, with a large, square air inlet cover located behind the turret.
- It was armed exclusively with 75 mm and 105 mm guns and did not incorporate the later T23-style turret.
- Some M4s equipped with the 105 mm gun were upgraded with the horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS) for improved mobility.
Sherman M4 (75)
- Number produced: 6748
- Production dates: July 1942 to January 1944
- Manufacturers: Pressed Steel Car, ALCO, Baldwin LW, Pullman Std, Chrysler
M4 (105)
- Number produced: 800
- Production dates: February 1944 to September 1944
- Manufacturers: Chrysler
M4 (105) HVSS
- Number produced: 841
- Production dates: September 1944 to March 1945
- Manufacturers: Chrysler