The Sherman: The M4 The M4 variant of the Sherman series was | U.S History
The Sherman: The M4
The M4 variant of the Sherman series was actually preceded into production by the M4A1 by almost five months. The M4 had a welded hull, a feature that was designed as an attempt to decrease the anticipated production bottleneck of the M4A1’s cast hull. The M4 went into production at Pressed Steel Car Company in July of 1942. The M4 and M4A1 were identical mechanically and were both powered by the Continental air-cooled R975 engine. The welded hull of of the M4 also allowed for the stowage of seven more 75mm rounds. The M4 had a crew of five: driver and assistant driver in the front of the hull, the gunner, loader and commander in the turret. A layout that would remain the same throughout the Sherman series. The turret was equipped with a large rotating cupola for the commander, as was a mount for a .50 caliber anti-aircraft machine gun. The single hatch in the turret and the small hatches in the hull proved to be inadequate as an emergency exits for the crew. . Join
