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M4A2 (75mm) - Emcha’s Weakest Form
Introduction
The Soviet M4A2 75mm was a version of the American Sherman tank supplied to the USSR under the Lend-Lease program during World War II. Equipped with a 75mm gun, the M4A2 played a crucial role in Soviet armored units, offering a balance of firepower, mobility, and durability. Its rugged design and versatility made it a reliable asset on the Eastern Front, contributing to the Soviet victory over Axis forces.
History
The American M4A2 75mm Sherman tank was a crucial part of Allied forces during World War II, playing a significant role in various theaters of conflict. It was an upgraded version of the earlier M4, equipped with a more powerful 75mm M3 gun, which made it effective against most enemy armor and fortifications. Powered by a reliable gasoline engine, the M4A2 was designed with ease of production in mind, allowing for mass manufacturing and quick deployment to combat zones. Its welded steel hull, combined with a robust suspension system, provided good mobility and durability on diverse terrains.
Soviet M4A2 (75mm) History
The Soviet M4A2 75mm Sherman tank, a variant of the American M4 Sherman, played a pivotal role in the Soviet Union’s war effort during World War II. Under the Lend-Lease program, the United States provided thousands of M4A2 tanks to the Soviet Union to bolster their fight against Nazi Germany. The M4A2 featured a 75mm M3 gun, capable of engaging most enemy armor, and was powered by a diesel engine, making it particularly suited to the harsh conditions of the Eastern Front.
The Soviet Union received around 4,000 M4A2 tanks between 1942 and 1943, and they quickly became a staple of Soviet armored units. The tank was valued for its firepower, mobility, and ease of maintenance, with Soviet crews adapting quickly to the tank’s design and performance. While it was not as powerful as some German tanks, the M4A2’s ability to operate over long distances, combined with its ruggedness, made it highly effective for Soviet operations. The tank’s 75mm gun was effective against most German vehicles, though it struggled against the heavily armored Panther and Tiger tanks. Despite this, the M4A2 was a reliable workhorse in numerous battles, particularly in the pivotal Kursk Offensive and the final push toward Berlin.
Soviet forces made modifications to improve the tank’s performance, including adding additional armor and adapting it for the unique demands of the Eastern Front. The M4A2 played an essential role in the eventual Soviet victory, significantly contributing to the defeat of Nazi Germany. It remains one of the most iconic and effective tanks in World War II history.
Specification
General Characteristics:
- Crew: 5
- Origin: United States
- USSR Received: 1,990~ (of this particular model)
Dimensions:
- Length: 19 ft 3 in (5.87 m)
- Width: 8 ft 4 in (2.54 m)
- Height: 9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
- Weight: 30.5 tons (27.7 metric tonnes)
Performance:
- Engine: Twin General Motors 6046 6-cylinder gasoline engine (diesel engine in the M4A2 variant)
- Horsepower: 375 hp (280 kW)
- Maximum Speed: 24 mph (39 km/h)
- Range: 120 miles (193 km) on road
- Suspension: Vertical Volute Spring Suspension (VVSS)
Armament:
- Main Gun: 75mm M3 gun (with 53 rounds of ammunition)
- Secondary Armament: 1 × .50 caliber Browning M2 heavy machine gun (mounted on the turret)
- Coaxial Armament: 1 × .30 caliber Browning M1919A4 machine gun
Armor:
- Hull: 51 mm (2 inches) at the front, 38 mm (1.5 inches) on the sides
- Turret: 51 mm (2 inches) at the front, 38 mm (1.5 inches) on the sides
