SA Armour Museum

Crew: 5 

Combat Mass: 33 t 

Armament: 105 mm M4 howitzer; 1 x 7.62 mm M1919A4 Browning machine gun (coaxial); 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun (commander's cupola)

Engine: Ford GAA V8 petrol engine; Output: 500 hp @ 2,600 rpm (15.2 hp/t)

Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission 

 

Suspension: Vertical volute spring suspension (VVSS)

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Fording: Without preparation: 0.9 meters

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Speed: Road: 38 km/h - Cross Country: 24 km/h

Operating Range: Road 200 km - Cross Country 130 km 

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Development history

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The Sherman M4A3 (105) is an American variant of the M4 Sherman tank, specifically modified to carry a 105 mm howitzer instead of the more common 75 mm or 76 mm guns found on other Sherman models. The primary role of the M4A3 (105) was to provide direct fire support for infantry and armored units, delivering powerful high-explosive rounds to support ground troops and destroy fortifications.

Introduced in 1944, the M4A3 (105) was equipped with the 105 mm M4 howitzer, which offered significant firepower for infantry support and suppression of enemy positions. In addition to the main gun, the tank was armed with a 7.62 mm M1919A4 Browning machine gun mounted coaxially with the howitzer and a 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun on the commander's cupola for additional defensive capabilities.

The M4A3 (105) was powered by a Ford GAA V8 petrol engine, producing 500 horsepower. This engine allowed the tank to achieve a top road speed of 38 km/h and a cross-country speed of 24 km/h. The vertical volute spring suspension (VVSS) system provided the tank with good mobility and the ability to traverse various terrains.

The operational range of the Sherman M4A3 (105) was about 200 km on roads and 130 km cross-country. Its fording capability enabled it to cross water obstacles up to 0.9 meters deep without preparation, enhancing its versatility in different combat environments.

The M4A3 (105) was widely used by American forces in the European Theater of Operations, particularly in support roles during the latter stages of World War II. It was valued for its ability to provide effective artillery support in direct engagements and for its relatively straightforward conversion from other Sherman variants.

The development and deployment of the M4A3 (105) showcased the adaptability of the Sherman tank platform and its ability to meet various battlefield requirements through modifications and upgrades. The M4A3 (105) continued to serve effectively until the end of the war and remains a notable example of the versatility and utility of the Sherman tank series.

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Video generated using War Thunder