M4A3E2 HEAVY TANK (General Sherman / Jumbo)

M4A3E2 HEAVY TANK (General Sherman / Jumbo)
Image: M4A3E2 Jumbo (U.S. National Archive)
YearJune 1944
Vehicle Type[@type]
Origin & Designer[@designer]
Numbers Produced254
Crew5 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver & Assistant Driver)
Main Armament1 x 75mm L/40 M3 or 76mm L/55 M1A1 Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-10° to +25°
Turret Traverse360° (Powered)
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun Sight[@gun_sight]
Secondary Armament1 x .50 cal M2HB Heavy Machine Gun (AA Mount).
1 x .30 cal M1919A4 Machine Guns (Coaxial).
1 x .30 cal M1919A4 Machine Gun (Bow).
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried104 x 75mm & 300 x .50 cal + 6.250 x .30 cal & 12 x Smoke
Height2.95m
Width2.94m
Length6.27m
Combat Weight38.000
Ground Clearance0.43m
Fording Depth1.0m
Trench Crossing2.30m
Obstacle Clearance0.61m
Climbing Ability30°
RadioSCR 508/528/538
ArmourUpper Hull Front: 140mm.
Lower Hull Front: 102mm.
Upper Hull Sides: 38mm.
Lower Hull Sides: 76mm.
Hull Rear: 76mm.
Hull Top: 25mm.
Hull Bottom: 13mm.
Gun Mantlet: 178mm.
Turret Front: 152mm.
Turret Sides: 152mm.
Turret Rear: 152mm.
Turret Top: 25mm.
EngineFord GAA (Petrol)
Transmission5 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range100 miles (161 km)
Maximum Cross Country Range68 miles (110 km)
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed24 mph (39 kph)
Maximum Cross Country Speed15 mph (24 kph)
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThis heavy weight version of the M4 was designed as an assault tank to breech prepared defences. By this stage of the war the US army still lacked a heavy tank which could absorb punishment and support the Infantry in frontal attacks against German strong points. The M26 was still being developed so an interim vehicles was needed. The M4 was a readymade candidate and was heavily up-armoured with 140mm hull and 152mm turret armour, this reduced the speed down to 24 kph. The first Jumbo’s saw action in October 1944 and the first tank to breakthrough to the defenders in Bastogne was a M4 Jumbo.