Sherman M4A1E8 76 (W) HVSS “Bad News” – American Medium Tank


Sherman M4A1E8 76 (W) HVSS tank
Sherman M4A1E8 76 (W) HVSS tank – photo 2022

This late war version of the Sherman tank was an improved design produced between October 1944 and May 1945. The M4A1E8 featured the 76mm M1A1 gun (71 rounds) and as secondary weapons it had one .50cal (12.7mm) M2HB Browning machine gun and two .30cal (7.62mm) M1919A4 Browning machine guns. The 33.5ton tank was powered by the Continental R974 C4 9cylinder 400-460hp engine.

Sherman M4A1E8 76 (W) HVSS tank
Sherman M4A1E8 76 (W) HVSS tank – photo 2022

The tank had a modified one piece cast hull and a heavier fully-cast turret with a hatch for the loader and commander. To reduce the risk of fires inside the tank it had modified “wet stowage” jacketing for the ammunition racks.

Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS)

Another big improvement was the stronger Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS) which gave the tank twice the number of wheels per bogie and the possibility to install wider tracks. The system also allowed for easier wheel replacement without removing the bogie.

Sherman M4A1E8 76 (W) HVSS tank
Sherman M4A1E8 76 (W) HVSS tank – photo 2022
Detail of HVSS tank suspension
Detail of the Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS) tank suspension – photo 2022
Detail of HVSS tank suspension
Another detail of the Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS) bogie – photo 2022
Sherman 76mm inside turret
Loading bay of the Sherman 76mm inside the turret – photo 2014

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