Description

Immediate dispatch from Somerset. Nice book in great condition. Pages in excellent condition. Softcover. English. See images for condition.

About the book >.>.> One of the key features of the M4A3E2 was its enhanced armor protection. The front and sides of the hull were reinforced with 11?-inch thick plates welded over the existing armor resulting in a front thickness of 4 inches and upper hull sides of 3 inches. A new cast transmission housing with a thickness of 5? inches was also fitted. These modifications significantly increased the tank’s bulk and weight leading to its “Jumbo” nickname. The turret of the M4A3E2 was a completely new design though it was influenced by the T23 turret used on the 76mm-armed Shermans. It was an exceptionally thick casting with 3 inches of frontal armor further protected by a 7-inch thick block-shaped mantlet. The sides of the turret were 6 inches thick and the rear was 2? inches thick. The 1-inch roof plate was welded into the top of the turret during assembly leaving a visible welding seam around the roof. Given its role as an assault tank the M4A3E2 retained the 75mm M3 gun as the 76mm gun offered no significant advantage when firing high-explosive (HE) ammunition. The increased armor and weight of the M4A3E2 which rose to 42 tons necessitated the permanent installation of extended end connectors on the tracks. This additional weight reduced the tank’s maximum road speed from 26 mph to 22 mph and decreased its operational range. However the added armor made the M4A3E2 highly resistant to German anti-tank guns and tanks. Panzer IVs had to rely on their scarce armor-piercing composite rigid (APCR) ammunition to penetrate the Jumbo’s armor and even Panthers struggled to penetrate the frontal armor at long ranges. Due to its durability the M4A3E2 became popular for leading armored columns. Its ability to absorb hits that would have destroyed standard Shermans provided valuable protection for following vehicles and often gave advance warning of the presence of German anti-tank guns. This made the M4A3E2 a crucial asset in armored assaults despite its reduced speed and mobility. (LL)