Difference between revisions of "Sherman Vc (Italy)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=it_sherman_vc_firefly}}
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{{About
 +
| about = medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
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| link= M4 Sherman (Family)
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}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=it_sherman_vc_firefly
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''M4A4 Sherman VC Firefly''' is an up-gunned modification of the [[M4A4 (Italy)|M4A4]], which is the fifth variant of the early-generation [[M4 Sherman (Family)|Medium Tank M4 (Sherman) family]]. Armed with the powerful 76 mm Ordnance QF 17-pounder tank gun, this stopgap combination (before the introduction of the new generation of Allied tanks) was one of the most lethal tanks of its day, adding weight to the Allied battle to gain victory. Following Italy's rebuilding in 1945, some M4A4 Sherman VC Firefly variants were transferred to the country. In 1946, a minor military command was established for territory defence, and the unit received numerous other M4 Sherman variants. They served as the foundation for the first post-war tanker training school in Italy. In 1952, all M4 Sherman variants were officially decommissioned.
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{{Break}}
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].One of the most famous Sherman modifications in World War II, the Firefly introduces the potent [[Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|17-pounder]] anti-tank gun as the main armament of the Sherman platform, presenting a very drastic increase in firepower over the original [[M3 (75 mm)|75 mm gun]]. This variant, the VC, was based off the chassis of an M4A4 Sherman.
 
  
−
The Sherman Firefly is easily distinguishable by its ''very long'' gun, even compared to the Shermans with the American 76 mm guns. The muzzle brake on the cannon is also in a spherical shape rather than a horizontal rectangular shape so that is a distinction between the 76 mm cannon and the 17-pounder. The hull is resemblent to that of the [[M4|M4 Sherman]] although lacking the bow machine gun (it's actually based off an M4A4). The turret is also very similar, although the radio sticks out of the back in a bustle.
+
Introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]], the M4A4 Sherman VC Firefly in the Italian Army ground forces is similar to the British counterpart, as they were provided by the British Army after World War II to aid in the reconstruction of Italy and the establishment of a territory defence force. The M4A4 Sherman VC Firefly, armed with the renowned 76 mm Ordnance QF 17-pounder tank gun, will provide players with the first significant boost in firepower compared to the early variants of the M4 Sherman within the Italian Army ground forces, which were mounted with the 75 mm M3 tank gun. The M4A4 Sherman VC Firefly will be the main backbone of Italian Army ground forces for a long time, thanks to the availability of armour-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) ammunition that will bring its firepower up to level with more advanced adversaries.
−
 
 
−
This tank should be the supporting line in both offensive and defensive actions, providing flanking fire, long-range fire, or fast and accurate fire to the target while the heavy tanks take up the brunt of the defense. The tank is as mobile as the M4 Sherman, so picking up speed to get around the enemy is not hard. Those familiar with a M4 Sherman control will pick up on this tank very easily. While this tank is also capable of being the frontal attack unit for an assault, it is strongly advised to not due to the thin armour of the tank, necessitating the users to always get the first shot off in an encounter, otherwise the enemy will be able to destroy the Firefly easily. For a conservative, almost TD-like role, it can also perform, destroying tanks from afar.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
−
'''Armour type:'''
 
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull)
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull)
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Transmission area, Turret)
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Transmission area, Turret)
 +
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
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| Turret || 76.2 mm (8-44°) ''Turret roof'' <br> 50.8 + 88.9 mm (1-54°) ''Gun mantlet''  || 50.8 mm (2-38°) || 50.8 mm (2-67°) ''Turret rear'' <br> 50.8 mm (1°) ''Radio box'' || 25.4 mm
 
| Turret || 76.2 mm (8-44°) ''Turret roof'' <br> 50.8 + 88.9 mm (1-54°) ''Gun mantlet''  || 50.8 mm (2-38°) || 50.8 mm (2-67°) ''Turret rear'' <br> 50.8 mm (1°) ''Radio box'' || 25.4 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+
| Cupola || 50.8 mm || 50.8 mm || 50.8 mm || 25.4 mm
−
|-
 
−
| Cupola || 50.8 mm || 25.4 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, bogies are 10 mm thick, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, bogies are 10 mm thick, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
−
* Access to the [[Add-on Armor|Add-on Armour]] modification will give the tank substantial coverings on the side hull, each track being 17 mm thick.
 
 
* Belly armour is 12.7 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 12.7 mm thick.
 
* The bow machine gun area has been welded shut with armour, but is only 25.4 mm thick so may present a viable weakness to weaker enemies.
 
* The bow machine gun area has been welded shut with armour, but is only 25.4 mm thick so may present a viable weakness to weaker enemies.
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=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 659|rbMinHp= 376|AoAweight= 1.805}}
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=659|rbMinHp=376}}
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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{{main|Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)}}
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 +
{{main|QF 17-pounder (76 mm)}}
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|76 mm QF 17-pounder]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
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! colspan="5" | [[QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|76 mm QF 17-pounder]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
Line 58: Line 67:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 77 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+25° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.6 || rowspan="2" | 6.8 || rowspan="2" | 6.2 || rowspan="2" | 5.9
+
| rowspan="2" | 80 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+25° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.67 || rowspan="2" | 6.79 || rowspan="2" | 6.25 || rowspan="2" | 5.90
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 7.6 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
+
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 +
 
* '''Shot Mk.6:''' {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}} - Standard penetrating round, use until better rounds are unlocked.
 
* '''Shot Mk.6:''' {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}} - Standard penetrating round, use until better rounds are unlocked.
 
* '''Shell Mk.1:''' {{Annotation|HE|High-explosive}} - It is ideal for destroying SPAA and lightly armoured tanks, but useless against anything else.
 
* '''Shell Mk.1:''' {{Annotation|HE|High-explosive}} - It is ideal for destroying SPAA and lightly armoured tanks, but useless against anything else.
 
* '''Shot Mk.4:''' {{Annotation|APC|Armour-piercing capped}} - Cap for better grip against sloped armour.
 
* '''Shot Mk.4:''' {{Annotation|APC|Armour-piercing capped}} - Cap for better grip against sloped armour.
 
* '''Shot Mk.8:''' {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-piercing capped ballistic capped}} - Like Shot Mk.4 but with a ballistic cap for improved flight path, as well as better penetration.
 
* '''Shot Mk.8:''' {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-piercing capped ballistic capped}} - Like Shot Mk.4 but with a ballistic cap for improved flight path, as well as better penetration.
−
* '''Shot SV Mk.1:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}} - Highest armour penetration of any shot, but has worse spalling effect.
+
* '''Shot SV Mk.1:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}} - Highest armour penetration of any shot, but has worse spalling effect, and can only penetrate vertical surfaces.
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:QF 17-pounder (76 mm)/Ammunition|Shot Mk.6, Shell Mk.1, Shot Mk.4, Shot Mk.8, 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1, Shot SV Mk.1}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.6 || AP || 171 || 168 || 155 || 139 || 126 || 113
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 171 || 168 || 155 || 139 || 126 || 113
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 190 || 187 || 172 || 155 || 140 || 126
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot SV Mk.1 || APDS || 228 || 226 || 207 || 189 || 159 || 134
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.6 || AP || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 883 || 6.98 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 580 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot SV Mk.1 || APDS || 1,203 || 1.73 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_Sherman_Firefly.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the [[Sherman Firefly]] (identical)]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.17.0.42''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ammunition
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
+
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
+
! 5th<br>rack empty
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
+
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1 || 754 || 8.44 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
+
| '''80''' || 61&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 41&nbsp;''(+39)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+59)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+74)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+76)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+79)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
 
+
=== Machine guns ===
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
−
[[File:Ammoracks_ShermanFirefly.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo rack]] of the {{PAGENAME}}.]]
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
−
|-
+
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|L3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |8th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |9th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |10th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
−
|-
 
−
|| '''77''' || 70&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 62&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 54&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 46&nbsp;''(+31)'' || 38&nbsp;''(+39)'' || 30&nbsp;''(+47)'' || 22&nbsp;''(+55)'' || 15&nbsp;''(+62)'' || 8&nbsp;''(+69)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+76)'' || style="text-align:center" | Yes
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
Left/front empty: 46&nbsp;''(+31)''
 
−
 
 
−
===== Optics =====
 
−
 
 
−
<!--''Explain how the optic's status can affect the tank's gameplay in any unique or meaningful way. A comparison to rival tanks of the rank is welcome.''
 
−
 
 
−
''If you are having problems with it, refer to the [[Optics|optics gallery]] page for examples.''-->
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Which ones
+
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
−
! Default magnification
 
−
! Maximum magnification
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Main Gun optics
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
| x3 || x6 <!--Sometimes the actual value may not be known and here it should be referenced if the optic values are an estimate such as with an "X8.3 (estimated)" notation or something else that way the user will then be able to look to the comparable optics section and see a referenced optic which will have actual in-game data to back up the claim.-->
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Comparable optics
+
| Pintle || 800 (200) || 577 || -10°/+15° || ±180°
−
| colspan="2;" style="text-align:center;" | [[VFW]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
First tank in Medium tank British tech line to have X6 scope. It will not get any better than this until rank VI, so get used to it - it will be the same across entire tech tree for a while with SPAA being the only exception.
 
−
 
 
−
As of rank III, this scope is slightly or moderately superior to most medium and heavy tanks, but do not expect to outsnipe German SPG as they have same optics or even better.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Machine guns ===
 
−
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
 
−
{{main|Browning M2HB (12.7 mm)|L3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
 
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | [[Browning M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[L3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L3A1]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Coaxial || 5,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="4" | 750 (200) || 577 || -10°/+15° || ±180°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | [[L3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L3A1]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="4" | 5,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
Shoot and scoot. Unless the enemy's tank gunner has been knocked out (black only), cannon breech has been disabled (red/black), or cannon barrel is disabled (red/black) that inhibits the enemy's ability to fire back, don’t expose the tank after firing. Always try to retreat back into cover to relead. Once reloaded, preferably pop out of an area different from the last firing position and take another shot. Make sure to eliminate the enemy's ability to fire back by destroying their cannon breech and traverse gears, or incapacitate their driver and gunner again if they were replaced. During this whole process, watch out for other enemy tanks and avoid being swarmed. With situational awareness combined with the correct usage of the map, the Firefly becomes a decent tank capable of effectively fighting every medium and heavy tank it faces.
+
Shoot and scoot. Unless the enemy's tank gunner has been knocked out (black only), cannon breech has been disabled (red/black), or cannon barrel is disabled (red/black) that inhibits the enemy's ability to fire back, don't expose the tank after firing. Always try to retreat back into cover to reload. Once reloaded, preferably pop out of an area different from the last firing position and take another shot. Make sure to eliminate the enemy's ability to fire back by destroying their cannon breech and traverse gears, or incapacitate their driver and gunner again if they were replaced. During this whole process, watch out for other enemy tanks and avoid being swarmed. With situational awareness combined with the correct usage of the map, the Firefly becomes a decent tank capable of effectively fighting every medium and heavy tank it faces.
  
−
The Firefly can excel at vaporizing tanks that have clustered crew, like StuGs, SUs, T-34s, KVs, and even Panzer IIIs and IVs. The post penetration affect of the Firefly's shells after the AP buffs allow it to decimate those tanks. However, it is recommended to still shoot from afar, as all of these tanks can destroy the Firefly easily.
+
The Firefly can excel at vaporizing tanks that have clustered crew, like StuGs, SUs, T-34s, KVs, and even Panzer IIIs and IVs. The post-penetration affect of the Firefly's shells after the AP buffs allow it to decimate those tanks. However, it is recommended to still shoot from afar, as all of these tanks can destroy the Firefly easily.
  
−
Definitely do not play to aggressively. The huge weakness of the 3/4 crew in the turret is almost always pointed out immediately, because it's a huge issue. It good hit either means a quick trip back to the hangar, or a lengthy crew replenishment time on AB. But this ignores the fact that the tank is just a huge glass cannon, as any shot anywhere will likely cripple the tank.
+
Definitely do not play too aggressively. The huge weakness of the 3/4 crew in the turret is almost always pointed out immediately, because it's a huge issue. A good hit either means a quick trip back to the hangar, or a lengthy crew replenishment time in AB. But this ignores the fact that the tank is just a huge glass cannon, as any shot anywhere will likely cripple the tank.
  
−
The Sherman Firefly can dish out the punishment necessary for heavy tanks, but can’t take it. Don’t expose the tank towards enemy fire too long due to the thin armour on the Firefly in comparison to other tanks such as the Russian [[T-34-85]]s and the Germans [[Panther D|Panthers]]. Take a shot, preferably from a flanking location, then retreat into cover regardless of the shot's effect on target, because if the target could swing its gun towards the Firefly, or have friends that could hit it, consider writing off the Firefly very soon. This varies between different enemies, as going against something like the [[KV-2 (1939)|KV-2]] would be different than going against a [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]].
+
The Sherman Firefly can dish out the punishment necessary for heavy tanks, but can't take it. Don't expose the tank towards enemy fire too long due to the thin armour on the Firefly in comparison to other tanks such as the Soviet [[T-34-85]]s and the German [[Panther D|Panthers]]. Take a shot, preferably from a flanking location, then retreat into cover regardless of the shot's effect on target, because if the target could swing its gun towards the Firefly, or have friends that could hit it, consider writing off the Firefly very soon. This varies between different enemies, as going against something like the [[KV-2 (1939)|KV-2]] would be different than going against a [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]].
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
=== Pros and cons ===
−
{| class="wikitable"
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
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! Tier
 
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! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
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! Protection
 
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! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Shot Mk.4
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Shot Mk.8
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Shot SV Mk.1
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
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| IV
 
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| Transmission
 
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| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
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| 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1
 
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| Smoke grenades
 
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|-
 
−
|}
 
  
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=== Pros and cons ===
 
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
* Uses the tried and tested Sherman chassis. Experienced players will find this tank easy to use.  
+
 
 +
* Uses the tried and tested Sherman chassis. Experienced players will find this tank easy to use.
 
* Very fast turret traverse speed.
 
* Very fast turret traverse speed.
 
* The 17-Pounder gun, which can penetrate every single tank it faces, although newer players may struggle against the Panther.
 
* The 17-Pounder gun, which can penetrate every single tank it faces, although newer players may struggle against the Panther.
Line 276: Line 148:
 
* Fast reload even with untrained crew.
 
* Fast reload even with untrained crew.
 
* 77 rounds maximum.
 
* 77 rounds maximum.
−
* Fast and very mobile.  
+
* Fast and very mobile.
 
* Has .50 cal AA machine gun that's unique among other vehicles as it can rotate for 360°.
 
* Has .50 cal AA machine gun that's unique among other vehicles as it can rotate for 360°.
 
* Has no side bulges unlike the Premium version.
 
* Has no side bulges unlike the Premium version.
 
* Post penetration damage tends to be enough to knock out crews when clustered together, such as on the T-34 series or turrets.
 
* Post penetration damage tends to be enough to knock out crews when clustered together, such as on the T-34 series or turrets.
 +
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
* Armour of a [[M4|M4 Sherman]], very thin for a Rank III vehicle.
+
 
−
* Large profile.
+
* Armour of a [[M4|M4 Sherman]], very thin for a Rank III vehicle
−
* 4 crew members, 3 of which are clustered in the turret, making it easier to knock out.
+
* Large profile
−
* Bad gun depression of only -5 degrees.
+
* 4 crew members, 3 of which are clustered in the turret, making it easier to knock out
−
* Gun post penetration damage is decent with the AP buffs, but still won't always one shot a tank.
+
* Bad gun depression of only -5 degrees
−
* Smart enemies will shoot the spot where the radio operator gunner usually sat, as in the Firefly, that spot is replaced by ammo (unless carrying 54 ammo).
+
* Gun post-penetration damage is decent with the AP buffs, but still won't always knock out a tank in one hit
−
* Lacks [[Add-on Armor|additional armour]] unlike its British counterpart.
+
* Short ready rack (5 shells), resulting in a much longer reload time after depleting
−
* Reverse speed is bad.
+
* Smart enemies will shoot the spot where the radio operator gunner usually sat, as in the Firefly, that spot is replaced by ammo (unless carrying 54 rounds)
−
* Like all vehicles armed with early version of the 17-pounder gun, it will struggle before it has the Shot Mk.8.
+
* Lacks [[Add-on Armor|additional armour]], unlike its British counterpart
−
* Stock AP round is painful to use. It fragments poorly, bounces often and does very little damage unless hitting ammo or modules.
+
* Reverse speed is bad
−
* Unlike other Shermans, it doesn't have access to a gun stabilizer and thus the gun sight will rock up and down on a sudden stop.
+
* Like all vehicles armed with early version of the 17-pounder gun, it will struggle before it has the Shot Mk.8
−
* Traverse is mediocre.
+
* Stock AP round is painful to use. It fragments poorly, bounces often and does very little damage unless hitting ammo or modules
 +
* Unlike other Shermans, it doesn't have access to a gun stabilizer and thus the gun sight will rock up and down on a sudden stop
 +
* Traverse is mediocre, and bad when its stock
 +
* Insufficient mobility when stock
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
== History ==
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><ref></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
 
−
===Concept===
 
−
Around 1943 in World War II, the [[M4|M4 Sherman]] was one of the best tanks in use by the Allies. It superseded the German standard [[Pz.III J|Panzer IIIs]] and [[Pz.IV F1|Panzer IVs]] at the time. However, it was during the middle of 1943 that the Sherman design was beginning to wane in superiority with the reveal of newer German tanks in the front lines, namely the [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]] and the [[Panther D|Panther]] tanks.<ref name="ZalogaCh3Panther">Zaloga 2008, ''Chapter 3: The Panzer Nemesis: The Panther Threat''</ref> These tanks are able to not only take out the Sherman at a longer range than the Sherman can compete in, but could also withstand the 75 mm rounds fired from the Sherman with their frontal armour. In order to improve the Sherman’s firepower against these better German tanks, the Americans decided to upgun their tanks with the better [[M1 (76 mm)|76 mm gun]]. The British, however, decide to up the ante with one of the Allies’ most powerful anti-tank gun at the time, the 17-pounder.
 
  
−
The ''[[Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|Ordnance QF 17-pounder]]'' was a 76.2 mm anti-tank gun developed by the United Kingdom around 1942, but was considered as far back as 21 November 1940.<ref name="Fletcher17">Fletcher 2008, ''The 17-pounder''</ref> The British predicted that the Germans would be increasing their tank armour gradually to make current anti-tank weapons ineffective in North Africa, a lesson learned when their issued [[Ordnance QF 2-pounder (40 mm)|2-pounder]], [[Ordnance QF 6-pounder Mk.III (57 mm)|6-pounder]], and [[Ordnance QF Mk.V (75 mm)|75 mm]] guns were meeting heavier armoured tanks, and even tanks with superior firepower like the [[KwK 40 (75 mm)|75 mm KwK 40]] on the [[Pz.IV F2|Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. F2]].<ref name="Fletcher17"/> The first prototype batch was completed in Spring 1942 and the design was finalized in 1943 and accepted into service that same year, where it would see great effect in the Italian Campaign as one of the best Allied anti-tank guns.<ref name="Hunnicutt17pdr">Hunnicutt 1978, pg. 303</ref> One of the reasons why the 17-pounder was so effective was the use of the APDS shot (Armour-Piercing Discarding-Sabot), which could penetrate up to 256 mm of armour at 500 meters distance; this is due to the smaller, but much faster projectile used that contains more kinetic energy than a full-sized shot. However, drawbacks with this ammunition was the lack of tracer to be able to adjust shots, the inaccuracy beyond 500 yards, and the less damage it could cause to the enemy tank.<ref name="FletcherAmmo">Fletcher 2008, ''Ammunition''</ref>
+
{{main|Sherman_Firefly#History|l1=History of the Sherman Firefly}}
  
−
===Development===
+
=== In Italian Service ===
−
====A kick-start====
+
[[File:Sherman Vc (Italy) .png|thumb|Impression of an Italian Sherman VC during  military exercises]]
−
The 17-pounder effectiveness against the new German tanks and the lackluster anti-armour firepower on British tanks brought upon the concept of mounting the 17-pounder onto tanks. The first mention of mounting the powerful gun onto a tank carriage was as early as 09 December 1941 by Tank Board, which prompted the design specification ''A29'', a 45-ton 17-pounder armed tank that was eventually cancelled for another design. The next design took the [[Cromwell V|Cromwell]] tank as its basis, with development proceeding in 1942 as the ''[[Challenger|A30]]'' (later known as the Challenger). While A30 was in development, the prolonged development time had Tank Board set up for two more 17-pounder projects, the [[Comet I|A34]] (Comet) for a short term project and [[Centurion Mk 1|A41]] (Centurion) for a long term one, in the summer of 1943.<ref name="Fletcher17"/> However, in the same year, a side project for a 17-pounder tank was conducted by two officers.
+
The Firefly first saw action in Italy in British, American, and Polish hands in the Italian Campaign in 1944, but were ceased since heavy German armour proved to be a challenging opponent for the Firefly. After WW2, Italy was supplied with tanks by the US and UK, such as the [[Sherman Firefly]] (designated as [[M4 Tipo IC]] or M4 Tipo VC depending on the variant) and [[M24 (Italy)|M24 Chaffee]], which were commissioned in 1947. At that time, Italy created the first nucleus for the formation of a tankers school, and on the 1st of October officially formed the Military School Organization.
  
−
Royal Tank Regiment major George Brighty, based at the Royal Armoured Corps Gunnery School at Lulworth in Dorset, had the belief that the M4 Sherman was a better tank mount for the 17-pounder than the A30, which was being tested in Lulworth. He experimented around an acquired Sherman, though came to a conclusion that the turret size was too small for the 17-pounder’s breech and recoil. Still, he persisted in his efforts and in a rather absurd solution, fitted the 17-pounder into the turret by locking the gun into the mounts and removing the lengthy recoil system, forcing the tank’s mass and suspension to absorb the entirety of the 17-pounder recoil. Though this proved to have worked, the modification was far from ideal for any practical usage.<ref name="FletcherLulworth">Fletcher 2008, ''Developments At Lulworth''</ref>
+
The M4 Tipo VCs were decommissioned and scrapped in 1952.
  
−
During his trials, Brighty joined up with another major of the RTR by the name of George Witheridge. Witheridge was also convinced of the Sherman’s virtues from his time at Fort Knox when advising on tank gunnery techniques. While he appreciated the dual-purpose usage the [[M3 (75 mm)|75 mm gun]] on the Sherman provided, he was concerned on improving the armour-piercing properties while retaining the same high-explosive charge. Witheridge arrived at Lulworth to Brighty’s design, which he found unsuitable. In a statement on how confident such a design looked from the outside, Witheridge test-fired Brighty’s 17-pounder Sherman from the outside three times before trying it out inside. Priority soon shifted to develop a recoil system for the Sherman-mounted 17-pounder. However, some time after Witheridge’s arrival, the Department of Tank Design (DTD) sent a directive to the two lads to cease their development on the up-gunning of the Sherman, possibly to protect their A30 project. Witheridge, still keen to the idea of using the Sherman, tried to get this directive reversed by appealing to his connections, namely a man going by Major General Raymond Briggs. Briggs, Witheridge’s commanding officer in North Africa and also enthusiastic about improving British tank firepower, put the word to Claude Gibb, Director General of Weapon and Instrument Production at Ministry of Supply, to which Gibb approved and the 17-pounder Sherman was back up. However, with the Ministry of Supply now involved with the project, the design was shifted from two enthusiastic officers to the engineers.<ref name="FletcherLulworth"/>
+
== Media ==
 +
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
−
====Professional’s touch====
+
;Skins
−
One person deemed responsible for completing the project was W.G.K. Kilbourn, a professional engineer at Vickers who was stationed at Chertsey when he was assigned the 17-pounder Sherman by the DTD.<ref name="FletcherDesign">Fletcher 2008, ''Designing The Firefly''</ref> He managed to fit the 17-pounder gun into the Sherman turret by extensively modifying the gun. He replaced the recoil cylinders with shorter ones mounted on the sides, opposite to each other top and bottom, on a special cradle, modified the gun barrel to fit onto the cradle for better support, and placed the gun breech to open horizontally (contrary to the statement that the gun was simply rotated 90 degrees sideways as the operators of the gun have not been rotated along with the breech).<ref name="MoransVideoPt2">Morans 2017, Time (3:00)</ref> The redesigned 17-pounder, named ''Mk IV'' was built on 11 November 1943 at the Royal Ordnance Factory and could fit into the Sherman turret,<ref name="FletcherDesign"/> but now the concern was on the crew inside. The large breech of the modified 17-pounder ate up a lot of internal space and isolated the loader on the left side of the gun and turret; the solution was to cut a hole on top of the loader’s position and add a hatch. The radio, usually mounted on the rear of the turret, was deemed too close to the recoiling breech for comfort so an armoured box was welded to the turret rear for the radio and a hole cut into the turret rear for operating the radio away from the recoiling gun. The armoured box also had the benefit of acting as a counter-weight for the longer and heavier gun for the turret.<ref name="FletcherConversion">Fletcher 2008, ''The Conversion Programme''</ref> Finally, there was an issue of ammo stowage for the larger and heavier 17-pdr rounds, 6 inches longer than the 75 mm shells. The stowage on the tank was in bins in the turret for ready access, but a bulk of it was placed under the turret floor that could only be accessed when the turret was aligned a certain position for each bin, making them more for replenishing the ready racks during breaks in combat. To increase the stowage for more 17-pounder rounds, the bow machine gunner was removed along with his machine gun (the port welded over by a prominent wedge shaped armour) and a rack holding 15 rounds placed in his location, however the position for the rack was also impossible to reach during combat and one location on the rack was so hard to get to that it wasn’t used, making the total stowage 14 rounds instead.<ref name="FletcherDesign"/>
 
  
−
Kilbourn efforts and those of assisting engineers managed to finally fit the large 17-pounder gun into the constrained space of the Sherman turret intended to mount the 75 mm gun, as well as perform the necessary modifications to accommodate combat usage of the vehicle. It then moved onto the next stage of being approved for service.
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_sherman_vc_firefly Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
====Conversions====
+
;Videos
−
Inspection of the completed Sherman with the 17-pdr started on 06 January 1944, and the War Office wrote a requirement for up to 2,100 of the tanks to be upgunned. Not every Sherman could follow the conversion, whether by technical or logistics limitations, and only petrol-engined, M34A1 gun mounted, and have a hydraulic turret traverse system. This meant that the Shermans converted were the ''[[Firefly «Scorpion»|Sherman I]]'' ([[M4|M4]]),''Sherman I Hybrid'' (M4 "Composite") , and ''[[Sherman Firefly|Sherman V]]'' (M4A4). Technically the ''[[Sherman II]]'' ([[M4A1|M4A1]]) and Sherman III ([[M4A3 (76) W|M4A3]]) were also eligible for conversion with those standards, but information on the Sherman II are scarce and photographic evidence of cast hull converted Shermans usually turn out to be Sherman I Hybrids; Sherman III are all allocated to the U.S. Army as their mainstay tank so no M4A3 were even available in British service to convert.<ref name="FletcherConversion"/> Tanks armed with the 17-pounder were designated by a ''"C"'' in the name at the end of their mark number, leading to names such as the "Sherman VC" to denote a M4A4 with the 17-pounder conversion. Troops with the upgunned Sherman, as early as March 1944, were describing tank as a  '''Firefly''', regardless of the type.<ref name="FletcherName">Fletcher 2008, ''What’s in a Name?''</ref> How it got the name is debatable, but it is most likely due to the very prominent muzzle flash that the 17-pounder produces when firing.<ref name="ZalogaCh4British">Zaloga 2008, ''Chapter 4: The Future Sherman: Improve or Replace?: The British Approach''</ref>
+
{{Youtube-gallery|lwRfZ-Y_NLk|''' The Sherman Vc Medium Tank (Italy)''' - ''Orangefan''}}
  
−
Still, as D-Day approached for the Allied forces and the A30 Challenger was continually delayed, the eagerness of the troops to acquire the Firefly rose substantially. Four factories were prioritized for the conversion, two at London, one at Manchester and another at Nottingham. From the conversion period of 1944 to 1945, up to and between 2,100 to 2,200 Fireflies were converted, making it the most produced tank with the 17-pounder of the war. Allocation of the Fireflies was one troop per three Sherman troop (troop was an equivalent of platoon and consisted of 4 tanks), but even regiments that were equipped with Cromwells were supplemented with Fireflies until the A30 Challenger was fit for service. The Fireflies were also allocated to Canadian and Polish regiments.<ref name="FletcherConversion"/> Due to the relative newness of the Firefly, most of the training done on the utilization and deployment of the Fireflies were done on the combat field by each regiment.<ref name="FletcherDesign"/>
+
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
===Combat usage===
+
;Vehicles equipped with the same gun & turret
−
====Fighting at the theaters====
 
−
The Firefly’s first combat action on D-Day was not actually on the land of Normandy, but on the sea. The Firefly’s were assigned an unusual role to, while on the LCT that would carry them to the beaches, would fire over the berm towards concrete fortifications and blast them with the 17-pdr. Six Fireflies were allotted, separated into pairs, to DD tank regiments of the British 13th/18th Hussars at Sword Beach, and the Canadians 1st Hussars and Fort Garry Horse at Juno. Though 13th/18th Hussars were reported to not have fired their Fireflies on the way in, 1st Hussars seemed to have good experiences with it in the rough weather. Once the LCT reached the shore, the Fireflies were ordered to disembark and head inland, finishing off obstacles and join their original tank regiments.<ref name="FletcherConcrete">Fletcher 2008, ''Concrete Busters''</ref>
 
  
−
The first non-DD tank regiment with Fireflies to land was the Staffordshire Yeomanry, which had at least 12 Sherman VC with 48 Sherman IIIs, however little information exists on how it performed on the opening days of the Normandy campaign. Other regiments were originally DD tanks with Fireflies, but were employed as regular tank regiments once inland.<ref name="FletcherConcrete"/> One of such regiments was the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry. It was they who, a few days after the landings, deduced that the Germans seemed to be targeting their Fireflies specifically for their longer guns. Though this deduction was not supported by evidence (19% of total Fireflies were lost, but 29% of regular tanks were lost as well), the concern of Firefly loss was great because of the supply issue. As illustrated that though 22 Fireflies were lost, by June 23 only six replacements had arrived. Experience from the ground and the density of heavy German tanks changed some initial organization of one Firefly troop per three Sherman troop into one Firefly per tank troop. Fireflies were in such high demand that some commanders have expressed thought of obtaining the [[Achilles|17-pdr armed M10]] as supplement.<ref name="FletcherAction">Fletcher 2008, ''The Firefly in Action''</ref> Still, the units acquiring the Fireflies appreciated what they had as it was the only tank in Normandy in the Summer of 1944 that had a reasonable chance of defeating a [[Panther G|Panther]] or [[Tiger E|Tiger]] at combat ranges in the front.<ref name="ZalogaCh6AmericanFirefly">Zaloga 2008, ''Chapter 6: To Paris and Beyond!: American Firefly Deferred''</ref> In fact, the Firefly is most likely the responsible tank that destroyed the Tiger tank containing the Tiger Ace Michael Wittmann on 08 August 1944.<ref name="ZalogaChampionFirefly">Zaloga 2015, ''Chapter 8: The 1944 Tank Contest''</ref>
+
* [[Sherman Firefly]]
 +
* [[Sherman IC "Trzyniec"]]
 +
* [[M4 Tipo IC]]
  
−
Once Firefly supply to the Normandy campaign was satisfied in October 1944, Fireflies were allocated to the Italian theater, shared out to the Polish, Canadian, New Zealand, British, and South African regiments stationed there. With that, supply issue arose in that theater for the Firefly, causing the units that received the Fireflies to treasure them greatly. Heeding the comments on how Fireflies were singled out for their long guns, there were attempts to hide the prominent gun barrels, ranging from deceptive paint schemes, camouflage, and even dummy barrels on the back of the Firefly turret that would be pointed forward to mimic the short 75 mm gun.<ref name="FletcherAction"/>
+
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
  
−
Still, the Firefly served in the British Armies in the European Theater of Operations up to and until May 1945, when they were retired along with the end of the war for the replacement of better designs like the [[Comet I|Comet cruiser tank]] and the [[Centurion Mk 1|Centurion tank]].
+
* [[M4A1 (76) W]]
−
 
+
* [[M4A4 (SA50)]]
−
====Reception====
 
−
The Firefly’s performance was very favorable for the troops that had to use them against the heavy German tanks. Though a good portion of Germany’s armour in the Normandy front were Panthers, a good majority were still [[Pz.IV H|Panzer IVs]] and self-propelled guns,<ref name="ZalogaChampionFirefly"/> all of which were manageable even with the 75 mm guns. Field reports by a Colonel W.E.H. Grylls in 1945<ref name="FletcherAction"/> helped highlight the troop’s sentiments on the Firefly in combat, and especially their deficiencies. The muzzle brake sometimes came loose from an inadequate locking design, the traverse gear also failed at times due to the extra turret weight from the gun, rain leaked into the radio box on some tanks, internal space for the Firefly turret crew was comparatively cramped to the Sherman’s, the muzzle flash at the gun’s muzzle brake can obscure the target enough that it is difficult to ensure the firing round hit it, and muzzle flash on the breech end of the gun inside the turret has a tendency to cause a fair share of discomfort and uneasiness for the crew. Grylls also highlighted the crew praise on how the Firefly tended to not catch fire as quickly as Shermans, though this is deduced to by the placement of the majority of ammunition on the bottom of the hull, like the “wet stowage” arrangement on the newer [[M4A1 (76) W|Sherman models]]. Some of the deficiencies were fixed, such as the flashback at the breech end by implementing a delayed action breech on the 17-pounder Mk.VII model, but all these faults never diminished the popularity of the Firefly, highlighted by the statements of Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery that he wished to have Fireflies replace all types of Shermans in British service.<ref name="FletcherAction"/>
 
−
 
 
−
On the onset, the Americans were not enthusiastic about the Firefly because they believed they had a comparable design in the [[M1 (76 mm)|76 mm]] armed [[M4A1 (76) W|Shermans]]. It was not until Normandy when they were proven wrong and learned the 76 mm were unable to contend against Panthers from the front. Though they soon developed the HVAP ammunition, General Omar Bradley’s 12th US Army Group on 13 August 1944 requested for Fireflies to be made until better American armament like the [[M3 (90 mm)|90 mm]] could be fielded.<ref name="FletcherAmerican">Fletcher 2008, ''The American Angle''</ref> Due to supply constraints, they never received any during that time period. Not that the American’s own industries were making the situation easier for the British as when they discontinued their M4A4 Sherman and 75 mm gun production, there was a quick drop in Firefly conversions in the latter part of 1944 until they could supplement the production with enough Sherman I models.<ref name="FletcherSupply">Fletcher 2008, ''Supply and Demand''</ref> In the American’s own program, it was advised that they try mounting the 17-pounder in the T23 turret made for the 76 mm gun, but also mounted on the [[M26|T26]] chassis.<ref name="FletcherAmerican"/> This advice did not make much progress. It wasn’t until February 1945 when the British finally made time for conversions for the Americans. The first trials were converting two M4A3 Shermans to fit American specifications like fitting their larger radios, adding stowage brackets for the M2 machine gun, and attachment of a M9 elevating quadrant on the gun cradle.<ref name="FletcherAmerican"/><ref name="Zaloga76mmUpGun">Zaloga 2003, ''Upgunning the M4 Tank''</ref> A request of 160 Fireflies were specified on 11 March 1945 for completion on April 30, with the Americans shipping suitable tanks from France back to England for conversion. On April 7th, the initial order was halved to 80 due to the incoming end of the war and its demand ending with the lack of encountered German armour after the Ardennes Offensive.<ref name="ZalogaCh9Firefly">Zaloga 2008, ''Chapter 9: On to the Rhine!: Firepower Improvements''</ref> On the war’s end, there were 100 tanks sitting in depots ready for conversion, with 86 converted tanks.<ref name="FletcherAmerican"/> The excess Shermans were given away and the leaders were left on what to do with these Fireflies they no longer needed. It was decided on May 26<ref name="FletcherAmerican"/> that these American Fireflies were to be retained in Europe for equipping the occupational force.<ref name="Zaloga76mmUpGun"/> No evidence exist on what happened to these Fireflies past that point.
 
−
 
 
−
===Legacy===
 
−
The Firefly’s reputation during and after the war is a product of hindsight. The British understood the trend that was happening in German armoured forces and acted accordingly with the 17-pounder. It should be noted that the 17-pounder’s super round, the APDS, did not appear in Firefly stowage until August 1944,<ref name="FletcherAmmo">Fletcher 2008, ''Ammunition''</ref> and in combat was really inaccurate past 500 yards and the round fouled the barrel that it affected follow-up shots with APCBC rounds. As such, APCBC round would still be standard usage and though the 17-pounder was still slightly more powerful than the 76 mm, it traded crew comfort and design quality in the Firefly in comparison to the 76 mm gun in the larger T23 turret. What solidified the Firefly’s place in history in comparison to the 76 mm Shermans was that on the very first day that the Allies invaded Normandy, the British actually brought the Fireflies while the Americans left their 76 mm guns in English depots.<ref name="Zaloga76mmFrance">Zaloga 2003, ''Initial Deployment Problems''</ref> Thus, the British can claim with great confidence that on the opening days of Operation Overlord, they had a tank that could kill the German cats.
 
−
 
 
−
== Media ==
 
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
 
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−
== See also ==
 
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
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{{TankManufacturer Department of Tank Design}}
 
{{Italy medium tanks}}
 
{{Italy medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 06:14, 19 November 2023

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the medium tank Sherman Vc (Italy). For other versions, see M4 Sherman (Family).
▄Sherman Vc
it_sherman_vc_firefly.png
GarageImage Sherman Vc (Italy).jpg
ArtImage Sherman Vc (Italy).png
▄Sherman Vc
Italy flag.png Italy
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.0 5.0 5.0
Class:
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The M4A4 Sherman VC Firefly is an up-gunned modification of the M4A4, which is the fifth variant of the early-generation Medium Tank M4 (Sherman) family. Armed with the powerful 76 mm Ordnance QF 17-pounder tank gun, this stopgap combination (before the introduction of the new generation of Allied tanks) was one of the most lethal tanks of its day, adding weight to the Allied battle to gain victory. Following Italy's rebuilding in 1945, some M4A4 Sherman VC Firefly variants were transferred to the country. In 1946, a minor military command was established for territory defence, and the unit received numerous other M4 Sherman variants. They served as the foundation for the first post-war tanker training school in Italy. In 1952, all M4 Sherman variants were officially decommissioned.

Introduced in Update "Starfighters", the M4A4 Sherman VC Firefly in the Italian Army ground forces is similar to the British counterpart, as they were provided by the British Army after World War II to aid in the reconstruction of Italy and the establishment of a territory defence force. The M4A4 Sherman VC Firefly, armed with the renowned 76 mm Ordnance QF 17-pounder tank gun, will provide players with the first significant boost in firepower compared to the early variants of the M4 Sherman within the Italian Army ground forces, which were mounted with the 75 mm M3 tank gun. The M4A4 Sherman VC Firefly will be the main backbone of Italian Army ground forces for a long time, thanks to the availability of armour-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) ammunition that will bring its firepower up to level with more advanced adversaries.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull51 / 38 / 38
Turret76 / 51 / 51
Crew4 people
Visibility108 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Transmission area, Turret)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 50.8 mm (55°) Front glacis
50.8 mm (7°) Driver's port
50.8 mm (1-53°) Transmission area 		38.1 mm 38.1 mm (22-23°) Top
38.1 mm (1°) Bottom 		19.5 mm
12.7 mm Engine deck
Turret 76.2 mm (8-44°) Turret roof
50.8 + 88.9 mm (1-54°) Gun mantlet 		50.8 mm (2-38°) 50.8 mm (2-67°) Turret rear
50.8 mm (1°) Radio box 		25.4 mm
Cupola 50.8 mm 50.8 mm 50.8 mm 25.4 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, bogies are 10 mm thick, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 12.7 mm thick.
  • The bow machine gun area has been welded shut with armour, but is only 25.4 mm thick so may present a viable weakness to weaker enemies.
  • Unlike the armour on the American Rank III Shermans which saw itself upped from 50.8 mm to 63.5 mm, the British Firefly in Rank III retains the old 50.8 mm base armour thickness on the front hull, as well as the protruding driver and co-driver hatches in front. This makes the Firefly a much more vulnerable Sherman tank than even the American versions, a trade-off for its more powerful armament.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB45 / 6 km/h
RB and SB41 / 5 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight35.3 t
Engine power
AB811 hp
RB and SB425 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB23.0 hp/t
RB and SB12.0 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 45 6 35.3 659 811 18.67 22.97
Realistic 41 5 376 425 10.65 12.04

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 047 → 2 769 Sl icon.png
RB2 398 → 3 244 Sl icon.png
SB3 014 → 4 077 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications40 000 Rp icon.png
77 300 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training45 000 Sl icon.png
Experts155 000 Sl icon.png
Aces630 Ge icon.png
Research Aces440 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 150 / 170 % Sl icon.png
160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_britain_17pdr_APC_ammo_pack
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_britain_17pdr_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_britain_17pdr_APDS_ammo_pack
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_britain_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

76 mm QF 17-pounder cannon
Ammunition80 rounds
First-order5 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.6 → 5.9 s
Vertical guidance-5° / 25°
Main article: QF 17-pounder (76 mm)
76 mm QF 17-pounder Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 80 -5°/+25° ±180° N/A 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 7.67 6.79 6.25 5.90
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

Ammunition

  • Shot Mk.6: AP - Standard penetrating round, use until better rounds are unlocked.
  • Shell Mk.1: HE - It is ideal for destroying SPAA and lightly armoured tanks, but useless against anything else.
  • Shot Mk.4: APC - Cap for better grip against sloped armour.
  • Shot Mk.8: APCBC - Like Shot Mk.4 but with a ballistic cap for improved flight path, as well as better penetration.
  • Shot SV Mk.1: APDS - Highest armour penetration of any shot, but has worse spalling effect, and can only penetrate vertical surfaces.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Shot Mk.6 AP 171 168 155 139 126 113
Shell Mk.1 HE 20 20 18 16 15 13
Shot Mk.4 APC 171 168 155 139 126 113
Shot Mk.8 APCBC 190 187 172 155 140 126
Shot SV Mk.1 APDS 269 264 246 226 207 189
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Shot Mk.6 AP 883 7.71 - - - 47° 60° 65°
Shell Mk.1 HE 883 6.98 0.2 0.1 580 79° 80° 81°
Shot Mk.4 APC 883 7.71 - - - 48° 63° 71°
Shot Mk.8 APCBC 883 7.71 - - - 48° 63° 71°
Shot SV Mk.1 APDS 1,204 2.48 - - - 75° 78° 80°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
17pdr Shell SS Mk.1 229 8.44 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Sherman Firefly (identical)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
80 61 (+19) 41 (+39) 21 (+59) 6 (+74) 4 (+76) 1 (+79) No

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 15°
7.62 mm L3A1 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition5 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), L3A1 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 800 (200) 577 -10°/+15° ±180°
7.62 mm L3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 5,000 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

Shoot and scoot. Unless the enemy's tank gunner has been knocked out (black only), cannon breech has been disabled (red/black), or cannon barrel is disabled (red/black) that inhibits the enemy's ability to fire back, don't expose the tank after firing. Always try to retreat back into cover to reload. Once reloaded, preferably pop out of an area different from the last firing position and take another shot. Make sure to eliminate the enemy's ability to fire back by destroying their cannon breech and traverse gears, or incapacitate their driver and gunner again if they were replaced. During this whole process, watch out for other enemy tanks and avoid being swarmed. With situational awareness combined with the correct usage of the map, the Firefly becomes a decent tank capable of effectively fighting every medium and heavy tank it faces.

The Firefly can excel at vaporizing tanks that have clustered crew, like StuGs, SUs, T-34s, KVs, and even Panzer IIIs and IVs. The post-penetration affect of the Firefly's shells after the AP buffs allow it to decimate those tanks. However, it is recommended to still shoot from afar, as all of these tanks can destroy the Firefly easily.

Definitely do not play too aggressively. The huge weakness of the 3/4 crew in the turret is almost always pointed out immediately, because it's a huge issue. A good hit either means a quick trip back to the hangar, or a lengthy crew replenishment time in AB. But this ignores the fact that the tank is just a huge glass cannon, as any shot anywhere will likely cripple the tank.

The Sherman Firefly can dish out the punishment necessary for heavy tanks, but can't take it. Don't expose the tank towards enemy fire too long due to the thin armour on the Firefly in comparison to other tanks such as the Soviet T-34-85s and the German Panthers. Take a shot, preferably from a flanking location, then retreat into cover regardless of the shot's effect on target, because if the target could swing its gun towards the Firefly, or have friends that could hit it, consider writing off the Firefly very soon. This varies between different enemies, as going against something like the KV-2 would be different than going against a Tiger I.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Uses the tried and tested Sherman chassis. Experienced players will find this tank easy to use.
  • Very fast turret traverse speed.
  • The 17-Pounder gun, which can penetrate every single tank it faces, although newer players may struggle against the Panther.
  • APDS rounds with excellent penetrating capabilities
  • Fast reload even with untrained crew.
  • 77 rounds maximum.
  • Fast and very mobile.
  • Has .50 cal AA machine gun that's unique among other vehicles as it can rotate for 360°.
  • Has no side bulges unlike the Premium version.
  • Post penetration damage tends to be enough to knock out crews when clustered together, such as on the T-34 series or turrets.

Cons:

  • Armour of a M4 Sherman, very thin for a Rank III vehicle
  • Large profile
  • 4 crew members, 3 of which are clustered in the turret, making it easier to knock out
  • Bad gun depression of only -5 degrees
  • Gun post-penetration damage is decent with the AP buffs, but still won't always knock out a tank in one hit
  • Short ready rack (5 shells), resulting in a much longer reload time after depleting
  • Smart enemies will shoot the spot where the radio operator gunner usually sat, as in the Firefly, that spot is replaced by ammo (unless carrying 54 rounds)
  • Lacks additional armour, unlike its British counterpart
  • Reverse speed is bad
  • Like all vehicles armed with early version of the 17-pounder gun, it will struggle before it has the Shot Mk.8
  • Stock AP round is painful to use. It fragments poorly, bounces often and does very little damage unless hitting ammo or modules
  • Unlike other Shermans, it doesn't have access to a gun stabilizer and thus the gun sight will rock up and down on a sudden stop
  • Traverse is mediocre, and bad when its stock
  • Insufficient mobility when stock

History

Main article: History of the Sherman Firefly

In Italian Service

Impression of an Italian Sherman VC during military exercises

The Firefly first saw action in Italy in British, American, and Polish hands in the Italian Campaign in 1944, but were ceased since heavy German armour proved to be a challenging opponent for the Firefly. After WW2, Italy was supplied with tanks by the US and UK, such as the Sherman Firefly (designated as M4 Tipo IC or M4 Tipo VC depending on the variant) and M24 Chaffee, which were commissioned in 1947. At that time, Italy created the first nucleus for the formation of a tankers school, and on the 1st of October officially formed the Military School Organization.

The M4 Tipo VCs were decommissioned and scrapped in 1952.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Sherman Vc Medium Tank (Italy) - Orangefan

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same gun & turret
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Department of Tank Design
Medium Tanks 
Sherman Firefly  Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec"
MBTs 
Centurion  Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Action X · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10
Challenger*  Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS
Tank Destroyers 
Achilles  Achilles · Achilles (65 Rg.)
Centurion-based  Conway · FV4005
Export 
Sherman Firefly  Sherman Ic · ▄Sherman Vc
Centurion  Centurion Mk.5/1 · Strv 81 · Strv 81 (RB 52) · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Strv 101 · Strv 104** · Strv 105** · Sho't
See also  US Ordnance Department · Israeli Ordnance Corps · Vickers-Armstrongs Limited
  *By successor, the Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment
  **Swedish modernizations incorporating innovations from the Israeli Sho't Kals.

Italy medium tanks
  Italy
M13/40  M13/40 (I) · M13/40 (II) · M13/40 (III)
M14/41  M14/41 · M14/41 (47/40)
M15/42  M15/42
M16/43  Celere Sahariano
P26/40  P40 · P40 "G.C. Leoncello"
OF-40  OF-40 · OF-40 Mk.2A · OF-40 (MTCA)
Ariete  Ariete (P) · Ariete · Ariete PSO · Ariete AMV
Germany  ▄Pz.III N · ▄Pz.IV G · ▄Leopard 1A5
Allied powers  ▄Sherman I Composito · Sherman Ic · ▄Sherman Vc · ▄Sherman V · M26 "D.C.Ariete" · M26A1 · M47 (105/55) · M60A1 "D.C.Ariete"
  Hungary
Turán  Turan I · Turan II · Turan III
Germany  ◔Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2A7HU
USSR  ◔T-72M1

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