Difference between revisions of "M4A3 (105) (France)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_m4a3_105_sherman}}
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{{About
 +
| about = medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| other
 +
| usage-1 = other versions
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| link-1 = M4 Sherman (Family)
 +
| usage-2 = other uses
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| link-2 = M4 (Disambiguation)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=fr_m4a3_105_sherman
 +
|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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During the Second World War, most French tank units were modelled in a similar structure to US Armored Divisions, but with French traditions and depending on the divisions, cavalry traditions. With this in mind, France operated M4A3 (105) self-propelled howitzers in its tank divisions, to provide direct fire support for infantry units, and offer a higher protection platform for artillery support, which allowed the units to operate closer to the front than regular artillery or mortar systems without much risk. The French 2nd Armored Division was the first to acquire the tanks in 1944, with the 1st and 5th divisions getting their own tanks in 1945.
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{{Break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]]. Armed with a [[M4 (105 mm)]] instead of the standard [[M3 (75 mm)]] cannon, the howitzer grants the Sherman a much more powerful high-explosive shell to use against lightly-armoured enemies. When the HEAT round is unlocked for the cannon, its firepower against more heavily armoured vehicle increases substantially.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]], the {{Specs|name}} is a peculiar Sherman, featuring a 105 mm howitzer instead of the regular M3 75 mm cannon. The howitzer grants the Sherman a much more powerful high explosive shell, which is very useful against ground vehicles. However it lacks access to an APHE shell so it relies on HEAT projectiles for heavier foes. The tank has very similar performance to the Sherman, but it lacks the vertical stabilization that is present in the rest of the family.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
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* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
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'''Armour type:'''
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area)
+
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret roof, cupola roof)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (turret, gun mantlet, transmission housing)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
!Armour
 
−
!Front (Slope angle)
 
−
!Sides
 
−
!Rear
 
−
!Roof
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Hull
+
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
−
|63.5 mm (47º) Front glacis
+
|-
−
|38.1 mm
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| Hull || 63.5 mm (46°) ''Upper glacis - Top'' <br> 63.5 mm + 25.4 mm (spherical) ''MG port'' <br> 63.5 mm (55°) ''Upper glacis - Bottom'' <br> 107.9 mm (cylindrical) ''Transmission carter''  <br> 63.5 mm (50°) ''Lower glacis'' || 38.1 mm || 38.1 mm (23°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 38.1 mm (13°) ''Lower plate - Top'' <br> 38.1 mm (44°) ''Lower plate - Bottom'' || 63.5 mm (35-44°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 19.5 mm ''Centre'' <br> 19.5 mm (7°) ''Rear - Centre'' <br> 19.5 mm (23°) ''Rear - Sides''
−
|38.1 mm (22º) Top
 
−
38.1 mm (13-44º)
 
−
 
 
−
Bottom
 
−
|19.5 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Turret
+
|Turret || 76.2 mm (cylindrical) ''Turret front'' <br> 88.9 mm (cylindrical) ''Gun mantlet'' || 50.8 mm (cylindrical) || 50.8 mm (3°) || 25.4 mm
−
|76.2 mm (3-67º) Turret front
 
−
|50.8 mm (2-69º)
 
−
|50.8 mm (2-66º)
 
−
|25.4 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Armour
+
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 63.5 mm (conical) || 63.5 mm (conical) ''Outer ring'' <br> 25.4 mm ''Centre''
−
! colspan="2" |Sides
 
−
! colspan="2" |Roof
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Cupola
 
−
| colspan="2" |63.5 mm
 
−
| colspan="2" |25.4 mm
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
−
* Suspension Wheels are 15 mm thick, bogies are 10 mm thick, and tracks are 20 mm thick;
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* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while bogies are 10 mm thick and tracks are 20 mm thick.
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* Lower part of the hull ("break") is 107.9 mm thick;
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* A 25.4 mm plate separates the crew compartment from the engine compartment.
−
* A small patch on the turret front right side is thinner (50.8 mm) than the rest (76.2 mm);
 
  
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The M4A3 (105) has certain flaws that can be exploited quite well. First of all, the howitzer armament means that the shell travels in a low-velocity, meaning the M4A3 (105) will be unlikely to engage at a long distance. Another is the fact that the M4A3 (105)'s gun has a long reload and a slow traverse speed, meaning it is also not very good in a close-range encounter. Despite these flaws, the M4A3 (105) is a formidable foe with its armament. The HE and HEAT shell the 105 mm can dish out has a real possibility to knock out friendly crew and teammates, if not absolutely destroying light tanks. These high-explosives can also break tracks easily, causing the player tank to be immobilized and exposed not only to the M4A3 (105), but to the other enemies as well, and the M4A3 (105) will most likely not be alone.
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The {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with 12 smoke grenades that can be deployed individually. The launcher is on the turret and shoots grenades along the gun's heading.
−
 
 
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To engage the M4A3 (105), try not to engage its frontal armour if in a tank with BR lower than 3.7. It's frontal armour, despite what most will say about the Sherman's armour, is quite formidable and can deflect most incoming enemy round from light and medium tanks. This is why it is recommended to bring high-velocity guns like the [[M7 (76 mm)]] on the [[M10 GMC]] or the [[KwK40 (75 mm)]] on the later Panzer IV. If it can't be engaged from the front, manoeuvre to its side and rear armour, as these armour plate are extremely vulnerable to even 37 mm guns. When manoeuvring around the M4A3 (105), try not expose the tank for a prolonged time and move faster than the M4A3 (105)'s slow turret traverse rate (though beware that the M4A3 can compensate this slow turn by turning the entire body). If fast enough, a tank could also move past the 105 mm low-velocity shell and mess up the enemy's lead. This will eventually lead to a good shot on the M4A3's weak points. Another simpler and less mobile way is to lie in wait in a tank destroyer such as the StuG III for the M4A3 to move tight into the TD's line of fire, giving a clean shot to a vulnerable armour part. A good shot on a general part of the hull can ignite one of the many ammo racks strewn around the interior.
 
  
 
=== 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=775|rbMinHp=442}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=775|rbMinHp=442}}
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
* Research the M67 shot first as you start with an HE shell only.
 +
* Parts and FPE come next as they are key to survivability.
 +
* Follow up with accuracy improvements.
 +
* Everything else is up to you, but Artillery Support and mobility upgrades are welcome.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|M4 (105 mm)}}
 
{{main|M4 (105 mm)}}
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 66 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+35° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 5.7 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || rowspan="2" | 13.0 || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 66 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+35° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 5.7 || 7.9 || 9.6 || 10.6 || 11.3 || rowspan="2" | 13.00 || rowspan="2" | 11.50 || rowspan="2" | 10.60 || rowspan="2" | 10.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 3.6 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
+
| 3.6 || 4.2 || 5.1 || 5.6 || 6.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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{{:M4 (105 mm)/Ammunition|M1 shell, M67 shot, M84}}
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| M1 shell || HE || 27 || 27 || 27 || 27 || 27 || 27
 
−
|-
 
−
| M67 shot || HEAT || 130 || 130 || 130 || 130 || 130 || 130
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M1 shell || HE || 472 || 14.85 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 2,180 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M67 shot || HEAT || 381 || 13.14 || N/A || 0.1 || 1,609 || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| M84 || 457 || 14.9 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_M4A3_(105).png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the M4A3 (105) (identical).]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.1.0.94''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''66''' || 54&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 34&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 22&nbsp;''(+44)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+65)'' || Yes (1)
+
| '''66''' || 54&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 34&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 22&nbsp;''(+44)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+65)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
            <nowiki>*43---*
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'''Notes''':
−
<--Front--  | 2 1 |
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−
            *5----*
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* Racks disappear after you've fired all shells in the rack.
−
</nowiki>
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* To go into battle with the turret empty of ammo, pack 22&nbsp;''(+44)'' shells (racks 1 to 3 emptied).
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
|-
 
|-
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! Mount
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
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! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity)
 
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! Rate of fire<br>(shots/minute)
 
−
! Vertical<br>guidance
 
−
! Horizontal<br>guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle || 600 (200) || 576 || -10°/+30° || ±60°
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| Pintle || 600 (200) || 577 || -10°/+30° || ±60°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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The roof-mounted M2HB .50 cal heavy machine gun is very good at knocking out tracks, punching through lightly armoured vehicles and shooting down low-flying aircraft. Use it sparsely because of its low ammo count.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
 
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mount
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity)
 
−
! Rate of fire<br>(shots/minute)
 
−
! Vertical<br>guidance
 
−
! Horizontal<br>guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Coaxial || 3,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 
| Coaxial || 3,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
The small calibre of the M1919A4 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.
  
 
== 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 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). -->
 
<!-- 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). -->
 +
 
This tank plays best as a support tank, stay with other tanks that have better side armour while using the relatively thick front armour to soak a few shots. Use the HEAT rounds to penetrate most armour of the M4A3 (105)'s rank and above, and remember that the M4A3 (105) is no brawler, so staying in the front line too close to hostiles will most likely spell a K.O. by ammo or crew. This tank gun has a very low velocity, so make sure to compensate for a large amount of drop
 
This tank plays best as a support tank, stay with other tanks that have better side armour while using the relatively thick front armour to soak a few shots. Use the HEAT rounds to penetrate most armour of the M4A3 (105)'s rank and above, and remember that the M4A3 (105) is no brawler, so staying in the front line too close to hostiles will most likely spell a K.O. by ammo or crew. This tank gun has a very low velocity, so make sure to compensate for a large amount of drop
  
−
Having in mind the large calibre of this tank's main weapon, one can conclude that the HE shell (M1 shell) is big enough to dispatch some tanks. However, any armour larger than 28 mm won't let the explosion result in penetration. So for firing at strong armour plates, the HEAT shell (M67 shot) is required. It should be a top priority to research it. The HE shell will, however, be the most effective option whenever this Sherman's controller can find a suitably soft spot in the enemy vehicle's armour. Against soft vehicles, like most [[:Category:Anti-aircraft vehicles|SPAA]], the choice of ammunition for the main gun is fairly irrelevant, since a single shot should be enough to dispatch one of these, and remaining crew members can be taken down with one of the tank's [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|Browning]] machine guns, although HE is certainly the most effective at dishing out damage when armour is absent.
+
Having in mind the large calibre of this tank's main weapon, one can conclude that the HE shell (M1 shell) is big enough to dispatch some tanks. However, any armour larger than 28 mm won't let the explosion result in penetration. So for firing at strong armour plates, the HEAT shell (M67 shot) is required. It should be a top priority to research it. The HE shell will, however, be the most effective option whenever this Sherman's controller can find a suitably soft spot in the enemy vehicle's armour. Against soft vehicles, like most [[:Category:Anti-aircraft vehicles|SPAA]], the choice of ammunition for the main gun is fairly irrelevant, since a single shot should be enough to dispatch one of these, and remaining crew members can be taken down with one of the tank's [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|Browning]] machine guns, although HE is certainly the most effective at dishing out damage when armour is absent.
  
 
The HEAT round, unlike the HE one, has a tracer charge, which facilitates aiming. This is not critical, however, since the HE shell's sheer size allows for it to be seen without too much effort.
 
The HEAT round, unlike the HE one, has a tracer charge, which facilitates aiming. This is not critical, however, since the HE shell's sheer size allows for it to be seen without too much effort.
  
−
==== Tactics ====
+
;Combat tactics
−
The M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman is a support tank, not a front-line brawler. Its adequate armour protection and a powerful gun put it on about the level of the [[M10 GMC|M10 Tank Destroyer]], but it has certain flaws and qualities that make it different than the usual Sherman tanks. Due to the 105 mm howitzer, knocking out the enemy crew in lightly armoured vehicles is a piece of cake. Aim for the enemy tank's lower turret to cause the most damage possible with the HE shells, as the HE shrapnel can be deflected down onto the hull roof and mess up the enemy crew. The 105 mm HE could also be aimed at the enemy tracks to blow it off, immobilizing the enemy. If none of the HE shells does damage to the target (which shouldn't happen most of the time), a well-placed HEAT shell, once unlocked, can easily set a tank aflame or blow up ammo stores. Don't get to close to enemy vehicles '''unless''' it is a limited traverse gun tank destroyer, in which case blow up its tracks with a HE that should do the trick.
+
 
 +
The M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman is a support tank, not a front-line brawler. Its adequate armour protection and a powerful gun put it on about the level of the [[M10 GMC|M10 Tank Destroyer]], but it has certain flaws and qualities that make it different than the usual Sherman tanks. Due to the 105 mm howitzer, knocking out the enemy crew in lightly armoured vehicles is a piece of cake. Aim for the enemy tank's lower turret to cause the most damage possible with the HE shells, as the HE shrapnel can be deflected down onto the hull roof and mess up the enemy crew. The 105 mm HE could also be aimed at the enemy tracks to blow it off, immobilizing the enemy. If none of the HE shells does damage to the target (which shouldn't happen most of the time), a well-placed HEAT shell, once unlocked, can easily set a tank aflame or blow up ammo stores. Don't get to close to enemy vehicles unless it is a limited traverse gun tank destroyer, in which case blow up its tracks with a HE that should do the trick.
  
−
A downfall(s) of the M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman is its average mobility, slow turret traverse, and slow reload. Therefore, it is recommended to stick to allied tanks like glue or rely on hit-and-run tactics. The low velocity makes long-range shots relatively difficult. Never stay in the sights of tanks such as the [[KwK 40 (75 mm)|long-barrel 75 mm]] Panzer IV [[Pz.IV F2|F2]]/[[Pz.IV G|G]], StuG III [[StuG III F|F]]/[[StuG III G|G]] or [[T-34 (1942)|T-34]]/[[KV-1 (ZiS-5)|KV-1]]. These tanks can penetrate the M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman's front armour, some more easily than others. Try not to get hit in the rear area as it will set the tank on fire and immobilize it, putting it in an extremely disadvantageous situation.
+
A downfall of the M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman is its average mobility, slow turret traverse, and slow reload. Therefore, it is recommended to stick to allied tanks like glue or rely on hit-and-run tactics. The low velocity makes long-range shots relatively difficult. Never stay in the sights of tanks such as the [[KwK40 L43 (75 mm)|long-barrel 75 mm]] Panzer IV [[Pz.IV F2|F2]]/[[Pz.IV G|G]], StuG III [[StuG III F|F]]/[[StuG III G|G]] or [[T-34 (1942)|T-34]]/[[KV-1 (ZiS-5)|KV-1]]. These tanks can penetrate the M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman's front armour, some more easily than others. Try not to get hit in the rear area as it will set the tank on fire and immobilize it, putting it in an extremely disadvantageous situation.
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
;Enemies worth noting
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
 
−
! Tier
+
* [[LVT(A)(4) (ZiS-2) (China)|LVT(A)(4)(ZiS-2)]]: don't assume that you are indestructible in a downtier. If you see the giant boat-like chassis of a LVT but with a long cannon on top, be very careful. This LVT is able to penetrate your armour easily within 400 m, or if you are not angling the hull. To block its incoming shells, either angle your hull, be at a hull-down position or be >500 m away from it. While its shells can tear through your armour with ease, you can also effortlessly destroy it with your HEAT round by causing overpressure. While you reload, don't forget to wiggle around in a patternless way to mess up its aim. Its gun traverse rather slowly, making it quite hard to keep up with moving targets.
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
+
* [[ZiS-30]]: like the LVT(A)(4)(ZiS-2), this tank destroyer is armed with a similar 57 mm cannon capable of penetrating your front armour from any distance with ease. Apart from this, the ZiS-30 is also very narrow and small, making it very hard to get spotted especially when it is covered by bushes. This can become quite dangerous if the M4 commander does not scan the battlefield carefully enough. Luckily, comparing to the spacious LVT, the ZiS-30 is very compact and poorly protected. A spray of your roof-mounted 12.7 mm bullets will be enough to knock out its crew and components, let alone a hit from your 105 mm gun. Shells that land next to or behind the ZiS-30 can also damage it, since the side and rear of its fighting compartment has no protection at all, exposing its gunner and loader.
−
! Protection
+
 
−
! colspan="3" | Firepower
+
;How to defeat a {{PAGENAME}}
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|-
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| I
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The M4A3 (105) has certain flaws that can be exploited quite well. First of all, the howitzer armament means that the shell travels in a low-velocity, meaning the M4A3 (105) will be unlikely to engage at a long distance. Another is the fact that the M4A3 (105)'s gun has a long reload and a slow traverse speed, meaning it is also not very good in a close-range encounter. Despite these flaws, the M4A3 (105) is a formidable foe with its armament. The HE and HEAT shell the 105 mm can dish out has a real possibility to knock out friendly crew and teammates, if not absolutely destroying light tanks. These high-explosives can also break tracks easily, causing the player tank to be immobilized and exposed not only to the M4A3 (105), but to the other enemies as well, and the M4A3 (105) will most likely not be alone.
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
| M67 shot
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
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| Filters
 
−
|
 
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| Crew Replenishment
 
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| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
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|-
 
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| IV
 
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| Transmission
 
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| Engine
 
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|
 
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| Artillery Support
 
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| M84
 
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| Smoke grenade
 
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|-
 
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|}
 
  
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* ''Parts'', ''M67 shot'' and ''FPE'' are key! Followed by all accuracy improvements, everything else is optional, but ''Artillery'' and all mobility upgrades are welcomed.
+
To engage the M4A3 (105), try not to engage its frontal armour if in a tank with BR lower than 3.7. Its frontal armour, despite what most will say about the Sherman's armour, is quite formidable and can deflect most incoming enemy round from light and medium tanks. This is why it is recommended to bring high-velocity guns like the [[M7 (76 mm)|M7]] on the [[M10 GMC]] or the [[KwK40 L43 (75 mm)|KwK40 L43]] on the later Panzer IVs. If it can't be engaged from the front, manoeuvre to its side and rear armour, as these armour plate are extremely vulnerable to even 37 mm guns. When manoeuvring around the M4A3 (105), try not expose the tank for a prolonged time and move faster than the M4A3 (105)'s slow turret traverse rate (though beware that the M4A3 can compensate this slow turn by turning the entire body). If fast enough, a tank could also move past the 105 mm low-velocity shell and mess up the enemy's lead. This will eventually lead to a good shot on the M4A3's weak points. Another simpler and less mobile way is to lie in wait in a tank destroyer such as the StuG III for the M4A3 to move tight into the TD's line of fire, giving a clean shot to a vulnerable armour part. A good shot on a general part of the hull can ignite one of the many ammo racks strewn around the interior.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 244: Line 169:
 
* HE shells can cause serious damages even with a non-penetrating hit
 
* HE shells can cause serious damages even with a non-penetrating hit
 
* HEAT shell option with approximately 130 mm of penetration at any range, making it able to take on even the KV-1 from the front
 
* HEAT shell option with approximately 130 mm of penetration at any range, making it able to take on even the KV-1 from the front
−
* Both HE and HEAT shells have a high chance of causing hull breaks on lightly armoured foes
+
* Both HE and HEAT shells have a high chance of causing overpressure on lightly armoured foes
 
* .50 cal machine gun on top can provide AA defence
 
* .50 cal machine gun on top can provide AA defence
 
* Good mobility, best hp/weight ratio of any Sherman
 
* Good mobility, best hp/weight ratio of any Sherman
Line 250: Line 175:
 
* Wide tracks makes it easier to brake at high speeds and climb steep mountains
 
* Wide tracks makes it easier to brake at high speeds and climb steep mountains
 
* Better sloped frontal armour that can withstand lots of punishment
 
* Better sloped frontal armour that can withstand lots of punishment
−
* Smoke grenades (only USA Sherman equipped with them) and smoke shells are very useful for team support and self-protection
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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== History ==
 
== History ==
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''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 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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{{main|M4A3_(105)#History|l1=History of the M4A3 (105)}}
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 +
Each US tank regiment was equipped with a few 105 mm M4A3 at the end of WW2. Their role was to support the other armoured units by destroying fortifications and obstacles. The M4A3 (105) was not provided officially to the Free French Forces through the lend-lease program. However, as they were embedded under US command in preparation of the invasion of France, a few French armoured divisions received the tank from US Army stocks.
 +
The French 2nd Armoured Division received several M4A3 (105) under those circumstances in the UK in 1944. The 1ère and 5ème Divisions Blindées (1st and 5th Armored Divisions) were first equipped with M4A3(105) Shermans in April 1945. 18 M4A3(105) Shermans had been listed as authorized in January 1945, but they were not listed as on hand until April 29 - May 5. From images it can be seen that many of those tanks were M4(105)s, but at least one was an M4A3(105).
 +
 
 +
They saw combat action in France in 1944 and in Western Germany in early 1945.
 +
 
 +
After the war, many M4A3 (105) were supplied by the US to European countries as part of the Mutual Defense Assistance Act. France received 230 units they allocated to their cavalry units garrisoned in the French occupation zone in Germany. These M4A3 (105) never saw combat.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== 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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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_m4a3_105_sherman Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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 +
;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|u0WSReeB_s8|'''The {{PAGENAME}} Medium Tank''' - ''Orangefan''|_xCgMBOiA8U|'''High-explosive power''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:24 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== 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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<!-- ''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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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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;Related development
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[M4A3 (105)]]
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;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
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* [[StuH 42 G]]
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* [[105/25 M43]]
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* [[Sav m/43 (1946)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
  
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* [[wikipedia:M4_Sherman|[Wikipedia] M4 Sherman]]
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
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* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/US/M4_Sherman <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Medium Tank M4 Sherman]
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* ''other literature.''
 
  
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{{TankManufacturer Ordnance Department}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 12:50, 10 February 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
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This page is about the medium tank M4A3 (105) (France). For other versions, see M4 Sherman (Family). For other uses, see M4 (Disambiguation).
▄M4A3 (105)
fr_m4a3_105_sherman.png
GarageImage M4A3 (105) (France).jpg
ArtImage M4A3 (105) (France).png
▄M4A3 (105)
France flag.png France
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 3.0 3.0
Class:
Research:11 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

During the Second World War, most French tank units were modelled in a similar structure to US Armored Divisions, but with French traditions and depending on the divisions, cavalry traditions. With this in mind, France operated M4A3 (105) self-propelled howitzers in its tank divisions, to provide direct fire support for infantry units, and offer a higher protection platform for artillery support, which allowed the units to operate closer to the front than regular artillery or mortar systems without much risk. The French 2nd Armored Division was the first to acquire the tanks in 1944, with the 1st and 5th divisions getting their own tanks in 1945.

Introduced in Update 1.97 "Viking Fury", the ▄Medium Tank M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman is a peculiar Sherman, featuring a 105 mm howitzer instead of the regular M3 75 mm cannon. The howitzer grants the Sherman a much more powerful high explosive shell, which is very useful against ground vehicles. However it lacks access to an APHE shell so it relies on HEAT projectiles for heavier foes. The tank has very similar performance to the Sherman, but it lacks the vertical stabilization that is present in the rest of the family.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull38 / 38 / 38
Turret76 / 50 / 50
Crew5 people
Visibility122 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret roof, cupola roof)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (turret, gun mantlet, transmission housing)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 63.5 mm (46°) Upper glacis - Top
63.5 mm + 25.4 mm (spherical) MG port
63.5 mm (55°) Upper glacis - Bottom
107.9 mm (cylindrical) Transmission carter
63.5 mm (50°) Lower glacis 		38.1 mm 38.1 mm (23°) Upper plate
38.1 mm (13°) Lower plate - Top
38.1 mm (44°) Lower plate - Bottom 		63.5 mm (35-44°) Front glacis
19.5 mm Centre
19.5 mm (7°) Rear - Centre
19.5 mm (23°) Rear - Sides
Turret 76.2 mm (cylindrical) Turret front
88.9 mm (cylindrical) Gun mantlet 		50.8 mm (cylindrical) 50.8 mm (3°) 25.4 mm
Cupola 63.5 mm (conical) 63.5 mm (conical) Outer ring
25.4 mm Centre

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while bogies are 10 mm thick and tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • A 25.4 mm plate separates the crew compartment from the engine compartment.

The M4A3 (105) (France) is equipped with 12 smoke grenades that can be deployed individually. The launcher is on the turret and shoots grenades along the gun's heading.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB47 / 7 km/h
RB and SB42 / 6 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight31.7 t
Engine power
AB954 hp
RB and SB500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB30.1 hp/t
RB and SB15.8 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 47 7 31.7 775 954 24.45 30.09
Realistic 42 6 442 500 13.94 15.77

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB684 → 925 Sl icon.png
RB772 → 1 044 Sl icon.png
SB948 → 1 282 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications10 410 Rp icon.png
13 940 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost750 Ge icon.png
Crew training6 300 Sl icon.png
Experts22 000 Sl icon.png
Aces210 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
50 / 60 / 70 % Sl icon.png
124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 200 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 200 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 200 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_us_M84_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
  • Research the M67 shot first as you start with an HE shell only.
  • Parts and FPE come next as they are key to survivability.
  • Follow up with accuracy improvements.
  • Everything else is up to you, but Artillery Support and mobility upgrades are welcome.

Armaments

Main armament

105 mm M4 howitzer
Ammunition66 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
13.0 → 10.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 35°
Main article: M4 (105 mm)
105 mm M4 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 66 -10°/+35° ±180° N/A 5.7 7.9 9.6 10.6 11.3 13.00 11.50 10.60 10.00
Realistic 3.6 4.2 5.1 5.6 6.0

Ammunition

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
M1 shell HE 27 27 27 27 27 27
M67 shot HEAT 130 130 130 130 130 130
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M1 shell HE 472 14.85 0 0.1 2.18 79° 80° 81°
M67 shot HEAT 381 13.14 0.05 0.1 1.61 62° 69° 73°
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)
M84 457 14.9 20 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M4A3 (105) (identical).
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
66 54 (+12) 34 (+32) 22 (+44) 13 (+53) 1 (+65) No

Notes:

  • Racks disappear after you've fired all shells in the rack.
  • To go into battle with the turret empty of ammo, pack 22 (+44) shells (racks 1 to 3 emptied).

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition600 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 30°
Horizontal guidance-60° / 60°
7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), M1919A4 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 600 (200) 577 -10°/+30° ±60°

The roof-mounted M2HB .50 cal heavy machine gun is very good at knocking out tracks, punching through lightly armoured vehicles and shooting down low-flying aircraft. Use it sparsely because of its low ammo count.

7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,000 (250) 500 N/A N/A

The small calibre of the M1919A4 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

Usage in battles

This tank plays best as a support tank, stay with other tanks that have better side armour while using the relatively thick front armour to soak a few shots. Use the HEAT rounds to penetrate most armour of the M4A3 (105)'s rank and above, and remember that the M4A3 (105) is no brawler, so staying in the front line too close to hostiles will most likely spell a K.O. by ammo or crew. This tank gun has a very low velocity, so make sure to compensate for a large amount of drop

Having in mind the large calibre of this tank's main weapon, one can conclude that the HE shell (M1 shell) is big enough to dispatch some tanks. However, any armour larger than 28 mm won't let the explosion result in penetration. So for firing at strong armour plates, the HEAT shell (M67 shot) is required. It should be a top priority to research it. The HE shell will, however, be the most effective option whenever this Sherman's controller can find a suitably soft spot in the enemy vehicle's armour. Against soft vehicles, like most SPAA, the choice of ammunition for the main gun is fairly irrelevant, since a single shot should be enough to dispatch one of these, and remaining crew members can be taken down with one of the tank's Browning machine guns, although HE is certainly the most effective at dishing out damage when armour is absent.

The HEAT round, unlike the HE one, has a tracer charge, which facilitates aiming. This is not critical, however, since the HE shell's sheer size allows for it to be seen without too much effort.

Combat tactics

The M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman is a support tank, not a front-line brawler. Its adequate armour protection and a powerful gun put it on about the level of the M10 Tank Destroyer, but it has certain flaws and qualities that make it different than the usual Sherman tanks. Due to the 105 mm howitzer, knocking out the enemy crew in lightly armoured vehicles is a piece of cake. Aim for the enemy tank's lower turret to cause the most damage possible with the HE shells, as the HE shrapnel can be deflected down onto the hull roof and mess up the enemy crew. The 105 mm HE could also be aimed at the enemy tracks to blow it off, immobilizing the enemy. If none of the HE shells does damage to the target (which shouldn't happen most of the time), a well-placed HEAT shell, once unlocked, can easily set a tank aflame or blow up ammo stores. Don't get to close to enemy vehicles unless it is a limited traverse gun tank destroyer, in which case blow up its tracks with a HE that should do the trick.

A downfall of the M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman is its average mobility, slow turret traverse, and slow reload. Therefore, it is recommended to stick to allied tanks like glue or rely on hit-and-run tactics. The low velocity makes long-range shots relatively difficult. Never stay in the sights of tanks such as the long-barrel 75 mm Panzer IV F2/G, StuG III F/G or T-34/KV-1. These tanks can penetrate the M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman's front armour, some more easily than others. Try not to get hit in the rear area as it will set the tank on fire and immobilize it, putting it in an extremely disadvantageous situation.

Enemies worth noting
  • LVT(A)(4)(ZiS-2): don't assume that you are indestructible in a downtier. If you see the giant boat-like chassis of a LVT but with a long cannon on top, be very careful. This LVT is able to penetrate your armour easily within 400 m, or if you are not angling the hull. To block its incoming shells, either angle your hull, be at a hull-down position or be >500 m away from it. While its shells can tear through your armour with ease, you can also effortlessly destroy it with your HEAT round by causing overpressure. While you reload, don't forget to wiggle around in a patternless way to mess up its aim. Its gun traverse rather slowly, making it quite hard to keep up with moving targets.
  • ZiS-30: like the LVT(A)(4)(ZiS-2), this tank destroyer is armed with a similar 57 mm cannon capable of penetrating your front armour from any distance with ease. Apart from this, the ZiS-30 is also very narrow and small, making it very hard to get spotted especially when it is covered by bushes. This can become quite dangerous if the M4 commander does not scan the battlefield carefully enough. Luckily, comparing to the spacious LVT, the ZiS-30 is very compact and poorly protected. A spray of your roof-mounted 12.7 mm bullets will be enough to knock out its crew and components, let alone a hit from your 105 mm gun. Shells that land next to or behind the ZiS-30 can also damage it, since the side and rear of its fighting compartment has no protection at all, exposing its gunner and loader.
How to defeat a M4A3 (105) (France)

The M4A3 (105) has certain flaws that can be exploited quite well. First of all, the howitzer armament means that the shell travels in a low-velocity, meaning the M4A3 (105) will be unlikely to engage at a long distance. Another is the fact that the M4A3 (105)'s gun has a long reload and a slow traverse speed, meaning it is also not very good in a close-range encounter. Despite these flaws, the M4A3 (105) is a formidable foe with its armament. The HE and HEAT shell the 105 mm can dish out has a real possibility to knock out friendly crew and teammates, if not absolutely destroying light tanks. These high-explosives can also break tracks easily, causing the player tank to be immobilized and exposed not only to the M4A3 (105), but to the other enemies as well, and the M4A3 (105) will most likely not be alone.

To engage the M4A3 (105), try not to engage its frontal armour if in a tank with BR lower than 3.7. Its frontal armour, despite what most will say about the Sherman's armour, is quite formidable and can deflect most incoming enemy round from light and medium tanks. This is why it is recommended to bring high-velocity guns like the M7 on the M10 GMC or the KwK40 L43 on the later Panzer IVs. If it can't be engaged from the front, manoeuvre to its side and rear armour, as these armour plate are extremely vulnerable to even 37 mm guns. When manoeuvring around the M4A3 (105), try not expose the tank for a prolonged time and move faster than the M4A3 (105)'s slow turret traverse rate (though beware that the M4A3 can compensate this slow turn by turning the entire body). If fast enough, a tank could also move past the 105 mm low-velocity shell and mess up the enemy's lead. This will eventually lead to a good shot on the M4A3's weak points. Another simpler and less mobile way is to lie in wait in a tank destroyer such as the StuG III for the M4A3 to move tight into the TD's line of fire, giving a clean shot to a vulnerable armour part. A good shot on a general part of the hull can ignite one of the many ammo racks strewn around the interior.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Devastating against lightly armoured tanks
  • HE shells can cause serious damages even with a non-penetrating hit
  • HEAT shell option with approximately 130 mm of penetration at any range, making it able to take on even the KV-1 from the front
  • Both HE and HEAT shells have a high chance of causing overpressure on lightly armoured foes
  • .50 cal machine gun on top can provide AA defence
  • Good mobility, best hp/weight ratio of any Sherman
  • HVSS suspension gives good cross-country mobility
  • Wide tracks makes it easier to brake at high speeds and climb steep mountains
  • Better sloped frontal armour that can withstand lots of punishment

Cons:

  • Poor ballistics, especially with HEAT shells, long-range fighting is not recommended, due to its extremely low shell velocity
  • Slow reverse speed, retreating from dangerous situations may be a hassle
  • Stock HE ineffective against even moderately armoured tanks
  • HEAT shell post-penetration damage is somewhat punctual, follow up shots may be required at times
  • Often targeted due to the large 105 mm gun
  • Side and rear armour are very weak in comparison to the front
  • Very slow turret traverse rate, relies on turning hull to get gun onto targets away from turret front
  • Poor stationary turning ability combined with slow turret traverse makes flanking enemies a dangerous foe
  • Long reload of more than 10 seconds

History

Main article: History of the M4A3 (105)

Each US tank regiment was equipped with a few 105 mm M4A3 at the end of WW2. Their role was to support the other armoured units by destroying fortifications and obstacles. The M4A3 (105) was not provided officially to the Free French Forces through the lend-lease program. However, as they were embedded under US command in preparation of the invasion of France, a few French armoured divisions received the tank from US Army stocks. The French 2nd Armoured Division received several M4A3 (105) under those circumstances in the UK in 1944. The 1ère and 5ème Divisions Blindées (1st and 5th Armored Divisions) were first equipped with M4A3(105) Shermans in April 1945. 18 M4A3(105) Shermans had been listed as authorized in January 1945, but they were not listed as on hand until April 29 - May 5. From images it can be seen that many of those tanks were M4(105)s, but at least one was an M4A3(105).

They saw combat action in France in 1944 and in Western Germany in early 1945.

After the war, many M4A3 (105) were supplied by the US to European countries as part of the Mutual Defense Assistance Act. France received 230 units they allocated to their cavalry units garrisoned in the French occupation zone in Germany. These M4A3 (105) never saw combat.

Media

Skins
Videos
The M4A3 (105) (France) Medium Tank - Orangefan
High-explosive power discusses the M4A3 (105) (France) at 4:24 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Related development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


U.S. Army Ordnance Department/Corps*
Light tanks  T18E2 · M24 (Designed in collaboration with Cadillac)
M3 Stuart  M3 · M3A1 Stuart · M3A1 (USMC)
M5 Stuart  M5A1
Medium tanks  M3 Lee
M4 Sherman  M4 · M4A1 · M4A2 · M4A3 (105) · Calliope
  M4A1 (76) W · M4A2 (76) W · M4A3 (76) W
M26 Pershing  T20 · T25 · M26 · M26E1 · M26 T99
Patton Series  M46 · M46 "Tiger" · M47
Prototypes  T54E1 · T95E1
Heavy tanks  M103
M4 Jumbo  M4A3E2 · Cobra King · M4A3E2 (76) W
M6 Heavy  M6A1 · M6A2E1 · T1E1
M26 Pershing  T26E1-1 · T26E5
Prototypes  T14
T29  T29 · T30 · T34
T-32  T32 · T32E1
Tank destroyers  M3 GMC · M10 GMC · M56
M8 GMC  M8 HMC · M8A1 GMC
M36 GMC  M36 GMC · M36B2
Prototypes  T28 · T95
SPAAGs 
Production  M19 MGMC · M42
Export/Captured  ␗M8 HMC · SU-57
Stuart  Stuart I · Stuart III · ␗M3A3 Stuart · ␗M3A3 (1st PTG) · ▄M3A3 · ▄M3A3 Stuart · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD) · ␗M5A1
Lee/Grant  ▂M3 Medium · ▃Grant I · Grant I
M4 Sherman  Sherman II · ▄M4A1 · ␗M4A1 (75) W · ▀M4 748 (a) · ▂M4A2 · ▄M4A3 (105) · ▅M4A3 (76) W · ▄M4A3E2
  ␗M4A4 · ␗M4A4 (1st PTG) · ▄Sherman V · ▄M4A4 · ▄Sherman I Composito
M26 Pershing  M26 "D.C.Ariete" · M26A1
M47 Patton  mKPz M47 G · ▅M47
M10 GMC  ␗M10 GMC · ▄M10 GMC
M36 GMC  ␗M36 GMC · M36B1 · ▅M36 · ▄M36B2
M19 MGMC  ▅M19A1
M42 MGMC  ▅M42 · ␗M42
  *The Ordnance Department was renamed to the Ordnance Corps after the Army Reorganization Act of 1950.

France medium tanks
M4 Derivatives  M4A1 (FL10) · M4A4 (SA50)
AMX-50  AMX M4 · AMX-50 (TOA100) · AMX-50 (TO90/930)
AMX-30  AMX-30 · AMX-30 (1972) · AMX-30B2 · AMX-30B2 BRENUS · AMX-30 ACRA · AMX-30 Super
AMX-32/40  AMX-32 · AMX-32 (105) · AMX-40
Leclerc  Leclerc · Leclerc S2 · Leclerc SXXI · Leclerc AZUR
Other  D2 · S.35 · Lorraine 40t
Germany  Panther "Dauphiné"
USA  ▄M4A1 · ▄M4A3 (105) · ▄M4A4 · ▄M26

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