An American tank from World War II. It was colloquially called “Easy-Eight” or “E8.” It is a faster, slightly better armored version of the M4 Sherman. It is equipped with an improved 76 mm gun and a new chassis with HVSS springs.
How many Sherman easy eights were made?
Production of Easy Eights totaled 2,617 examples during August 1944. These were completed by the Detroit Tank Arsenal as well as the Fisher Tank Arsenal.
What is the easy eight?
The M4A3E8 “Easy Eight” was a late war variant of the Sherman Tank. It made modest gains in armor but the biggest advancement was the 76mm gun. Though still inadequate against the frontal armor of Tiger’s and Panther’s at combat range, the 76mm was considerably more effective than the short barreled 75mm.
When was the M4A3E8 made?
1944
| M4A3E8 Sherman | |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Year Int. | Late 1944 |
| Designer | Detroit/Fisher TA |
Why is it called Easy 8?
Its experimental E8 designation led to the ‘Easy Eight’ nickname for Sherman’s so equipped. Many websites say it was because this tank was powered by a V8 engine. The only production Sherman tank that had an official E designation was the up-armoured 75mm Gun Tank M4A3E2(W) – the so called Jumbo.
Why is it called Easy Eight?
The M4A3 model was the first to be factory-produced with the horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS) system with wider tracks to distribute weight, beginning in August 1944. With the smooth ride of the HVSS, it gained the nickname “Easy Eight” from its experimental “E8” designation.
Why was the M4A3E8 called the Easy 8?
Many people call this tank the M4A2E8 -The Easy 8. The designations M4E8, M4A1E8, M4A2E8 or M4A3E8 only officially applied to prototype vehicles used to test the new HVSS (Horizontal Volute Spring System) suspension. Its experimental E8 designation led to the ‘Easy Eight’ nickname for Sherman’s so equipped.
Are there any Sherman tanks still in service?
One country is putting WWII-era M3 Stuarts and M4 Shermans into service today. Paraguay is putting World War II-era M3 Stuarts and M4 Sherman tanks back into service. Four tanks remain in storage, with one other machine being used as a gate guard.
How did the Easy Eight get its name?
After units received the new tanks, the greatly improved ride over the earlier models earned the nickname “Easy Eight”. On 19-20 December 1944, 4th Armored Division began moving north towards Belgium. On 23 December, the 37th Tank Battalion knocked out a German operated Sherman tank and two 75mm SPs near Begonville.
Why is the HVSS called the Easy Eight?
Provided with wider tracks to distribute weight, no other tank could match the smooth ride of the HVSS. Its experimental E8 designation led to the nickname ‘Easy Eight’.
Is the Easy Eight better than the easy six?
However, the Easy Eight has substantially better protection, better damage per minute, better hull traverse, superior view range, better terrain passability and significantly better gun depression and elevation. Both vehicles have the same hitpool, 750, a fairly typical value for Tier 6 medium tanks.
How many M4 Sherman Easy Eight were made?
Production of Easy Eights totaled 2,617 examples during August 1944. These were completed by the Detroit Tank Arsenal as well as the Fisher Tank Arsenal. Engage armored vehicles of similar form and function. (Showcased structural values pertain to the M4 Sherman (Easy Eight) production variant.
