M4A3 (105) (France)

▄M4A3 (105)

▄M10 GMC

▄M4A3 (105)

▄M10 GMC

France

II Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
3.0	3.0	3.0

Class:

Medium tank

Research:11 000

Purchase:22 000

Description

The ▄Medium Tank M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman is a rank II French medium tank with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/RB/SB). 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.

General info

Survivability and armour

• Rolled homogeneous armor (Hull, Turret roof)
• Cast homogeneous armor (Turret, Transmission area)

Armour	Front (Slope angle)	Sides	Rear	Roof
Hull	63.5 mm (47º) Front glacis	38.1 mm	38.1 mm (22º) Top 38.1 mm (13-44º) Bottom	19.5 mm
Turret	76.2 mm (3-67º) Turret front	50.8 mm (2-69º)	50.8 mm (2-66º)	25.4 mm
Armour	Sides		Roof
Cupola	63.5 mm		25.4 mm

Notes:

• Suspension Wheels are 15 mm thick, bogies are 10 mm thick, and tracks are 20 mm thick;
• Lower part of the hull ("break") is 107.9 mm thick;
• A small patch on the turret front right side is thinner (50.8 mm) than the rest (76.2 mm);

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. 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

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	5	31.7	775	954	24.45	30.09
Realistic	41	5		442	500	13.94	15.77

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

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: M4 (105 mm)

Additional armament

Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.

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.

Usage in battles

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Modules

Tier	Mobility		Protection	Firepower
I	Tracks		Parts	Horizontal Drive	M67 shot
II	Suspension	Brake System	FPE	Adjustment of Fire
III	Filters		Crew Replenishment	Elevation Mechanism
IV	Transmission	Engine		Artillery Support	M84	Smoke grenade

Parts, M67 shot and FPE are key! Followed by all accuracy improvements, everything else is optional, but Artillery and all mobility upgrades are welcomed.

Pros and cons

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Pros:

Cons:

History

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Media

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See also

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External links

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