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Experience following
Normandy showed that a heavy tank was required immediately
and this compromise design was agreed as it became apparent
that the M26 Pershing (BA10) would not be available
before early 1945.
Additional armour
was added to all hull surfaces of the M4A3 and a new
heavy turret, with frontal armour of 150mm, was designed,
retaining the 75mm gun, although later some did have
the 76mm gun fitted.
Resultantly the weight increased to 42 (short) tons
and this necessitated in grousers being permanently
fitted to the tracks.
A total of 254
vehicles were supplied to units the ETO and these proved
to be very successful.
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