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.

What is HVSS?

E8 means it is fitted with the Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension, abbreviated as HVSS and nicknamed the ‘Easy Eight’ suspension. Armed with a long 76mm gun and fitted with ‘wet’ ammunition stowage. The main armament ammunition was stored in ammunition boxes with a fluid jacket to prevent ammunition fires.

What does the E stand for in M4A3E8?

Sherman M4A3(76)W with HVSS suspension Many people call this tank the M4A3E8 -The 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.

What does the W mean in m4a1 76 W?

The “W” stands for wet jacket stowage …

What was the difference between VVSS and HVSS?

HVSS: The Improved 23 inch wide Track and Suspension System. The VVSS was later replaced by the HVSS system that had twenty three inch wide tracks, but the suspension was still a bolt on module. It was very well received and used on many late production Sherman models and a few of the variants.

What was the M4A3 W HVSS used for?

The Medium Tank M4A3(76)W HVSS was the first production version of the Sherman to use a Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension system, which improved both the ground pressure of the tank and made the suspension more reliable. Medium Tank M4A3(76)W HVSS

What kind of track does a HVSS have?

HVSS was also retrofitted onto hulls used in Israel’s M51 Super Sherman program. T he Sherman VVSS had at least 14 different types of track, and there was another 4 typesfor the HVSS. I will cover them in more detail later.

What is the weight of a HVSS tank?

The latter was designated as the T80 and eventually replaced the earlier model. With the HVSS installed, the weight of the tank increased by approximately 2950 pounds with the T66 track or 4780 pounds with the heavier T80. However, the large contact area with the wide tracks reduced ground pressure to about 11psi in both cases.