The History of the Easy 8

The M4 Sherman tank was produced in several variants, a result of mass production spread across several manufacturers and several years. It was also the basis for a number of related vehicles and Shermans have been modified by several nations, ranging from upgrades to complete hull conversions for another task. Originally designed in 1941, M4 variants were still used by Israel during the 1967 and 1973 wars with its Arab neighbors.[1]

There are many variants of the Sherman, ranging from the M4, M4A1, M4A2, M4A3 and M4A4, which also encompass many sub-variants (such as the M4 (105) or M4A3E8 “Easy Eight”, among others). 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. The M4 and M4A3 105 mm-armed tanks, as well as the M4A1 and M4A2 76 mm-armed tanks, were also eventually equipped with HVSS.

M4A3(76)W HVSS (M4A3E8) – nicknamed the “Easy Eight,” from the E8 variation code identifying the HVSS suspension. Introduced in 1944, this was upgraded with widetrack HVSS, fitted with the 76mm M1A2 cannon, improved armor and firepower and wet stowed ammunition. The tank was still in service well after 1945, seeing service in the Korean War, Vietnam War and under many other flags.