Spurred by the shortage of Continental radial engines, the Armored Board began a search for alternative tank power plants that could be produced in existing facilities. Ford's GAA Petrol V-8 engine was a modification of an experimental V-12 aircraft engine. The engine produced 500 h.p. and was relatively compact. It fitted quite well into the Sherman's engine compartment which had been designed for the tall radial engines. Its drive shaft passed much lower below the turret basket and connected to the existing Sherman transmission. The subsequent modifications to install the Ford engine brought about the M4A3. 1690 M4A3 dry-stowage 75mm tanks had been completed when production ceased in Sept. 1943. The M4A3 was the preferred type by U.S. forces. Later variants were the basis of 76mm gunned tanks, 105 howitzer tanks, and many received the later wide tracked HVSS suspensions.
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