FM 23-95 75-MM Tank Gun M2 (Mounted in Lee Medium Tank M3) Field Manual

FM 23-95 75-MM Tank Gun M2 (Mounted in Lee Medium Tank M3) Field Manual
Author: War Department
Publisher: Periscope Film LLC
Total Pages: 150
Release: 2013-06
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9781937684495

The US 75-mm tank gun M2 was the standard American tank gun of the Second World War. The M2 originated from the famous French Canon de 75 modele 1897 field gun of World War I fame, which was also adopted by the United States and used well into World War II as the 75-mm M1897 field gun. The primary round fired by the M2 was the M48 High Explosive. This round traveled at 625m/s and contained 1.5 pounds of TNT filling. The M48 was available in two versions, standard or supercharge. Supercharge increased the propellent charge for greater muzzle velocity. Other important rounds fired by the 75-mm tank guns were the T30 Canister shot for use against troops in the open at short range, and two different types of armor-piercing rounds. The M2 was primarily mounted in the Lee Medium Tank M3. In Britain the tank was called by two names based on the turret configuration. Tanks employing US pattern turrets were called the "General Lee," named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Variants using British pattern turrets were known as "General Grant," named after U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant. Design commenced in July of 1940, and the first M3s were operational in late 1941. Created in 1942, this field manual reveals a great deal about the M2's design and capabilities. Intended as a manual for training purposes, it details the M2's assembly, maintenance, ammunition and accessories. Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

Tank Gun Systems

Tank Gun Systems
Author: William Andrews
Publisher: Pen and Sword Military
Total Pages: 578
Release: 2023-06-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 1399042394

Much has been written about the use of tanks in battle. Little, however, has appeared about the gunnery systems that are at their core. This book describes and examines the main gun systems of medium and heavy tanks from first use in 1916 in World War I to those fielded in numbers to the end of World War II in 1945, including tanks of the interwar period. Specifically considered are guns of a calibre greater than 35 mm, which have been deployed in numbers greater than 100. The emphasis is on guns mounted in turrets on heavier tracked armored fighting vehicles (greater than 15 tonnes) which were considered tanks. There are, though, exceptions, in that the naval 6 pounder guns in First World War British tanks, as well as the 75 mm guns in French medium tanks of the same period (all turretless) are included. The treatment of gun systems includes sighting and fire control equipment, gun laying equipment, mounts and the array of munitions fired, as well as the actual gun, including its, barrel, cradle, breech, firing mechanism, sights and recoil system. Related to this are issues of gun handling (loading and unloading), ammunition design and rates of fire. Also examined are the maximum impulse and energy generated by firing some of the munitions available that must be absorbed by the gun recoil system.

Field Manual

Field Manual
Author: United States. Department of the Army
Publisher:
Total Pages: 120
Release: 1943
Genre:
ISBN:

M4 Sherman Medium Tank Crew Manual

M4 Sherman Medium Tank Crew Manual
Author: War Department
Publisher:
Total Pages: 118
Release: 2011-08-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781935700814

Developed as a replacement for the M3 Lee and Grant medium tanks, the M4 Sherman was the first American tank to carry a 75mm main gun mounted on a fully traversing turret. Equipped with a gyro-stabilizer that enabled it to fire with reasonable accuracy while on the move, the Sherman proved a fair match against the Nazi Panzer III and IV and far superior than its Japanese adversaries. While the German Tiger and Panther tanks proved to be superior weapons, the mobility and reliability of the Sherman and the sheer number of them placed in the field -- over 50,000 were built during the war -- helped even the odds. The Sherman remained a mainstay after WWII, and saw service in Korea, during the Arab-Israeli Wars, and in conflicts between India and Pakistan. Intended as a general purpose manual for the platoon leader, tank commander and crew, this FM 17-76 field manual shows how to achieve efficient execution of mounted and dismounted action, and precision and speed in service of the weapon. Originally restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

M4 Sherman Medium Tank Technical Manual

M4 Sherman Medium Tank Technical Manual
Author: War Department
Publisher:
Total Pages: 72
Release: 2011-08-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781935700821

The M4 Sherman medium tank was the first American tank to carry a 75mm main gun mounted on a fully traversing turret. Powered by a 500 horsepower, liquid-cooled, "V"-type Ford engine, the tank could achieve 26 miles per hour on a paved road, and had a highway range of over 150 miles on a single, 174-gallon tank of fuel. Over 50,000 Shermans of various types were built during WWII. Intended as a manual for those charged with operation and maintenance of the M4A3 Sherman, this manual shows the basics of how to drive the tank and take care of its 8-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. The book also contains chapters on lubrication and inspections. Originally printed in 1942 and labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.