M4A6

M4A6 is a designation used for a specific variant of the M4 Sherman medium tank, primarily employed by the United States during World War II. The "M4" indicates its Sherman classification, while the "A6" denotes a particular modification or sub-variant within the M4 series. The key distinguishing feature of the M4A6 was its engine. Unlike most M4 Shermans which used gasoline engines, the M4A6 was equipped with a radial diesel engine, specifically a Caterpillar RD-1820. This engine provided a different power output and operational characteristics compared to its gasoline counterparts.

The M4A6 was produced in relatively small numbers, and its operational deployment was limited. The decision to use a diesel engine was part of an effort to diversify engine types and potentially mitigate risks associated with gasoline fuel, such as increased fire hazard. However, the diesel engine proved to be more complex to maintain and less readily available than the standard gasoline engines used in other Sherman variants. Consequently, the M4A6 did not see widespread combat service and was primarily used for training and testing purposes. Its production run was short, and it was eventually superseded by other, more standardized Sherman variants. The M4A6 represents an interesting, albeit less common, chapter in the evolution of the M4 Sherman tank.