In order to counter any attack by heavy German tanks, the American army decided to study the construction of a tank equipped with a 90 mm M3 cannon capable of eradicating any heavily armored tank. Indeed, the M10 Wolwerine, with its gun of 76mm showed signs of weakness on large thickness of shielding. This study will bear fruit in Europe when US troops face the German Panther and Tigers.
Officially named "90-mm Gun Motor Carriage M36 tank destroyers", he received the nickname "Jackson" in reference to the American general Thomas Stonewall Jackson. Studies began on the chassis of the M10-A1, which ended in 1942. In March 1943, the first prototype, the T71 Gun Motor Carriage, entered the official tests. Following these rather conclusive tests, 500 models were ordered. In June 1944, it will receive its official name, the M36 tank.
As with every tank hunter, the turret will be opened on top to save weight but also to improve the crew's observation capabilities. It will receive a counterweight at the back of the turret (to fight against the weight of the barrel at the front), in which it will be possible to store 11 shells. On the ground, it was common to find a second machine gun on the hull, next to the co-pilot.
These tanks saw the fight for the first time in September 1944 in Europe and immediately gained an excellent reputation because they were among the only ones capable of putting out of condition to harm the heavy German tanks at long distance. The power of the cannon was so well received that a series of M36-A1 was developed, based on the case of the simple Sherman. About 300 units were built and were used in conjunction with the M36.
During the Second World War, 1400 M36 tanks were built. After the war, roof kits were put in place to protect the crew of the shrapnels. Their use continued during the Korean War, when they measured themselves against the heavily armored tanks straight from the factories of the USSR. The French also used them during the Indochina War. Up until the 1990s, they equipped the Yugoslav armies (Bosnia and Croatia) and Pakistan.
Specifications :
Type: Chariot
Production: 1949 units from 1944 to 1945
Engine: Ford GAA V-8 petrol 450 hp (336 kW)
Maximum speed: 42 km / h on the road
Autonomy: 240 km
Crew: 5 men (Commandant - Crew - Canon - Pilot)
Weight: 29 tonnes
Length: 5.97 m without barrel (otherwise 7.46m)
Height: 3.05 m
Width: 3,28 m
Shielding: Min: 9 mm Max: 108 mm
Armament: Canon M3 of 90 mm - 47 shots
MG HB M2 gun of caliber .50 coaxial - 1000 shots
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