How are the letter/number combinations derived?
For example ;- M3A1 Half Track
;-M4A1
;-M4A3
etc etc
Thanks
Model 3, third type halftrack developed=M3
M3A1 is first modification of the series M3
M3A2 is the second mod
M4 was our 4th medium tank developed
M4 was had a welded hull and radial engine
M4A1 was the same tank with a cast hull (made simultaneously for comparison)
M4A2 was the welded hull with diesel engines
M4A3 was the welded hull with Ford GAA engine
M4A4 was the welded hull with Chyrsler multibank engine and lengthened hull
M4A5 was a US designation for a Canadian Ram
Because of our WW2 numbering system, you get an M3 light tank, M3 medium tank, M3 halftrack. Since this was confusing, they started just increasing the numbers sequentially and stopped duplication.