- For the Steel Division II unit see SD2:M4A1 Rhino
M4A1 Rhino is a United States Tank unit available to the 2nd Infantry division in phase C. It is a specially modified Sherman tank for operations in the Normandy bocage. In the game, this translates to improved frontal armour - indeed, the Rhino is the most well armoured Sherman tank in the game (save for the Jumbo), its frontal armour being on par with the Tiger I. Unfortunately, its 75mm gun proves rather disappointing for a phase C tank and firepower will have to come from elsewhere.
Overview[ | ]
The ubiquitous M4 Sherman medium tank evolved from the M3 Lee medium tank pressed into service as a stop-gap model in 1941. Designed by the U.S. Army Ordnance Department, the tank built upon proven technologies developed for American tanks of the 1930s, combining them with British experiences in tank design. The result was a versatile, reliable, and cheap tank much like the Soviet T-34.
The M4 entered service in late 1942, outperforming its older sibling in every aspect, the Sherman went on to become one of the most widely produced armored fighting vehicles of World War II. It was well armored, relatively fast, and cheap to produce, becoming the backbone of Allied armored divisions across the world and a major element of the Lend-Lease program for the Soviet Union. Nearly 50 000 tanks were produced before production ended in 1945 and were used across the world.
The M4A1 sub-designation indicates a Sherman model manufactured with a fully cast upper hull, a standard Continental R975 radial engine, and a 75mm medium-velocity general-purpose gun. The Rhino is a variant of the Sherman equipped with an improvised hedgerow cutting device, granting it improved battlefield mobility.
Strategy[ | ]
- Despite its misleading characteristics, the Rhino can NOT cut through hedgerow terrain. It acts as any other tank.
- The Rhino is well enough armoured to withstand (some) hits from Marders, Jagdpanzer IVs and Pak 40s, though penetration chances float around 0 - 8%. Unfortunately, the Rhino lacks the punch needed to deal with most phase C adversaries and is usually outranged, outclassed in firepower or both.
- The Rhino is best used in concert with other units who provided the firepower needed while the Rhino tanks (try to) soak up hits. Artillery, available in plentiful amounts to the division, also helps against enemy units.
Gallery[ | ]
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