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In 1942, the need for an effective tank destroyer was heightened, and the U.S. Army responded with the development of the M10. The lower hull was similar to the MA2 Sherman and the turret used a half-open concept at the top. For weight savings, the armor protection was reduced coupled with a shorter/lower turret. These made the M10 quite vulnerable, particularly from infantry in elevated positions. However its speed, mobility and technical reliability had offset the weaknesses in decreased protection.
The engine was a diesel powered GM, consisting of the standard Sherman VVSS chassis with six road wheels on each side. The main gun was a 76mm M7 cannon with a rate of fire up to 15 rounds per minute. The usual 12.7mm MG adorned the turret rear, and frequently a second MG was mounted on the turret front.
The late version of the M10 had weight counter balances at the back of the turret. Up to the end of 1943, nearly 5000 units of M10 tank destroyers were produced.
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