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M-32

The M-32 Sherman based Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARV) rear engine decks went through the same upgrade programs as did standard Shermans M-1, M-50 (from M4) during the period 1956 to post 1973. Iinevitably some M-32s did not go all the way with these upgrades and could be found with the Batch 1 engine deck until they were pensioned off.

M-32 VSS

With the induction of the M-50 tanks in the armoured corps, the IDF sought a recovery tank with a road speed like that of AFVs. Petrol engine Sherman M-32s were purchased from US Army surplus and commioned in the 1950s. Later they were modified like the rest of the Sherman tank fleet by replacement with a diesel engine and incorporation of a wide track,spring and suspension system.

M-32 HVSS

The Sherman M-32 underwent extensive modifications to bring it up to par with the other Shermans in service with the IDF. This included removing the obsolete petrol engine and replacing it with a diesel one. Its track and suspension were also replaced with a wider system that enable improved fodability. Only recently have the M-32 recovery vehicles been discontinued in the IDF

Trail Blazer

The Trail Blaser (Gordon) was built on the cast hull of an M4A1 Sherman, by the tank plant it the central depot the tank is equiped with a crane of ASS ton/meter lifting capability and two spades in the front and rear of the vehicle. There is also a towing winch apable to recover objects up to 72 tons.

The Trail Blazer is an Israeli combat engineer vehicle that doubles as a recovery vehicle, that essential replaced the M-32 style vehicles with a totally enclosed and easier to operate vehicle.

Dozer Blade

Sherman tank with dozer blade.

Mine Clearing System

Sherman tanks of the kind equipped with a British mine clearing system, served part of the Israeli armoured forces in the 1950s. The system included heavy chains connected to a drum. As the drum rotated, the chains hit the ground in front of the tank with intense force, therely detonating and blowing up mines, and clearing the axis for the forces advancing at the tank's heels.

Ambutank (Sherman Armored Ambulance)

At the end of the 60's, the IDF realized that there is a growing need for a medevac armoured vehicle for fast evacuation of wounds from a tough terrain field. The vehicle had to withstand enemy fire, and be able to provide maximum protection and medical treatment to wounds.

Instead of investing great amounts of money and resources in developing such vehicle, it had been decided to use an existing platform, thus shortening the development process.

The Sherman 's battle tank platform was chosen for the task. The Sherman was largely available and the specific model was the M4A1, which was used in the past as a basis to the M5A1 model.

In order to utilize sufficient amount of space which is critical to the vehicle's main purpose, the engine was transferred from the tank's rear part to the front, leaving large room for the task of wound treating. The hull could now house a medical crew and 4 stretch beds.

Workshop unit 650 of the ordnance corps was assigned the task of the conversion of the Sherman platform into what would later be called the Ambutank.

VSS model

VSS variant

In 1969, the first prototype of the Ambutank was introduced. This was the Ambutank VSS. It served in the IDF at the outset of the War of Attrition, at the southern front and at the northern sector of the Suez Canal .

HVSS model

HVSS variant

At a later stage, the Ambutank was built on a Sherman platform with a Kamin's engine, and wide Horizontal Volute Suspension System ( HVSS) . The HVSS had a special hatch on its floor which enabled it to pick up victims without endangering the crew.

The Ambutank HVSS was produced in large scales, and was used during the War of Attrition and Yom Kippur War at the Egyptian front along the Suez canal .

Driver Training

Widespread us of the Sherman by Armoured and Artillery Corps in the 1950-60s prompted a decision of modify some of them for drivers training. This tank, already equipped with wide track and suspension and diesel engine, had its turret opening shut by a round steel plate with a central opening for the driving instructor. The one shown here was used by the Artillery School and then became a prime-mover.

Eyal

This Sherman had its turret removed,and was installed with a hydraulic system capable of raising and observation device to a height of 27m. The system, that was engineered by ''EYAL'' Industries was reguisitioned by the IDF for use as a mobile look-out post along the Suez-Canal front, from the War of Attrition to the Yom Kippur War (1973)

Monster

In order to train gunners in shooting at a live target, the IDF installed stanted armoured plates on both sides of a Sherman tank. Due to lach of plates appropriate in size and thickness, use was made of panels of junked T-34 tanks which the IDF had captured in the Sinai Campaign (1956). This Sherman hull is still impregnated with the various typesof bullets fired during shooting practice.