Tank origin

In the 1950s, the M4 Sherman of various modifications was supplied to France as part of MDAP. French design bureaus started to modernize the vehicle with the goal of improving its firepower. This initiative was followed by a modernization program for the Israel Defense Forces (Sherman M51). In the 1960s, M4A1 Sherman tanks received a modified French 105 mm Modèle F1 gun, which Israel designated the M51. The guns were mated to modified M4(76) turrets. For improved reliability, the engines were upgraded to the Cummins V-8 diesel engine, and the suspension was converted to the HVSS suspension. Officially, the tank was named the M51 Sherman, but was also unofficially referred to as the "Super Sherman" or "Isherman" (Israel Sherman), and was revealed to the public in an Independence Day ceremony in 1965. In total, 180 Shermans were converted.