Pershing tank

The Pershing tank was a tank developed by the United States Army, during World War 2. However, it was the Sherman tanks that was the Frontline tank, from its introduction, in 1942, until the end of the war.

The Sherman's advantages included weighing less than 40 tons. Almost all bridges in Europe were rated for a maximum load of 40 tons. Since the Pershing weighed more than 40 tons, every bridge crossing was a potential disaster.

Pershings carried a heavier gun than the Shermans. Early Pershings mounted a 90mm cannon, which was a match to the 88mm cannon used by the Tiger tank and other German vehicles. But the Tiger II tank used a more powerful 88mm cannon, which was more powerful, because it used much more powerful cartridge. A version of the Pershing was developed that also used a more powerful cartridge.