Based on the events in Europe, in 1940 a Tank Destroyer Board and a Tank Destroyer Commander were founded. Based on observations of the European battles it was thought the way to deal with fast moving tank columns was to deploy mass quantities of tank destroyers.
U.S. Army intelligence reports in April 1942 led to a specification for a more powerful tank destroyer. The need was urgent so the design and development was rushed and the design was accepted in September 1942 and put into production.
The M10 was not intended for use in close combat and as a result had thin armor.
Since the turret was open topped, the crews were vulnerable to grenades, shell bursts, and small arms. To help with this, some tanks were fitted (typically at divisional level) with armored covers.
The top of the hull was shortened and the armor was reduced to save weight.
The chassis was from the M4A3 Medium Tank with the upper hull and turret were unique to the M10. The hull had bosses on it that could have additional armor attached.
A wading trunk could be fitted to protect the engine, and other waterproofing of the M10 could make it usable during amphibious assaults.
The 76.2 mm M7 anti-aircraft gun was installed. M7 gun could penetrate 100 mm at 1,000 yards. Velocity 2,600 ft/sec, range 16,100 yards. The AP round weighed 15 lb. The .50 cal fired at a muzzle velocity of 2,900'/sec.
Later, during production, due to the 76 mm gun, counterweights had to be mounted on the rear of the turret.
Prototype produced by Fisher Body Co.
General Motors and Ford produced them.
T24 (M9): Used a M3 chassis but was too tall.
T35: Used a M4A1 chassis with an open welded turret. In trials it proved to be unsatisfactory.
T35E1: Used a M4A2 chassis. This prototype became the M10.
M10: A M4A2 medium hull had a semi-open turret added.
M10A1: Used M4A3 chassis and were only used for training or converted to M35 prime mover. Had larger engine grills than the M10.
Full Track Prime Mover M35: M10A1 with turret removed and adding air compressor for towing 155 mm and 240 mm artillery pieces. Crew: 6, 55,000 lb.
T72: Attempt to produce a lighter M10, but was cancelled when the M18 was selected.
Was first used in action in North Africa in 1942. In the Pacific they were used at Kwajalein, Okinawa, and the Philippines.
The M10s primarily outfitted the 106 Tank Destroyer Battalions that were formed by early 1943.
It was found that the tank destroyer concept was found to be flawed and as a result most M10s were used as assault tanks.
The Soviet Union received 10.
The Free French used many of the M10s and M10A1s.
The British Army used M10s primarily in Italy and France.
Achilles Mk IC: M10 with 17 pdr. Late 1944.
Achilles Mk IIC: M10A1 with 17 pdr. Used in early 1945 with 21st Army Group.
Crew Commander, driver, gun crew (3).
Length 19' 1", 19' 7", 19' 7 1/8", 22' 5"
Height 8' 1.5", 8' 1 5/16", 8' 2", 8' 5"
Ground clearance 17 1/8", 17 3/8"
Turret ring diameter 5' 9"
Trench crossing 7' 5", 7' 6"