Sherman Firefly
"Firefly bombed up and ready to go!"
Sherman Firefly is a heavy Vehicle featured in Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts.
Game Info
A M4A3 Sherman, but with its cannon replaced with the British OQF 17 pounder (76mm) gun. The Sherman Firefly, or Firefly for short, is one of the British main front line tanks after the Cromwell Tank. Although considered a medium tank, Sherman Firefly is one of the best tank destroyers possessed by the British Army. Armed with the OQF 17 pounder, the Sherman Firefly is the answer for the Axis' fearsome panzer units. The main gun is designed to fire the 17 pounder AP(Armor Piercing) Shell, capable of taking out most of the panzer units the Axis can throw at them. With armor similar to the M4A3 Sherman, it's pretty tough and thus it can take good amount of punishment. The Sherman Firefly is one of the few tanks that can tackle the heavy panzer units such as the Tiger, King Tiger and Jagdpanther. Medium tanks such as the Panzer IV, Panzer IV Infantry Support Tank, Stug IV and Hetzer stood little chance against the OQF 17 pounder. Medium and light armor such as SdKfz 251 Half-track, SdKfz 250 Half-track and BMW R75 Motorcycle can hardly survive more than two shots of the Sherman Firefly's fearsome gun. It is extremely vulnerable and easily penetrated by the Marder III's attacks! The Sherman Firefly can be upgraded with a Observer Tank Commander, which greatly improve the range of sight and the range of the gun itself. Most British army rely on command unit to take charge and Sherman Fireflys are best accompanied by a Cromwell Command Tank. The Cromwell Command Tank not only enhances the speed and performance of the Sherman Firefly but also the rate of fire & accuracy of the Sherman Firefly's OQF 17 pounder main gun. Their versatility allows them to win most tank vs tank engagements and breaking frontlines. The Sherman Firefly also has a legendary reputation of taking out the fearsome King Tiger heavy tank. The Sherman Firefly is the savior of the British forces.
Weakness
The Sherman Firefly can take good amount of punishment despite being a medium armored tank destroyer. Take note that sufficient amount of anti-tank fire can knock it out quickly, but its speed and mobility can make it not an easy tank to take out. Panthers in groups can easily wipe out an entire force of Sherman Fireflies with its 75mm high velocity gun. As the Sherman Firefly take large amount of population cap and resources to deploy, they are usually small in numbers. They can be overwhelmed by the weaker and cheaper Stug IV or by the Marder III with their superior numbers and massive firepower. Light AT weapons such as panzerschrecks can also be lethal against the medium armored Sherman Firefly. To increase the Sherman Firefly's survivability it's best support to them with a Cromwell Command Tank, Infantry Sections and Sappers. Its best to use Sherman Fireflys for fire support and not charge them, as they are more costly, less versatile, and take more population cap than Sherman or Panzer IVs