A flame tank is a type of tank equipped with a flamethrower, most commonly used to supplement combined arms attacks against fortifications, confined spaces, or other obstacles. The type only reached significant use in the Second World War, during which the United States, Soviet Union, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom (including members of the British Commonwealth) all produced flamethrower-equipped tanks.

A number of production methods were used. The flamethrowers used were either modified versions of existing infantry flame weapons (Flammpanzer I and II) or specially designed (Flammpanzer III). They were mounted externally (Flammpanzer II), replaced existing machine gun mounts, or replaced the tank's main armament (Flammpanzer III). Fuel for the flame weapon was either carried inside the tank, in armoured external storage, or in some cases in a special trailer behind the tank (Churchill Crocodile).

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of an USMC M4A3 Sherman flame tank with a HVSS suspension that was deployed to Hawaii during 1945. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Length: 3-1/4-inches
Width: 1-1/2-inches

Release Date: April 2023

Historical Account: "Flame Tanks" - Flame tanks were developed as a solution to the difficulties of eradicating the enemy holed up in bunkers and caves. Stuart and Sherman tanks were adapted and used in Europe as well as the Pacific. As Stuart production was winding down, the focus shifted to Shermans, which had better armor and firepower, and could carry 50 gallons of fuel. Initially, the bow machine gun was replaced with the flame thrower barrel, but tankers disliked losing this weapon, so an additional barrel was mounted in the turret through which the flammable fuel could be shot at the target.

POA-CWS-H1 stood for Pacific Area Operations, Chemical Warfare Service, Hawaii. Eight were deployed to Iwo Jima and 54 to Okinawa. The flame Sherman was also used in Korea.