Sherman Badger

[Hanno Spoelstra]

The vehicle in the pictures I posted certainly is no longer in use as a Flame Thrower test-bed. It looks it is being used as some kind of tractor, or possibly as a dead weight for towing tests.

I recall stories about a Sherman tank languishing at LETE in Canada. Would have to look if I can find back the details.

Another option mentioned is that this Sherman is in use in the USSR, where some were converted into tractors for railways works. But pictures I have seen of those usually show cut-away front armour and an open top hull, not one covered by a dome.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Reportedly, the Canadian results triggered a similar conversion by the US Army, the T68 Self Propelled Flame Thrower.

From Hunnicutt:
40475499_10155967624872545_4913792510494507008_n.jpg

Quote from http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_m...o/m4a3e2.html:

Flamethrower equipped Shermans were used to good effect in the final campaigns in The Pacific. However, users requested that future models be armed with a large caliber main gun along with the flamethrower. They also requested "that maximum practical armor protection be provided." Thus, in May 1945, development work commenced on the "Flamethrower Tank, T33." The M4A3E2, retrofitted with a new turret as well as HVSS, was selected for the conversion. Twenty units were authorized for procurement. Left open was the possibility of further production, if necessary. Ultimately, at the surrender of Japan, the program was cut to 3 pilot models. The T33s weren't actually delivered until September 1947 (USA 3082940) and January 1948 (3083011,3083021). In 1953, two of the T33s (3082940, 3083021) were converted to "Self Propelled Flamethrower, T68" as seen on the right.
3083021_T68.jpg

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

These photos popped up on a FB group:

This forum https://forum.valka.cz/topic/view/70...ky-Sherman-ARV lists the source of this picture as the following book:
"Maksim Kolomijec, Il'ja Moščanskij: Tanki Ljend-liza, eds. Eksprint, Moscow 2000"

tanki_ljend-liza_187.jpg