M4A3 POA-CWS-H5 Flamethrower
Bring a distinctive American assault tank to your collection with the Blueprint to Print 3D M4A3 POA-CWS-H5 Flamethrower. Developed during the Second World War for operations in the Pacific, this specialised Sherman combined the dependable M4A3 chassis with a flamethrower system created through cooperation between Pacific Ocean Areas personnel and the US Army Chemical Warfare Service.
Historical Background
Flamethrower-equipped Shermans were developed to support infantry attacking heavily defended positions. Conventional gunfire could struggle to neutralise caves, bunkers, trenches and concealed firing points, particularly across the rugged terrain of Pacific island battlefields. The POA-CWS series provided a powerful close-assault capability intended to force defenders from cover and suppress fortified positions.
The H5 installation retained the familiar overall profile of the M4A3 while incorporating specialised flame-projector equipment and internal fuel arrangements. These vehicles were dangerous offensive tools, but their limited effective range meant they depended on close coordination with infantry, conventional tanks and supporting weapons.
Distinctive Appearance
The model combines the recognisable welded hull, turret and robust running gear of the M4A3 Sherman with the unusual flame-projector installation. Its gun-like projector helped disguise the tank’s specialised role at a distance while preserving the imposing silhouette of a standard Sherman. This combination makes the vehicle immediately interesting without losing the classic proportions associated with one of America’s best-known wartime tanks.
Modelling Uses
An excellent choice for Pacific theatre dioramas, military-themed model railways, wargaming displays and collectors of unusual armoured vehicles. Multiple scale options make it suitable for compact scenes, tabletop forces or highly detailed display builds.
Fun Fact
Many American flamethrower tanks retained a gun-like outer tube around the projector, making them resemble ordinary gun tanks until they were close enough to reveal their specialised battlefield role.
Country: USA
Category: Tank
Era: World War II
Available Scales: 1:87, 1:76, 1:72, 1:48, 1:35
Finish Options: Cleaned Resin Grey, Grey Primed - Ready for Painting, Historical Base Colour
Very small details may vary slightly depending on the scale selected.
