The proven worth and numerical availability of the classic Churchill Infantry Tank made it an ideal candidate for slew of projects during World War 2 (1939-1945). One particularly successful conversion was the Churchill "Crocodile" which mated the existing gun tank to a flame-projecting system. The flamer unit replaced the coaxial machine gun installation in the turret face and a trailer was attached to the rear of the vehicle carrying the needed flamer fuel and propellant. The base Churchill tank was converted by way of a kit of which 800 were manufactured during the war. The Crocodile saw service along the Western and Eastern fronts as well as in the Italian campaign.
In service the Churchill Crocodile model of choice became the Churchill Mk VII. The conversion process could be had in-the-field as opposed to the factory floor which made it possible for crews to modify any existing Churchill tank as a flame-throwing vehicle if the situation allowed/required it. The kit comprised the fuel/propellant trailer and reinforced pipe work. The trailer was towed behind the vehicle whilst the pipe ran under the vehicle floor. The BESA machine gun in its coaxial mounting within the turret was removed and the projector unit replaced it. One of the positive qualities of the conversion process was that the Churchill tank retained full functionality of its 75mm main gun which allowed it to continue to provide general ranged heavy gun fire as needed. Once in range of the flamethrower - about 120 yards - the projector unit could be brought into play. 400 gallons were carried in the towable trailer section.
Such vehicles proved great psychological weapons against entrenched enemies who would rather surrender than be burned to death. While range was a limiting factor for the projector, it's devastating firepower was never in question. The flames could penetrate weak spots in a bunker's design or clear entire swathes of cover. If the flames did not convince a stubborn enemy soldier, the intense heat generated by the weapon would. The British valued their Crocodile technology so much that any abandoned Crocodile tanks were required to be destroyed lest it fall into enemy hands.
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INFANTRY SUPPORT
Support allied ground forces through weapons, inherent capabilities, and / or onboard systems.
MEDIUM TANK
Design providing enhanced armor protection and firepower over that of lightweight offerings - but lacking the general capabilities of heavier solutions.
TANK-VS-TANK
Engage armored vehicles of similar form and function.
SPECIAL PURPOSE
Special purpose design developed to accomplish an equally-special battlefield role or roles.
24.3 ft (7.4 meters) Length
10.7 ft (3.25 meters) Width
8.2 ft (2.5 meters) Height
89,596 lb (40,640 kg) Weight
44.8 tons (Medium-class) Tonnage
1 x Bedford Twin-Six gasoline engine developing 350 horsepower. Drive System
15 mph (24 kph) Road Speed
56 miles (90 km) Road Range
1 x 75mm Ordnance QF main gun
1 x Flame Projector Unit
AMMUNITION
84 x 75mm projectiles
400 x Gallons (Imperial) of flamer fuel
Crocodile - Base Series Name
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