"M4A3E8 ‘Thunderbolt VII’ – Abrams’ Personal Sherman
- Yes, as an event vehicle
- Yes, as a Battle Pass vehicle
- Yes, as a Premium Pack vehicle
- No, I dont’t want it
Introduction
The M4A3E8 Sherman “Thunderbolt VII” was the personal tank of Colonel Creighton Abrams, one of the most distinguished American tank commanders of World War II. Based on the reliable and improved “Easy Eight” chassis, this specific Sherman was customized with additional armor and bore distinctive markings. Its combination of historical relevance and battlefield performance makes it an excellent candidate for inclusion in War Thunder, particularly as a premium or event vehicle.
History
The M4A3E8 variant of the Sherman introduced major upgrades over earlier versions, including HVSS (Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension) for improved ride quality and wider tracks for better traction. It was powered by the Ford GAA V8 gasoline engine, delivering 500 hp, offering both better mobility and reliability.
Colonel Creighton Abrams commanded the 37th Tank Battalion of the 4th Armored Division. His final Sherman during the war, nicknamed “Thunderbolt VII”, was outfitted with additional welded armor plates on the front hull and turret, as a field modification to enhance survivability. This made his tank visually distinct and tactically more resilient than a standard M4A3E8.
Abrams led his battalion with great aggressiveness, and his tank became symbolic of the U.S. armored push across Europe. General Patton once described Abrams as the best tank commander he’d ever seen.
Specifications
- Crew: 5
- Weight: ~33.5 tons(+) (with added armor)
- Engine: Ford GAA V8, 500 hp
- Max Speed: 42km/h
- Main Armament: 76mm M1 gun with muzzle brake, ~71 rounds
- Secondary Armament: 1x .50 cal M2 HMG, 2x .30 cal M1919A4 (coaxial and loader’s cupola)
- Armor (standard):
Hull front: up to 63.5 mm + 38mm welded plate
Hull Sides: 38mm + 30-38mm welded plate
Turret front: up to 76 mm + 30-38mm welded plates to the turret cheeks - Suspension: HVSS
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
In-Game
The “Thunderbolt VII” would offer a unique variation of the existing M4A3E8 in the U.S. tech tree. Its historical connection, cosmetic distinction, and small performance upgrade would make it a fan favorite, especially among players interested in WWII history. It will retain the same firepower as the standard Easy Eight but at the cost of reduced mobility, with the advantage of increased protection, making it more survivable in frontal engagements. It will perform somewhat like a Jumbo 76, but since the turret front wasn’t improved(mantlet), it won’t be as effective in hull-down positions, although it might still bounce occasional shots, as the turret cheeks were upgraded and the armor can be tricky. Regardless, it will be capable of aggressive maneuvers thanks to the chassis performing like a Jumbo, making it a serious threat on the battlefield, so I suggest a BR of 6.0 at rank IV.
On another note, the “Thunderbolt VII” decal is already in the game, so for more exclusivity, I would suggest replacing it with “Thunderbolt V” or “Thunderbolt VI”, or even using GE as compensation and reserving “Thunderbolt VII” only for those who own the tank. Just a suggestion.
More Pictures
M4A3E8 “Thunderbolt VII,” 37th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, Germany 1945
Colonel Creighton Abrams next to Thunderbolt VII.
Scale model of the Thunderbolt VII
Another scale model of the Thunderbolt VII.
Thunderbolt VII today at the West Point Academy.
Sources
- Hunnicutt, R. P. Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank
- Zaloga, Steven J. Armored Thunderbolt
- Zaloga, Steven J. M4 Sherman vs Panther: Normandy 1944
