http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.

html

PORTABLE FLAME THROWER

The portable flame thrower, a standard weapon of pillbox assault teams, has not been used
extensively by the Japanese. However, the enemy is known to be equipped both with flame
throwers and with flame-thrower troops, and must be considered capable of using this weapon
extensively in future operations. Thus far he has used them only in isolated instances ever since
the start of the present Pacific war.

Two types of portable flame thrower are standard throughout the Japanese Army—the
Model 93 and the Model 100. However, since there is so little difference between the
construction of the two types, they may be regarded virtually as identical weapons. Each model
consists of three principal groups: fuel unit, fuel hose, and flame gun. A modification in the
construction of the flame gun is the only difference between the two types of flame thrower.

The Japanese flame thrower, showing the fuel and pressure tanks, the flame
gun, and the disassembled igniting-cartridge magazine.

FUEL UNIT

The flame-thrower fuel unit consists of two 15-inch cylindrical tanks, each of which is 6
inches in diameter. Hemisphere-shaped at both ends, the tanks are connected at the top and
bottom by a welded pipe which permits fuel and pressure to flow evenly in both tanks so that
they may operate as a single unit. The total fuel capacity is 3 1/4 gallons.

A third tank, slightly smaller but of the same shape, is included in the fuel unit, and contains
nitrogen or air under pressure. This pressure cylinder is attached to the back and center of the two
fuel tanks. Air pressure, which forces the fuel from the tanks into the flame gun, is let into the
fuel tanks through a tube running from the top of the pressure cylinder to the top of the left fuel
tank. This pressure is controlled by a manually operated needle valve, one on the top of each of
these two cylinders. The top of the right-hand fuel tank is fitted with a screw cap for filling the
containers with fuel.
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

This three-tank unit is fitted with straps which permit it to be carried on the operator's back
like an infantry pack.

FUEL HOSE

The fuel hose, 45 inches long, is made of reinforced fabricated rubber tubing, with brass
fittings on both ends. One end is attached to the bottom of the right-hand fuel tank, and the other
is fitted to the flame gun.

FLAME GUN

The flame gun, which is either 3 or 4 feet long, consists of a fuel tube 1 inch in internal
diameter. The fuel ejection handle is located near the fuel hose connection, and the 1/4-inch
nozzle with the firing mechanism is attached to the other end of the tube.

The firing mechanism is a 10-chamber magazine resembling the magazine of an ordinary

revolver. Loaded with 10 rimless cartridges, it rotates around the nozzle, and, when fired, ejects
an ignition flash parallel to the spurt of fuel. The cartridges are loaded into the front of the
magazine, and are held in place by a threaded retaining cap with holes in line with the cartridge
chambers.

The fuel ejection handle, which fires the cartridges when it opens the fuel ejection valve, is in
the closed position when it is parallel to the fuel tube. When this handle is turned at right angles
to the tube, a continuous jet of fuel is released and a cartridge is fired, thus igniting the fuel.
When the handle is returned to its position parallel to the tube, the flow of fuel stops, and the
magazine revolves to place a new cartridge in the firing position.

CHARACTERISTICS AND OPERATION

The Japanese flame thrower may be carried easily. When filled, the tank assembly weighs 55
pounds. The fuel tanks will hold 3.25 gallons of fuel—a mixture of kerosene, gasoline, and fuel
oil. This fluid can be thrown to a maximum range of 25 to 30 yards. The duration of a continuous
discharge is from 10 to 12 seconds.

To operate the flame thrower, the operator first opens the valve on the pressure tank. The
valve on the left fuel tank then is opened, and the gun is ready for firing. To fire, the operator
aims the gun at his target, and turns the fuel ejection handle on the gun 90 degrees to the right.
This simultaneously ejects the fuel and ignites it when the igniting cartridge fires. To shut off the
fuel, the fuel ejection handle is returned to its original position.

JAPANESE FLAME-THROWER TROOPS

It is known that flame-thrower companies exist in the Japanese Army, and that Japanese
infantry also have used this weapon. Division engineer regiments are equipped with from six to a
dozen.

Like other armies, the Japanese Army employs flame throwers principally in assault
operations against pillboxes and similar fortifications.

The Japanese also use the flame thrower as an antitank weapon. Experiments have convinced
them that a flame thrower either can temporarily stop a tank and thus leave it vulnerable to
 http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

destruction by explosives, or—if the weapon is used to full effect against the air intakes—can put
the tank and crew permanently out of commission.

Portable Flame Throwers (German)

Since the beginning of the war, the German portable flame thrower has undergone a number of
modifications. Each successive model has represented an attempt to provide a less cumbersome
weapon without decreasing its effective range. The various models are discussed in the following
paragraphs.

1. MODEL 35

The German portable flame thrower, Model 35, which was in use at the start of the present war, is
a modified version of the 1918 German flame thrower. The fuel container is a commercial-type
pressure cylinder which also holds the compressed nitrogen used to propel the jet of fuel. Fuel
ejection and ignition are controlled by a trigger lever on top of the flame gun. This weapon weighs 79
pounds. It has a fuel capacity of 2.6 gallons and a flame range of 25 yards.

2. MODEL 40

This so-called "Lifebuoy Type" portable flame thrower has a fuel unit consisting of two
concentric ring-shaped containers, which are carried flat on the operator's back. The total weight of
this flame thrower is 47 pounds. Its fuel capacity is only 1.5 gallons. The flame range is
approximately the same as that of the Model 35.

3. MODEL 41

The German portable flame thrower, Model 41, introduced about August 1942, and its later
modification, the portable flame thrower, Model 42, are equipped with flame guns of two different
types. The rest of the equipment is the same for both models and can be used with either type of
flame gun.

Figure 1 illustrates the Model 41, and figure 2 illustrates the Model 42.

Fuel capacity, weight, and flame range of the two most recent models do not differ much from
those of the Model 40. The following table supplies basic information.

Model 41 Model 42
Maximum range 25 yd 25 yd
Total weight, charged approx 47 lb 40 1/2 lb
Total weight, empty 32.2 lb 29 lb
Fuel capacity 1 1/2 gal 1 1/2 gal
Fuel pressure 368 lb/sq in 368 lb/sq in
Nitrogen capacity 218 cu in 218 cu in
Hydrogen capacity 28 1/2 cu in _____

The flame gun of the Model 41 is the same as that used in the earlier types of German portable
flame throwers. The jet of fuel is ignited by a hydrogen flame, which itself is ignited by a battery-
actuated electric device. The hydrogen cylinder, 16 inches long and 1 1/2 inches in diameter, is
mounted on the flame gun. The rubber fuel hose, which has an inside diameter of approximately 1
 http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

inch, is wire-braided on the outside. The fuel tank and the pressure cylinder, each charged with
compressed nitrogen, are 13 inches long, their diameters being 7 inches and 5 inches, respectively.
Both containers are carried on the operator's back, in a horizontal position and with the pressure
cylinder placed above the fuel tank. The fuel valve, which controls the flow of fuel to the flame gun,
is so placed that the operator can rotate the hand wheel with his left hand.

Figure 1.

The tank carrier consists of a fabric-covered quadrangular frame, fitted with two metal cradles.
Each cradle consists of a horizontal bar with a semicircular metal strip at each end. The fuel tank and
the pressure cylinder are held on the cradles by a metal band fitted with a quick-release clasp and
cotter pin. The tank carrier is provided with two shoulder straps.

4. MODEL 42

Except for the flame gun, this equipment is the same as the Model 41. Although shorter, the flame
gun of the Model 42 is otherwise similar in appearance to that of the Model 41. The essential
difference between the two models is in the ignition method. In the Model 42 flame gun, the fuel jet
is ignited by the flash from a blank cartridge, instead of by a hydrogen flame.

The principal parts of the flame gun are a fuel tube with a fuel-discharge valve at the rear, an
ignition device, and a removable protective cover for the ignition.

The fuel-discharge valve is controlled by a trigger lever, which can be folded flat when not in use.
The protective dust cover is a steel tube, 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and constitutes the forward outside
part of the flame gun. Removal of this cover discloses the ignition device. This consists essentially of
a tubular spring-loaded cartridge magazine, mounted above, and parallel with, the fuel tube. The
breech and the firing rod cartridge-ejection mechanisms are at the forward end. The magazine holds
10 blank 9-mm (0.35-inch) rimless cartridges.
 http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

Figure 2.

The normal position of the breech is such that the mouth of the cartridge is about 0.4 inch from
the fuel jet and inclines at an angle to it, so that the flash is directed into the fuel jet.

The firing mechanism is operated by the same trigger lever that controls the fuel-discharge valve.
When this trigger is moved to the rear, the fuel discharge valve begins to open. At the same time, the
breech of the firing mechanism swings back into line with the magazine. Ejection of the spent
cartridge takes place, a fresh cartridge is inserted by spring pressure, and the striker pin is withdrawn,
thereby allowing the breech to swing forward into an inclined position. Percussion takes place with
the fuel valve wide open. When the trigger is released, the fuel-discharge valve closes, and the firing
mechanism is again ready.

The Model 42 flame gun weighs 5 1/2 pounds, or about 2 1/2 pounds less than the Model 41. It is
cleverly designed, but is very complex and requires a number of expensive small parts.

5. HOW THE GERMANS USE THEM

Only the engineers carry and employ flame throwers. However, the engineers in the German army
are regarded as combat troops, and engineer elements are frequently attached to small infantry units,
 http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

down to the smallest assault detachments. These elements may be anything from an engineer platoon
attached to an advance guard[1] to two engineers with a flame thrower supporting a raiding party.

Flame throwers are used only against static targets, preferably in inclosed spaces. They are used
most of all against pillboxes. In such instances the flame-throwing detachment begins the final assault
on the pillbox itself by engaging the embrasures at close range after infantry detachments have cut
any communication wire. (The flame throwers usually advance to within effective range under cover
of smoke or of fire from machine guns, antitank guns, or single tanks.)

The effect of the flame thrower is chiefly psychological. Moreover, the men carrying the
equipment are good targets, once they have been spotted. Experience has shown that casualties in
German flame thrower detachments are high.

[1] Although the German tables of organization represent such a platoon as consisting of 60 men with 2 flame throwers, it
should be noted that for special missions the number of flame throwers may be increased.

See Also: Flame Throwers (Italian), Flame-Throwing Pz. Kw. 3, Tactics of Personnel Carriers Mounting Flame Throwers
Keywords: Flammenwerfer, Flamethrower, Flammenwerfer mit Strahlpatrone 41, FmW 41, FmW 41W, FmW 41P, FmW
42
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

WEAPONS OF THE WORLD WAR II GYRENE

Flamethrowers

The Flamethrower, Portable, M2-2

Empty weight: 43 pounds

Filled weight: 68 pounds
Fuel capacity: 4 gallons
Range: 20-40 yards
Fuel type: Gasoline
Propellant: Nitrogen
Burn time: 10-20 seconds
Flamethrowers were first developed by the US Army Chemical Warfare Service in 1940-41. The early
models were undependable and cumbersome. Testing continued and the M1 flamethrower was introduced
into service in early 1942. This weapon was first used in combat by Marines of the 2nd Engineer Battalion
on Guadalcanal in January 1943.

The M1 used gasoline or a mixture of gasoline and diesel fuel and used hydrogen as its propellant. This
caused too-rapid burning of the fuel, which was mostly consumed just beyond the nozzle and meant the
operator had to approach to within 10-15 yards of the target. Another problem was that the flame tended to
roll off the target.

Testing continued on improved delivery methods for flame weapons. In 1942, the Chemical Warfare
Service developed a revolutionary concept–a thickening agent for gasoline. This agent, called napalm,
improved the range, tightened the flame stream, and increased target effect. The M1 flamethrower was
modified for use with napalm in 1942. The improved model was standardized as the M1-1. This weapon
was used in the Pacific campaigns of 1943— early 1944. Though it was better then its predecessor, the
M1-1 was still not a completely satisfactory weapon.

In late 1943, the 1st Marine Division received some M1-1 flamethrowers just prior to the New Britain
campaign. The legendary Marine, LtCol Lewis "Chesty" Puller, observed a demonstration of the new
flamethrower. Afterward, he asked, "Where do you put the bayonet on the damned thing?"
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

(above) Tarawa–22 November 1943 Marines of 1stLt Alexander

Bonnyman's assault group on top of the large Japanese bombproof shelter
near the Burns-Philp wharf. USMC Photo

In the summer of 1944 the M2-2 flamethrower was introduced into service. This weapon was first used in
combat on Guam and was subsequently employed in all Pacific campaigns. The M2-2 offered improved
reliability and a better ignition system than previous models. It still had drawbacks–it was too heavy and
had a high silhouette. This model used nitrogen as its propellant.

(Left) The Blockhouse by Tom Lea

A flamethrower team of the

1st MarDiv on Peleliu

"Looking up at the head of the trail I could

see the big Jap blockhouse that commanded
the height. The thing was now a great
jagged lump of concrete, smoking, I saw
our lead man meet a front line detail posted
by the blockhouse while the other troops
advanced down the hill with the three tanks
and the flamethrowers. Isolated Jap snipers
were at work on our slope, small groups of
marines fanned out on both sides of the
trail to clean them out, while we climbed
toward the blockhouse." - from Tom Lea's
notes

US Army Art Collection

The Marine Corps realized the tactical value of the flamethrower. The D-series Marine division had 24
flamethrowers, all organic to the divisional engineer battalion. By 1944, the F-series division carried 243
flamethrowers into combat, spread throughout the division. Each Marine regiment was assigned 81
flamethrowers.

In combat, assault groups were formed with flamethrowers, demolition men and BAR men. They used a
technique sometimes called "corkscrew and blowtorch" to destroy Japanese emplacements. Various
methods were used in this tactic. BARs would suppress enemy positions with a heavy volume of
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

automatic fire while the flamethrowers approached to within effective range. Then, flame was used to
wipe out any pockets of enemy resistance.

After the enemy position was neutralized, demolition men would use explosive charges to destroy the
emplacement, typically a cave mouth. Since flamethrower operators had to approach very close to enemy
positions, effective suppressing fire by BARs and riflemen was critical. Flamethrower operators were
extremely vulnerable to enemy fire since they effectively had a napalm bomb strapped to their back.

(above) Corporal Hershel Williams (copyright 2000) by Jim Laurier

Corporal Williams was a demolition man and flamethrower operator
attached to C 1/21, 3rd MarDiv during the Iwo Jima operation. He received
the Medal of Honor for his actions on 23 February 1945. This painting
depicts one of his acts that day. Corporal Williams (in the right background)
mounts a Japanese pill box and fires a stream of flame at point blank range
into the aperture. His buddies provide covering fire in the foreground.
Courtesy of the artist, Jim Laurier

(Left) A flamethrower operator of Co. E,

2nd Bn, 9th Marines, runs under fire on
Iwo Jima–February 1945.

The flame gun can be seen in this Marine's

right hand. It had two pistol grips. The rear
grip had a lever that released the fuel from
the tanks. The front grip had the trigger
that ignited the fuel. USMC Photo
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

(left) Into the mouth of hell. A USMC-

HC flamethower team in action at a
public event (2003) USMC-HC Photo

"We kept up a steady fire into the pillbox to keep the Japanese pinned down while the
flamethrower came up, carried by Corporal Womack from Mississippi. He was a brave, good-
natured guy and popular with the troops. He was big and husky… [and] I was glad we were on
the same side.

Stooped under the heavy tanks on his back, Womack approached the pillbox with his assistant
just out of the line of our fire. When they got about 15 yards from the target, we ceased firing.
The assistant reached up and turned a valve on the flamethrower. Womack then aimed the
nozzle at the opening made by the 75mm gun. He pressed the trigger. With a whoooooosh the
flame leaped at the opening. Some muffled screams, then all was quiet.…

Amid our shouts of appreciation, Womack and his buddy started back to battalion headquarters
to await the summons to break a deadlock somewhere else on the battlefield–or lose their lives
trying. The job of flamethrower gunner was probably the least desirable of any open to a Marine
infantryman. Carrying tanks with about seventy pounds of flammable jellied gasoline through
enemy fire over rugged terrain in hot weather to squirt flames into the mouth of a cave or
pillbox was an assignment that few survived but all carried out with magnificant courage."

With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa

E. B. Sledge

(above) A US Marine Corps Historical Co.

flamethrower team operates the M2-2
flamethrower at a public demonstration
of World War II tactics.
USMC–HC Photo
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

(above) Flamethrower operators move back up the line after refilling

their tanks with fuel. Iwo Jima–1945 USMC Photo

(above) A flamethrower team in action on Iwo Jima.

Riflemen provide security for the flamethrower operator
while he engages a target. USMC Photo

WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT

WW2 GYRENE HOME

http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

JAPANESE FLAME THROWER TYPE 93 (MODIFIED)

The Japanese Type 93 modified flame thrower is very similar to the small
flame thrower of the same type number (see sketch) described in Tactical and
Technical Trends No. 18, p. 8. For the sake of simplicity in comparison, the
flame thrower described in this article has been designated "Type 93
Modified". It is not known whether this is a later or earlier model of the
Type 93 or even an entirely separate type. However, the shorter length and
slightly lighter weight of the nozzle of the modified model plus other
mechanical improvements discussed below indicate that it is probably a later
model.

The fuel tanks and rubber hoses of the two models are identical. The
differences are found in the nozzle assemblies as shown on the following page.

Type 93 Type 93 Modified

Overall length of nozzle 47 1/8 in 35 1/2 in
assembly (1)
Weight of nozzle assembly 10 lbs 8 1/2 lbs
Retaining nut on firing No locking screw Has locking screw
mechanism (inside nozzle
outlet)
Ratchet track (2) on back Single ratchet Double ratchet
of revolving cylinder
Nut (3) on firing handle No lock Has tapered locking pin
Nut (4) on firing No lock Has tapered locking pin
mechanism operating crank
Cartridge chambers (5) in 0.44 in diameter (for 0.484 in diameter (for
revolving cylinder Japanese cartridge) U.S. cal. .30 cartridge)
Firing handle, fuel pipe Brass Plated steel
and other fittings
Nozzle outlet tip (6) Not detachable Detachable

On the "Type 93 Modified" flame thrower, the pin, which actuates the
revolving cylinder, operates in the inner track, and the firing pin and
locking pin operate through the outer track. This feature makes it possible
for the slots in each track to be tapered in opposite directions and thereby
eliminates some wear on the locking pin and the track itself.

It is very likely that subsequent to the capture of this flame thrower

the chambers were enlarged to permit the use of a cartridge improvised from
U.S. caliber .30 cartridge cases.

The following points tend to indicate that "Type 93 Modified" flame

thrower is an improvement or a more recent model of the Type 93 previously
reported:

(1) The shorter length and slightly lighter weight of the nozzle give it
a better balance, making it much easier to handle;

(2) Should the nozzle outlet tip be damaged, the old Type 93 nozzle
would have to be sent to the rear for repair, while the part is replaceable in
"Type 93 Modified."

(3) The inclusion of several locking pins offers definite mechanical and
safety advantages. (In a recent test of the flame thrower not so equipped, the
retaining nut on the firing mechanism came loose, resulting in a failure to
fire.)
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

(4) The double ratchet design of the revolving cylinder is mechanically

better than the single ratchet of Type 93.

(5) The replacement of various brass parts with steel, while not an
advantage, may indicate a more recent date of manufacture. Conversely, most of
these features involve added machine work and the present tendency is to
simplify rather than complicate design.
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

Portable Flame-throwers
Modern portable flame-thrower was German pre World War 1 invention. Its basic structure in all
its simplicity: Three containers, two of them contained fuel and third one had flammable
pressurised gas (usually nitrogen). Flame tube connected with hose to containers was used to aim
the flame. During World War 1 portable flame-throwers become more common and gained
popularity as one of the most feared and hated weapons. The weapon was dangerous also those
carrying it and had short range when compared to other infantry weapons, but inside its short
range it proved brutally effective. Flame-thrower operators were hated priority targets to their
adversaries. During World War 2 all major players had portable flame-throwers among weaponry
used by their engineer corps. Originally portable flame-thrower was designed as a weapon to be
used against fortifications, but they proved also somewhat suitable as antitank weapons. Finnish
military had no flame-throwers when Winter War started, but soon that changed.

Flame-thrower M/40 (Italian Lanciaflamme Spalleggiabile Model 35)

PICTURE: Finnish Army flame-thrower M/40. Drawing based to drawings in Finnish military manuals. Colours are
the best guess - Finnish "field grey" was probably used, but to what extent is difficult to say. Drawing based to
drawings in military manuals. CLICK THUMBNAIL TO SEE LARGER PIC (70 KB).

Maximum range: 20 metres

Flame: 20 - 30 burst of 1 second
20 sec of constant flame
Weight: 25,5 kg in action
10,0 kg empty
Working pressure: 20 at
Liquid capacity: 12,0 - 12,5 litres

Finnish use: 176 bought from Italy during Winter War. Only 28 of those 176 flame-
throwers arrived during that war and the rest only after it. Don't seem to have seen any use
yet in Winter War, but were in extensive combat use during Continuation War.

When Winter War started at end of November 1939 Finnish military didn't have any flame-
throwers. At the time Germany was still leading the development of flame-throwers, but because
of its treaty with the Soviets it was unwilling to deliver weaponry to Finland. So, Finnish Army
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

decided to acquire its first flame-throwers from Italy. The Italians had portable flame-throwers in
large-scale use (some 1,500 being used by Italian Army at 1940) and were quite willing to do
business with the Finns. As a result the Finns bought 176 portable flame-throwers type
Lanciaflamme Spalleggiabile Model 35, which Finnish military named as liekinheitin M/40
(flame-thrower M/40). From those 176 flame-throwers ordered from Italy only 28 arrived during
Winter War and likely didn't see any combat-use during it. The remaining 148 arrived during the
peacetime between Winter War and Continuation War. These flame-throwers were issued to
Engineer Battalions of Finnish Army for Continuation War and saw extensive combat use during
it.

The main parts of flame-thrower M/40 were:

 Fuel tank.
 Flame tube with its hose.
 Lighter system.

The fuel tank consists two cylinder shape containers. These were divided by horizontal inner wall
to two chambers, from which the upper chamber contained nitrogen gas and lower chamber
contained fuel. Hose leading to the flame tube was attached low to right hand side container.
Nitrogen and fuel filling vents and nitrogen pipe connecting the two cylindrical containers were
on top of the fuel tank. Flame tube was obviously the part from which the flame burst out. The
basic system used in this flame-thrower was the typical to flame-throwers of that era - nitrogen
provided pressure for spraying the fuel and once this was ignited it produced a considerable
flame. Earlier Italian flame-throwers had used fling-system for igniting the fuel, but the model
delivered to Finland had been equipped with a lighter system, which was powered with
electricity. This electric lighter could be powered by either with dry batteries (one 18-volt battery,
four 4.5-volt batteries connected in series or two 9-volt batteries connected in series) or high-
voltage inductor. This powerpack containing batteries or high-voltage inductor was integral part
attached to this flame-thrower. The empty fuel tank weighted about 10 kg.

PICTURE: Flame tube of Finnish Army M/40 flame-thrower. Drawing based to drawings in military manuals.
CLICK THUMBNAIL TO SEE LARGER PIC (37 KB).

The fuel tank contained 12 - 12.5 litres of flame-thrower fuel. The nitrogen gas in upper
chambers of its containers could be loaded up to 20 at. According manuals filling of the flame-
throwers tanks had to be just before use, because the pressure would leak from the tank if it was
storaged for a long time. The typical way of using portable flame-thrower in combat were short
(about 1 second) bursts of flame and in this M/40 proved quite good - it could do as many as 20 -
30 bursts with one fill. However range-wise it wasn't quite as effective. Mainly due to low
working pressure the maximum range of flame was only about 20 metres or so, which was
beyond average for portable flame-thrower of World War 2 era. Also, as usual with portable
flame-throwers weight of the weapon was an issue and slowed movement of the flame-thrower
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

team in combat. Due to weight and location of valves operating of the flame-thrower M/40
demanded crew of two men.

Later the Italians also developed Lanciaflamme spaglleggiabile Model 1940 (which had electric
lighter with high-voltage inductor) and Lanciaflamme spaglleggiabile Model 1941 portable
flame-throwers, but according Finnish documents none of them were acquired for Finnish
military.

Flame-thrower M/41-R (Soviet ROKS-2)

PICTURE: Finnish Army flamethrower M/41-R (ROKS-2). Drawing based to drawings of military manuals. CLICK
THUMBNAIL TO SEE LARGER PIC (71 KB).

Maximum range: 30 metres

Flame: 6 - 8 burst of 1 second
5 - 6 sec of constant flame
Weight: 25,0 kg in action
15,0 kg empty
Working pressure: 115 at
Liquid capacity: 10,0 litres

During Continuation War Finnish troops also captured Soviet ROKS-2 portable flame-throwers,
which were then adapted to Finnish use. The speciality of ROKS-2 was that the Soviets had tried
to camouflage it as M/91-30 military rifle and a backbag. Because of this purpose the flame tube
was shaped to remind rifle and fuel tanks had been attached to frame made from thin steel plate,
which covered them somewhat hiding their structure. The Finns presumably captured most if not
all ROKS-2 during their advance at year 1941. Finnish Army named these flame-throwers as
liekinheitin M/41-R (flame-thrower M/40 Russian). Captured M/41-R flame-throwers remained
in combat-use with Finnish Engineer Corps to the end of World War 2.

Main parts of M/41-R flame-thrower:

 Fuel tank and small nitrogen tank.

 Flame tube.
 Hose connecting flame tube to fuel tank.
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

Like in M/40 also fuel tank of this flame-thrower had two cylindrical vertical containers.
However in this flame-thrower the containers were in metal frame and had smaller cylindrical
horizontal nitrogen tank under them. Each fuel container had filling valve on top of it. The hose
containing fuel tank to flame tube was attached low at right hand side fuel container. Pipe
connecting nitrogen tank to fuel tank was at the left-hand side. The lighting system contained two
special cartridges, which started the flame and could be fired by pulling trigger of the rifle-shaped
flame tube. These special cartridges had been made in cartridge cases of standard Soviet 7.62 mm
x 25 Tokarev pistol/submachinegun cartridge. The empty fuel tank weight 8.5 kg. Length of the
flame tube was 111 centimetres and it weight 3.6 kg.

The nitrogen tank placed vertically under the fuel tank contained 1.3 - 1.8 litres of nitrogen gas
packed to pressure of 115 at. Using working pressure this high had its ups and downs: The range
with Finnish flame-thrower fuel was 30 metres (with Soviet developed flame-thrower fuel up to
36 - 45 metres), but the high pressure also used lot of fuel real fast. The weapon could only
produce 6 - 8 short (1 second) bursts of fire without refill. The nitrogen tank weight 2.8 kg.
Effectiveness of camouflage used with ROKS-2 in real battles is highly questionable. The
nitrogen tank was not covered by steel frame and hose leading from fuel tank to the flame tube
was still in plain view. And once the flame was ignited the true nature of weapon must have been
quite obvious. Like with M/40 also M/41-R demanded crew of two men to operate it.

PICTURE: Flame tube of flame-thrower M/41-R. Drawing based to drawings of military manuals. CLICK
THUMBNAIL TO SEE LARGER PIC (36 KB).

Finnish military used two kinds of flame-thrower fuel mixes during World War 2:

Summer-mix:

 66 % heavy fuel oil

 33 % burning oil

Winter mix:

 55 % heavy fuel oil

 30 % burning oil
 20 % gasoline

Flame-thrower fuel was readily mixed for 50-litre tanks, in which it was both transported and
storaged.

During World War 2 flame-throwers remained rather rare weapons for Finnish military. Typical
Finnish Continuation War era Engineer Battalion had first separate Liekinheitin joukkue (Flame-
thrower Platoon), which was replaced with J&aum;äkaripioneeri joukkue (Jaeger Engineer
Battalion) in September of 1943. Each of these platoons had each had 6 flame-thrower crews
(with 2 men each crew). Each of these platoons had 12 flame-throwers, so once some flame-
thrower crew run out of fuel in their first flame-thrower, they could simply take their second
flame-thrower and continue fighting. The flame-throwers needed to be re-fueled only after also
the 2nd flame-throwers had run out of fuel. Typically each Continuation War era Finnish Army
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

engineer battalion had one of these platoons. One could say that flame-throwers played relatively
small role as weapon of Finnish engineers durign World War 2 - considering that by the book
TO&E strength whole Finnish Engineer Battalion of that time was close to 600 men and only 12
of these were armed with flame-throwers.

SOURCES:

Military manual: Aseopas V, liekinheitin (1940)

Military manual: Liekinheitinopas (M/40), (Printed by Otava in 1941)

Military manual: Liekinheitinopas, kalustot m/40 ja M/41-R. 4. (Printed 1942)

Jatkosodan historia, part 1

Brassey’s Infantry Weapons 1950 - 1975

Last updated 1st of May 2009

Webmaster: JTV jtvalias@hotmail.com
Copyrights (pictures, text and graphics): Jaeger Platoon Website.
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

Einstossflamenwerfer 46 or Defensive Flamethrower 46.

History
******
The origins of this weapon date to a request for a light portable assault weapon for the
Fallschirmjagertruppe. By the time it came into service in 1944 it was being used by regular
army assault units and it was also assigned to the Volksturm. In October 1944, 1,000 of
these "wonder weapons" were produced, in November production was increased to 3,500,
and in December 1944 to 7,000. On 1 March 1945, there were still 3,580 "Abw. Fm. W. 46"
in the Wehrmacht's inventory. The weapon was made by the Borsigwalde Works, of the
D.W.M. Company.
This light and easily produced weapon consisted of a long cylindrical pressure tube with two
rings for a carrying belt, a handle with trigger at the forward end, a 9 mm nozzle and a
holder for the propellent cartridge. When fired the explosive cartridge provided the gas
pressure to project a single burst of flame to a distance of about 30 to 40 metres for half a
second. The projector was then disgarded.
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/japanese-flamethrower/index.html

Data:
*****
Weight full: 3.6 kg
Weight empty: 2.64 kg
Dimensions: 600 mm x 75 mm x 190 mm

A very interesting design (with many parallels to the Panzerfaust as being a single-use weapon
for the common infantryman) was the Einstossflammenwerfer 46 that was inspired by a request
from the airborne troops. It was a one-shot disposable weapon to be utilized by assault groups.
The FmW 46 was a tube with a length of 60cm and a diameter of 7cm; it fired a fire burst that
lasted for 0.5 sec. to a range of up to 30m. the complete weapon weighed 3.6 kg and proved to be
very effective and popular, a total number of 30,700 was produced in late 1944 and early 1945,
many of them were used in the defense of Berlin. The Einstossflammenwerfer is not related to the
"Flammfaust" Panzerfaust-project.
The SS developed it's own disposable one.shot flamethrower; it weighed even less - 2.8 kg - and
used almost no critical raw materials but again internal rivalries with the army's weapons bureau
prevented. An SS design for a more conventional bigger flamethrower that developed it's
propelling pressure with tablets was lighter (14 kg) and easier to build than the FmW 41.

DEUTSCH:Dieser Flammenwerfer wurde als Einstoßflammenwerfer für den Einsatz durch

Fallschirmjäger und Angriffstruppen entwickelt und wurde nach einmaligem Gebrauch
weggeworfen. Das Gerät bestand aus einem 500 mm langen rohrförmigen Behälter von 70 mm
Außendurchmesser und 1 mm Stärke. Der Ölinhalt betrug 1,7 Liter. Die Düse endete durch ein
Düsenrohr
am hinteren Behälterende und war durch einen Gummistopfen verschlossen. Unter der Düse war
eine Druckkammer zur Unterbringung der Patrone für den Einstoßflammenwerfer 46 angeordnet,
welche mittels Abreißzünder durch den Handhebel aktiviert wurde. Nach der Zündung der
Patrone entwickelte sich ein Druck, durch welchen das Flammöl durch das Düsenrohr
aus dem Gerät herausgestoßen wurde. Die Zündung erfolgte gleichzeitig und entzündete das
Flammöl beim Heraustreten aus dem Flammenrohr.

Bezeichnung der Waffe-Specification:

Einstossflammenwerfer 46
verschiedene Hersteller
Länge: 60 cm
Breite: 7,2 cm
Höhe: 21 cm
Gewicht: 1,8 kg
Druckgas: Stickstoff
Flammölmenge: 1,7 Liter
Anzahl der möglichen Feuerstöße: 1
effektive Schussweite: 27 m
größte Schussweite: 40 m