The flamethrower

Flamethrowers are one of the weapons which are banned from use in battle under terms of International Conventions. Yet, despite this, it may come as a surprise to learn that modern systems have been developed and used such as the Russian BMO-T vehicle and the Americans also have a system which they claim is to burn undergrowth.

This work begins with a brief background history with Greek Fire 2000 years ago and then into WWI with German flammenwerfers. The flamethrower, whilst used in Europe in WWII, was used extensively during the Pacific War. It is a hideous weapon but one which has the ability to interest all the same. It has been used in many post-war conflicts including Vietnam, the Middle East Wars and even more recently in Chechnya.