About this ebook
The portable flamethrower literally placed the power of fire in human hands.
Capable of inflicting horrific injuries – or of using up the oxygen supply inside a building, causing the occupants to suffocate – it projected a stream of flammable liquid, which could be 'bounced' off the interior surfaces of tunnels, buildings and other defended structures to reach deep inside a fortification.
From its combat debut with German troops in World War I to its deployment in Vietnam, Chechnya and elsewhere, the flamethrower has proven to be devastatingly effective, not least because of its huge psychological impact on enemy troops. Yet despite this, the weapon and its operators have always been vulnerable, suffering from a very particular set of limitations, all of which are explored here.
Featuring expert analysis, first-hand accounts and a startling array of illustrations and photographs, this is the definitive guide to an extraordinary chapter in the history of military technology.
Capable of inflicting horrific injuries – or of using up the oxygen supply inside a building, causing the occupants to suffocate – it projected a stream of flammable liquid, which could be 'bounced' off the interior surfaces of tunnels, buildings and other defended structures to reach deep inside a fortification.
From its combat debut with German troops in World War I to its deployment in Vietnam, Chechnya and elsewhere, the flamethrower has proven to be devastatingly effective, not least because of its huge psychological impact on enemy troops. Yet despite this, the weapon and its operators have always been vulnerable, suffering from a very particular set of limitations, all of which are explored here.
Featuring expert analysis, first-hand accounts and a startling array of illustrations and photographs, this is the definitive guide to an extraordinary chapter in the history of military technology.
The portable flamethrower literally placed the power of fire in human hands.
Capable of inflicting horrific injuries – or of using up the oxygen supply inside a building, causing the occupants to suffocate – it projected a stream of flammable liquid, which could be 'bounced' off the interior sur...
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Anil Das
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August 16, 2023
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About the author
Chris McNab is an author and editor. He has published over 40 books, including A History of the World in 100 Weapons, and has also written extensively for major encyclopedia series.
Steve Noon was born in Kent, UK, and attended art college in Cornwall. He's had a life-long passion for illustration, and since 1985 has worked as a professional artist.
Alan Gilliland is a writer, illustrator and publisher who has contributed to more than 70 Osprey titles. He won 19 awards over 19 years as the graphics editor of the Daily Telegraph.
Steve Noon was born in Kent, UK, and attended art college in Cornwall. He's had a life-long passion for illustration, and since 1985 has worked as a professional artist.
Alan Gilliland is a writer, illustrator and publisher who has contributed to more than 70 Osprey titles. He won 19 awards over 19 years as the graphics editor of the Daily Telegraph.
Chris McNab is an author and editor. He has published over 40 books, including A History of the World in 100 Weapons, and has also written extensively for major encyclopedia series.
Steve Noon was born in Kent, UK, and attended art college in Cornwall. He's had a life-long passion for illustrati...
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