Description

Fire is one of humanity's most rudimentary tools, but also one of its oldest killers. This focus of this book is a weapon that has literally placed the power of fire in human hands - the man-portable flamethrower. From its very first use in World War I to its deployment in Vietnam, the weapon has proven to be devastatingly effective, not least because of its huge psychological impact on enemy troops - few other weapons in history have caused such terror. Yet despite this, the man-portable flamethrower has always been vulnerable, suffering from a very particular set of limitations, all of which are explored here, as are some lesser-known capabilities such as the ability to 'bounce' a stream of flammable liquid off the interior surfaces of fortified structures. Featuring expert analysis, first-hand accounts, and a startling array of illustrations and photographs, this book is the definitive guide to an extraordinary chapter in the history of military technology.

Table of Contents

Introduction /Development: Controlling the flames /Use: Unleashing hell /Impact: A new world order /Conclusion /Bibliography /Index

Product details

Published Aug 18 2015
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781472809025
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 50 b/w; 14 col
Dimensions 10 x 7 inches
Series Weapon
Short code WPN 41
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Chris McNab

Chris McNab is an author and editor specializing i…

Illustrator

Steve Noon

Steve Noon was born in Kent, UK, and attended art…

Illustrator

Alan Gilliland

Alan Gilliland, a contributor to more than 70 Ospr…

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