To achieve maximum results, several short bursts were usually fired rather than one long blast. The portable type, carried on the backs of ground troops, had a range of about 45 yards (41 metres) and enough fuel for about 10 seconds of continuous “firing.” Larger and heavier units installed in tank turrets could reach out more than 100 yards (90 metres) and carried enough fuel for about 60 seconds of fire. As used in World War II and later wars it consisted basically of one or more fuel tanks, a cylinder of compressed gas to supply the propelling force, a flexible hose connected to the tanks, and a trigger-nozzle equipped with some means of igniting the fuel as it was spewed forth. Britannica Explains In these videos, Britannica explains a variety of topics and answers frequently asked questions.įlame thrower, military assault weapon that projects a stream of blazing oil or thickened gasoline against enemy positions.This Time in History In these videos, find out what happened this month (or any month!) in history.
