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.

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This fully illustrated account from a respected firearms expert cuts through misconceptions to assess the true tactical importance of this controversial weapon, from World War I to Iwo Jima.

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

This fully illustrated account from a respected firearms expert cuts through misconceptions to assess the true tactical importance of this controversial weapon, from World War I to Iwo Jima.

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781472809025
Publisert
2015-08-20
Utgiver
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Vekt
312 gr
Høyde
246 mm
Bredde
184 mm
Dybde
8 mm
Aldersnivå
G, P, 01, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
80

Forfatter
Illustratør

Biografisk notat

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.