The flame thrower has been used in warfare for many years. A cylinder accommodates an inert gas which is usually nitrogen at a pressure of about 2000 psi (138 bar). It also has a diaphragm which is spring loaded to create a working pressure of 200 psi (13.8 bar).
The pressure generated forces a petroleum gel out of its container with adequate force to fire it 50 yards (45 metres). When the trigger is pressed a magnesium cartridge is ignited, which in turn lights the fuel and creates a flame jet. If required, the fuel can be projected first, in its unignited state. This causes a build up of fuel around the target, which can be lit with a burst of flame from the back pack.
The apparatus is recognised to be effective but the user generally feels extremely vulnerable. With the large back packs they have to carry, they know that if they are cornered by the enemy, there is little chance of making a speedy escape. With the speed of weapons development, flame throwers are not particularly suitable as they are so bulky. For this reason they are less likely to be utilised in the future.
