Flamethrower, portable, N°2 – Lifebuoy
History, technical sheet and photo
Flamethrower, portable, No 2 Lifebuoy history
At the beginning of the Second World War, the British sought to equip their army with an efficient flame-thrower. To this end, the British engineers are largely inspired by an already existing German model, the Wechselapparat, nicknamed « Wex » and dating from 1917.
Two models were created: the Mark I (used for the exercises) and the Mark II (dedicated to combat). The production of this flamethrower, whose official name is « Flamethrower, Portable, No. 2 », began in 1943 and delivery to the units took place in 1944, just before Operation Overlord was launched.
The Mark 2 portable flamethrower consists of a lifebuoy shape tank (which soon earned him his nickname « Lifebuoy ») with a capacity of 18.2 liters and containing diesel, as well as Of an oval-shaped reservoir containing nitrogen. The pistol grip allows the shooter to make 10 shots lasting a maximum of 10 seconds: it consists of two trigger tails: one for throwing fuel and the other for triggering fire.
The English flame-thrower was used throughout the Second World War and especially during the Battle of Normandy. He was retired from active service shortly after 1945.
Flamethrower, portable, No 2 Lifebuoy specification
Creator: Britain
Users: Commonwealth
Denomination: Flamethrower, portable, No 2
Nicknames: « Ack Pack », « Lifebuoy », « Sombrero »
Number produced (1943-1944) : 7,000
Loaded weight: 29 kg
Fuel: 18.2 liters of gas
Maximum firing range: 36,5 m (40 yards)
Effective firing range: 27,4 m (30 yards)
Duration: 10 seconds
