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War Department Technical Manual
TM 3-376A
PORTABLE
FLAME THROWER
M2-2

RESTRICTED

DISSEMINATION OF RESTRICTED MATTER. The information contained in restricted documents and the essential characteristics of restricted material may be given to any person known to be in the service of the United States and to persons of undoubted loyalty and discretion who are cooperating in Government work, but will not be communicated to the public or to the press except by authorized military public relations agencies. (See also par. 18b, AR 380-5, 28 Sep 1942.)

War Department - 16 May 1944
Washington, D. C.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, 25, D. C. 16 May 1944

TM 3-376A, Portable Flame Thrower M2-2 is published for the information and guidance of all concerned.

[A. G. 300.7 (21 March 44)]

By order of the Secretary of War:

G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.

Official:
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.

Distribution:
R & H (5); Bn 2, 7, 17 (2); C & H 3 (5); IC & H 5 (5); C 2, 7, 17 (2); X. ID: T/O & E 72T, Light Div; 17, Armd Div; IR: T/O 5-192, Hq & Hq Co, Engr Comb Gr; 5-171, Engr Comb Regt; IBn: T/O 5-15, Engr Comb Bn; 5-35, Engr Bn Sep; 5-175, Engr Bn, Comb Regt; 5-215, Armd Engr Bn; 5-475T, Engr Bn, Light Div; IC: T/O 5-16, Hq & Hq & Sv Co, Engr Combat Bn; 5-17, Engr Comb Co; 5-192, Hq & Hq Co, Engr Comb Gr; 5-36, Hq & Hq & Sv Co, Engr Bn (Sep); 5-37, Co, Engr Bn (Sep); 5-176, Hq & Hq Det, Engr Bn, Engr Comb Regt; 5-216, Hq & Hq Co, Armd Engr Bn; 5-217, Co, Armd Engr Bn; 5-476T, Hq & Hq Co, Engr Bn, Light Div; 5477-T, Co, Engr Bn, Light Div.

(For explanation of symbols see Par 26, FM 21-6)

TECHNICAL MANUAL
PORTABLE FLAME THROWER M2-2

WAR DEPARTMENT
Washington, 25, D. C., 16 May 1945

Changes}
No. 1 }

TM 3-376A, 16 May 1944, is changed as follows:
10. ITEMS WITH EACH FLAME THROWER.

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b. Kit, spare parts, for portable flame thrower M2-2, assembly B81-6-190.

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g. (Added). Army Service Forces Catalog CW 7-440114, Organizational Spare Parts and Equipment: 1st and 2d Echelons: for Flame Thrower, Portable, M2-2.

[Fig. 8]. Contents of tool kit:

** ***

B. 1 Wrench, hex, * * * set screws, H22-49-12.

2 Wrench, hex, 5/32-inch across flats for 5/16-inch socket-head set screws, H22-49-140.

** ***

[Fig 9]. Contents of spare parts kit:

F. (Added). 3 Tubes, deflector, A81-1-501. (See [fig. 39].)

G. (Added). 3 Locknuts, pipe, hex, 1/8-inch, H98-5-382 (for use with deflector tube). (See [fig. 39].)

H. (Added). 1 Support, diaphragm, A81-1-428. (See [fig. 47].)

12. NEW EQUIPMENT.

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m. (Added). New gun may be received with valve spring removed from barrel and valve assembly. Spring comes tied to barrel. This is done to prevent strain on valve diaphragm assembly caused by pressure of spring in gun during storage and shipment. When weapon is being prepared for operation, spring must be untied from barrel and installed in gun, as described in paragraph 75.

n. (Added). Pressure regulator may be shipped at zero adjustment to prevent possibility of strain on diaphragm during shipment and storage. A regulator shipped in this condition has a tag (tied to the tank coupling) stating that the regulator is not set. When weapon is received in this condition, it must be adjusted as described in paragraph 67 before it can be operated.

*These changes supersede TB 3-376A-1, 19 October 1944.

15. TRAINING.

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b. Use of water in training. Water may be used (instead of fuel) for elementary practice firing. Ignition cylinders are * * * piece, and lubricated ([Par. 49]). Use of water, however, should always be supplemented by firing ignited fuel because water does not give a correct impression of stream and flame characteristics.

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17. CONNECTING TANK GROUP AND GUN GROUP.

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a. Place the new * * * to 2 minutes. Slight pressure sometimes builds up in the fuel tanks, even though the pressure-tank valve has not been opened, and causes some overflow of fuel when the coupling plug is removed. This pressure may be relieved by—

(1) Standing the tank group upright.

(2) Slightly opening filling plug on top of fuel tanks to bleed the pressure.

(3) Closing the opening at filling plug and tightening it with wrench.

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18. LOADING WITH IGNITION CYLINDER.

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b. Precautions. Care must be * * * front of gun. Do not ignite the ignition cartridge until the weapon is to be fired at the target.

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30. AFTER FIRING.

When the firer * * * mission, he should:

a. First, remove and discard the ignition cylinder, as the ignition cylinder should never be present when blowing out fuel or after blowing out fuel except when preparing for a new mission. To remove cylinder, proceed as follows:

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b. Close the pressure-tank valve by turning valve handle clockwise (to conserve remaining pressure in pressure tank) only if additional shots are to be fired before refilling and recharging.

c. If no additional shots are to be fired before refilling and recharging, open pressure-tank valve by turning handle counterclockwise. Point the gun away from personnel and blow out the remaining fuel and pressure, if any, from the fuel tanks by squeezing the valve lever and grip safety until there is no further discharge. The trigger should not be used during this operation. Then close the pressure-tank valve to prevent entrance of foreign matter into the pressure system.

d. (Superseded). Carefully remove tank group from the back. This may be done most easily by sitting or squatting with back to a tree stump, flat rock, packing box, or other object. Release the body and shoulder straps and ease tank group off the back. Avoid dropping equipment on the ground as this may damage it.

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31. IGNITION CYLINDER.

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c. Packing. Ignition cylinders are * * * each flame thrower. Fifty cans (100 ignition cylinders) are contained in each ignition cylinder packing box. Wooden packing box with contents weighs approximately 50 to 55 pounds. Outside dimensions of the box are approximately 16-1/4 inches by 14-3/4 inches by 10-1/4 inches. Cubage is 1-3/12 cubic feet.

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32. CHARGING PRESSURE TANK.

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b. Charging from air compressor. Compressor, air, gasoline * * * cylinders as well. Instructions for use of the compressor will be found in TM 3-377.

** ***

Figure 23. Charging two pressure tanks, using charging and filling lines, and cylinders of compressed air or nitrogen. As many as four pressure tank and valve assemblies, on or off tank groups, can be charged at one time from cylinders coupled as shown in [figure 24].

33. PRECAUTIONS WHEN PRESSURE-CHARGING.

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m. (Added). Inspect carefully to be certain that no traces of grease, flame thrower fuel, oil, dirt, or other foreign matter are present in flame thrower pressure tanks, outlets of air compressor, connections, hose, or cylinders containing compressed air.

n. (Added). Hands and tools must be free of oil or grease when charging or servicing flame thrower pressure systems.

o. (Added). Discharge any remaining compressed air in flame thrower pressure tanks before recharging.

p. (Added). If compressed air is to be used, and if any grease, oil, or flame thrower fuel is detected by sense of smell or sight within pressure tank and valve assemblies or cylinders, return tanks or cylinders for cleaning to the appropriate third-echelon maintenance agency of Chemical Warfare Service.

35.1 PEPTIZED FUELS (Added).

a. Characteristics.

(1) Pour more readily than usual thickened fuels.

(2) Give a larger diameter flame than thickened fuels.

(3) Give longer effective ranges than liquid fuels.

(4) Prepared more quickly in cool temperatures than thickened fuels.

b. Preparation.

(1) Open 5-1/4-pound can or cans of thickener.

(2) Add 2 mess kit spoonfuls of water to each can of thickener. Stir until the water disappears in the thickener. It is not necessary to mix the water uniformly with all of the thickener.

(3) Proceed at once as directed in paragraph 35. Avoid accidental addition of any water to the thickener or fuel other than that stated in (2) above.

(4) Peptized fuels set a little more quickly than the usual thickened fuels, but their general appearance after setting is the same. After standing, however, peptized fuels spontaneously become thinner and may be poured without use of pressure. The time it takes for thinning to occur depends on the temperature of the fuel. At 75° Fahrenheit or higher, thinning occurs in approximately 1 to 2 hours. At temperatures below 60° Fahrenheit, thinning occurs several days after preparation of the peptized fuel.

(5) If water has accidentally gotten into fuel before addition of the thickener, peptizing action takes place, but the results are unpredictable because the quantity of water added is not controlled.

36. PREPARATION OF LIQUID FUELS.

a. Choice of ingredients. Thin fuels are * * * reaching the target. For this reason, liquid fuels should contain the lowest proportion of gasoline and the highest proportion of heavier fuels that permit easy ignition. In hot climates, * * * of great importance. The gasoline used can be any U. S. grade of motor fuel or aviation gasoline. Suitable blends are as follows:

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(3) (Added). By volume, 20 to 25 percent gasoline and 75 to 80 percent light fuel oil.

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40.1 USE OF PACKBOARDS (Added).

Detachable pressure tank and valve assemblies ([par. 66.1]) make possible the use of packboards for transporting pressure tanks, 5-gallon cans of fuel, wrenches, and additional ignition cylinders close to the front line of combat to troops using flame throwers. As packboards are not manufactured specifically for servicing flame throwers, standard quartermaster-issue packboards are used. Packboard transportation is practicable only with pourable fuel. (Pourable fuels include some thickened fuels and all liquid fuels.)

a. The following is a suggested procedure for packboard transportation:

(1) Lash all necessary filling and charging supplies for one flame thrower to packboard, using lashing rope and straps.

(2) Tie one pressure tank and valve assembly to top of one flat 5-gallon fuel can so that flexible shaft and handle hang down parallel to one side of the fuel can.

(3) Carry wrench with large enough opening to unscrew filling plugs from tops of fuel tanks and to tighten plugs after filling.

(4) Carry extra ignition cylinders.

b. Return empty pressure tank and valve assembly along with empty fuel can and wrench on packboard to flame thrower servicing point.

c. If a supply of flame thrower tank groups is available, they may be preferred to the packboard method of transportation. Tank groups are easy to carry, and a filled and charged tank group can replace an emptied one as quickly as packboard method can be used to service flame thrower.

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48. SERVICE KIT.

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a. Tools.

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1 Screw driver, common, * * * blade diameter, H22-50-6. ([Fig. 8].)

2 Wrenches, hex, 5/32 inch across flats (for 5/16-inch socket-head set screws), H22-49-140. (See B, [fig. 8].)

2 Wrenches, hex, * * * set screws), H22-49-91.

** ***

b. Accessories and spare parts.

** ***

1 Tank and valve, pressure, assembly (less valve shaft assembly, B81-1-883) B81-1-879. (See [fig. 35.2].)

1 Shaft, valve, assembly B-81-1-883. (See [fig. 35.2].)

2 Case, spring, assemblies B81-1-444. ([Fig. 9].)

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1 Regulator, pressure, assembly (Grove type) B81-1-778. ([Fig. 35.2].)

1 Compound, anti-seize, white * * * 1/4-pound can, H99-3-12.

2 Gages, pressure * * * assembly B81-6-90. ([Fig. 32].)

6 Tubes, deflector, A81-1-501. (See [fig. 39].)

6 Locknuts, pipe, hex, 1/8-inch, H98-5-382. (See [fig. 39].)

2 Supports, diaphragm, A81-1-428. (See [fig. 47].)

6 Springs, R81-1-922 (for socket). (See [fig. 35.8].)

6 Washers, backing, R81-1-924 (brass washer for socket). (See [fig. 35.8].)

12 Washers, B81-1-923 (synthetic rubber washer for socket). (See [fig. 35.8].)

6 Caps, plug, B81-1-926 (with chain) (dust cap for plug). (See [fig. 35.3].)

12 Nuts, wing, A81-1-877. (See [fig. 35.4].)

2 Army Service Forces Catalogs CW 6-445115, Sets of Tools, Equipment, and Similar Material: Kit, service, for Portable Flame Thrower, M2-2.

2 Army Service Forces Catalogs CW 7-440114, Organizational Spare Parts and Equipment: 1st and 2d Echelons: for Flame Thrower, Portable, M2-2.

2 War Department Technical Manuals 3-376A, Portable Flame Thrower M2-2.

49. LUBRICATION.

a. Gun group.

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(2) Frequency of lubrication. The surfaces of * * * lubricated before reassembly. Do not soak or wash the spring case assembly in solvent because this may remove the grease which is factory packed in the spring case assembly. This grease cannot be replaced. To clean spring case assembly, wide outside surfaces with cloth saturated with solvent.

** ***

53. SERVICE WHEN FILLING AND CHARGING.

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d. Testing for leaks in pressure system. After charging and * * * to test pressure. ([Fig. 32].) To install gage, unscrew check-valve cap, moisten end of check valve with water or saliva, and screw gage in check-valve body. Use of water or saliva as lubricant prevents cutting of the rubber washer by the check valve. If pressure has * * * and then retested.

66. PRESSURE TANK AND VALVE ASSEMBLY.

a. Description and functioning. The pressure tank * * * assembly ([Fig. 33]) includes:

(1) Pressure tank. The pressure tank * * * the fuel tanks. The pressure-tank clamp may be adjusted to different outside diameters of pressure tanks by means of a nut and screw tightening device ([fig. 35.1]) or by means of a stepped ring at end of clamp.

Figure 35.1. (Added.) Adjustable pressure tank clamp, showing use of nut and screw tightening device.

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b. Removal. ([Fig. 33].)

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(2) Removal procedure.

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(h) (Added). To remove check valve, unscrew check valve cap and check valve body, using wrenches.

c. Installation. (Figs. [33] and [39].)

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(7) (Added). To install check valve, apply thread compound lightly to threads of cheek valve body and screw into opening in pressure-tank valve. Tighten check valve body in position, using wrench. Screw check valve cap on check valve body and tighten with wrench.

** ***

66.1 DETACHABLE PRESSURE TANK AND VALVE ASSEMBLIES (Added).

Newly developed detachable pressure tank and valve assemblies provide an improved and speedier method of servicing M2-2 portable flame throwers in forward combat zones.

a. Description and functioning.

(1) Detachable pressure tank and valve assemblies (figs. [35.2] and [35.3]) are used in modified flame throwers. They make it unnecessary to replace empty complete tank groups with filled and charged complete tank groups.

(2) Replacement of complete tank group, however, may be preferred when an extra supply of tank groups is available, or if thickened fuel is too stringy and viscous to pour.

(3) Detachable pressure tank and valve assemblies can be attached only to flame throwers which include sockets (figs. [35.2] and [35.3]) and shortened regulator tubes. Flame throwers produced recently include this design modification.

(4) A plug and cap ([fig. 35.3]) on detachable pressure tank and valve assembly replace tube elbow ([fig. 33]) used on nondetachable pressure tank and valve assembly.

b. Removal. Care must be taken to prevent damage to connections during removal and installation. The procedure for removal of pressure tank and valve assembly is as follows:

(1) Close pressure-tank valve. Press valve lever and safety grip on gun to release all pressure from fuel system and gun.

(2) Unscrew wing nut from valve flexible shaft. (See [fig. 35.4].) Be careful not to misplace wing nut.

(3) Pull clamp and shaft from stud which is welded on fuel tank.

(4) With one hand under pressure tank, unclamp but do not fully open pressure-tank clamp.

(5) Supporting pressure tank valve with top of right hand, push knurled socket in and away from pressure tank valve. Left hand may be placed at back of regulator tube so that tube does not bend away from socket. (See [fig. 35.5].) Pull out pressure tank and valve assembly.

Figure 35.2. (Added.) Pressure system disassembled, showing removable pressure tank and valve assembly, nomenclature, and Chemical Warfare Service stock numbers.

Figure 35.3. (Added.) Detachable pressure tank and valve assembly, connected to modified regulator tube assembly.

Figure 35.4. (Added.) Removing wing nut to free valve flexible shaft.

Figure 35.5. (Added.) Pushing knurled socket away from pressure tank, permitting pressure tank and valve assembly to be removed from tank group.

(6) Put cap as far as it will go over opening of the plug. (See [fig.35.6].) This prevents dust and other foreign matter from entering empty pressure tank.

(7) Flame thrower is now ready to receive a charged pressure tank and valve assembly. (See [fig. 35.7].)

c. Installation. To install a charged or replacement detachable pressure tank and valve assembly, proceed as follows:

(1) Remove dust cap from plug of charged pressure tank and valve assembly. (Never open pressure-tank valve with cap on plug.)

Figure 35.6. (Added.) Pressure tank and valve assembly with dust cap over plug opening.

(2) Support socket and tube with left hand and insert plug in socket with right hand. If tube is not supported, it is difficult to lock the plug in the socket and it is possible that tube may become bent. Press bottom of tank until plug snaps into socket. Test by attempting to pull tank and plug from socket. Plug must not pull out; if it does, insert again and press bottom of tank. Grasp knurled collar of socket and test for end play. If collar slides freely back and forth on socket, the connection is not tight and plug should be pressed in farther.

Figure 35.7. (Added.) Tank group, ready to receive a charged pressure tank and valve assembly.

(3) Replace small clamp (valve-stem clamp) over stud projecting from fuel tank, and screw wing nut on stud to secure valve flexible shaft in place. Do not use wrench on wing nut.

d. Maintenance. Follow maintenance instructions given in paragraph [66]. In addition, if leaks occur and signs of wear are visible, carry out the following procedures:

(1) Worn washer. Replace synthetic rubber washer by disassembling socket ([fig. 35.8]), prying out washer, placing new washer in position, and reassembling socket.

Figure 35.8. (Added.) Cutaway view of socket and plug. Disassembly is permitted only as directed in paragraph 66.1.

(2) Damaged plug. Repair damaged or nicked end of plug by filing plug end square and smooth. File off as little as possible. Test for leakage at socket by installing pressure tank and valve assembly, as in c above, and then opening pressure-tank valve. If leak persists at joint between socket and plug, replace plug by unscrewing old plug, screwing new plug in position, and tightening with wrench. Replace entire plug. Do not attempt to unscrew the cylindrical portion from the square portion.

67. PRESSURE REGULATOR.

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e. Maintenance (Added).

(1) Spring type (Hoke) pressure regulator. Except for adjustment to increase or decrease pressure, do not attempt to maintain or repair the spring type (Hoke) pressure regulator. If damaged or defective, it must be replaced by a dome type (Grove) pressure regulator.

(2) Dome type (Grove) pressure regulator (B81-1-778). Replacement parts for maintaining the dome type (Grove) regulator are available for use by chemical maintenance companies, as shown in Army Service Forces Catalog CW 9-440114, List of All Service Parts and Higher Echelon Spare Parts for Flame Thrower, Portable, M2-2 (25 November 1944).

74. VALVE GRIP.

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c. Installing valve grip.

(1) Place grip safety * * * right valve grip. ([Fig. 48].) Do not accidentally place the lower forward extension of the grip safety over the lower rear extension of the valve lever. If this overlapping occurs, the small projection at the bottom of the grip safety may be broken off. Be sure the * * * of grip safety.

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77. SHIPMENT AND STORAGE.

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c. Class of supply (Added). The portable flame thrower is a class IV supply item.

78. REFERENCES.

Reference pertaining to * * * flame throwers include:

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TM 9-850 Cleaning, Preserving, Lubricating * * * the Ordnance Department

TM 3-377, Compressor, Air, Gasoline Engine-driven, 7CFM, M1 (For Charging Flame Throwers and Cylinders)

TB CW 18, Kit, Fuel Filling, Flame Thrower, E6 (for filling mechanized and portable flame throwers)[*]

TB CW 20, Cleaning Interiors of Compressed Gas Cylinders, Tanks, and Accessories[*]

TB ENG 39, Safe Handling of Compressed Gases[*]

ASF Catalog CW 7-440114, Organizational Spare Parts and Equipment: 1st and 2d Echelons: for Flame Thrower, Portable, M2-2 (25 November 1944)

ASF Catalog CW 9-440114, List of all Service Parts and Higher Echelon Spare Parts for Flame Thrower, Portable, M2-2

ASF Catalog CW 6-445115, Sets of Tools, Equipment, and Similar Material: Kit, Service, for Portable Flame Thrower, M2-2

ASF Catalog CW 9-445115, List of all Parts and Higher Echelon Spare Parts for Kit, Service, for Portable Flame Thrower, M2-2

FS 3-33, Portable Flame Thrower M2-2, Part 1, Nomenclature and Operation.

[*] Technical Bulletins are to be superseded by appropriate War Department manuals or changes to manuals.

[AG 300.7 (11 Apr 45)]
By order of the Secretary of War:

G. C. MARSHALL
Chief of Staff

Official:
J. A. ULIO
Major General
The Adjutant General

Distribution:

AAF (Cml O) (10); AGF (Cml O) (10); ASF (2); T of Opn (Cml O) (10); Arm & Sv Bds (1); Def Comd (2); S Div ASF (1); Tech Sv (2) except CWS (45); SvC (Cml O) (4); PE (Attn: Cml O) (2); Sub-PE (Cml O) (2); PG (2); Ars 3 (2); ASF Dep (CW Sec) (2); ASF Dep (2); Dep 3 (2); Pro Dist 3 (2); Tech Sv C (2); USMA (20); Tng C (2); A (2); CHQ (5); B (1); R (5); Bn 2 (2), 3 (5), 7, 17 (2); C 2 (2), 3 (5), 7, 17 (2); AF (2); W (Cml O) (1); Five (5) copies to each of the following: T/O & E 5-15; 5-16; 5-17; 5-35; 5-36; 5-37; 5-171; 5-175; 5-176; 5-192; 5-215; 5-216; 5-217; 5-235; 5-236; 5-238; 5-475T; 5-476T; 5-477T.

Refer to FM 21-6 for explanation of distribution formula.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fig 1. Portable flame thrower M2-2.

PART ONE
INTRODUCTION

Section I GENERAL

1. SCOPE.

a. Arrangement. This manual is published to guide and inform personnel using and maintaining flame thrower, portable, M2-2. [Part One] contains general information; [Part Two] is a guide to operation; [Part Three] gives maintenance procedures. The [Appendix] discusses shipment and storage procedures, and applicable publications.

b. References. [References] are listed in the Appendix. The list includes field manuals, technical manuals, and Army Regulations.

2. RECORDS.

Although no standard maintenance forms and records are furnished, an improvised list should be kept of the number of times each flame thrower has been fired. The list indicates when it is necessary to provide the after-six-missions preventive maintenance and lubrication. It should be tacked or glued to the inside surface of the packing-chest lid and each flame thrower should always be returned to its own chest.

Section II DESCRIPTION AND DATA

3. USES OF FLAME THROWERS.

Flame throwers can: a. Penetrate openings, such as embrasures and gun ports, and fill the fortifications with flame and smoke.

b. Burn, asphyxiate, and blind enemy personnel, causing casualties, shock, panic, and abandonment of a fortified position.

c. Ignite combustible parts of shelters and materiel and start detonation of sensitive ammunition and explosives.

Fig 2. Firing with liquid fuel.

Fig 3. Firing with thickened fuel. Thickened fuel has longer range than liquid fuel and burns on target for several minutes.

d. “Shoot around corners,” when fuel is fired from dead or blind angles. This is made possible by the billowing and swirling movements of flaming gases. Blazing thickened fuels also ricochet from wall to wall in fortifications.

e. Cause the enemy to close ports, temporarily putting the emplacement out of action and thus protecting the demolition party.

f. Mop up dug-in personnel.

g. Eliminate enemy nests in street or jungle fighting.

4. CHARACTERISTICS AND EMPLOYMENT.

a. Action. Fuel is propelled into the target by a charge of highly compressed air or nitrogen. As fuel leaves the gun of the M2-2 portable flame thrower ([Fig 1]), it is ignited by contact with flame from charges of incendiary mix held in an expendable ignition cylinder.

b. Bursts. A continuous stream or separate bursts may be fired for approximately 8 to 9 seconds, not including time between the bursts. The five incendiary charges in the ignition cylinder are controlled by the trigger and can ignite several bursts.

c. Range. Portable flame throwers are fired at extremely close or point-blank range for best results. ([Par 22]) Effective range for liquid fuels ([Fig 2]) is as far as 20 yards, and for thickened fuels ([Fig 3]), 40 yards, but underbrush and adverse winds can reduce the distances.

d. Weight. To keep the weight as light as possible and still provide strength to withstand very high pressures, most parts are made of aluminum or sheet steel.

e. Tactics. Two or more flame throwers are generally used on a mission with other weapons of the assault squad. (See FM 31-50, “Attack on a Fortified Position and Combat in Towns.”)

f. Firers and assistants. One man carries and fires each flame thrower. Well-armed assistants accompany firers to give close protection and to serve as emergency replacements. Whereas the M1A1 portable flame thrower may require the help of an assistant to open the pressure-tank valve, the M2-2 flame thrower pressure-tank valve is located within reach of the firer and is operated by him without assistance. Firers and assistants should be thoroughly trained in operation of the weapon.

Fig 4. Tank group.

g. Charging and filling. In order to replace pressure tanks (cylinders) of earlier types of flame throwers, it is necessary to unscrew and screw threaded connections. Experience has shown that this frequently resulted in damage to threads, leakage, loss of pressure, and loss of range. It is also necessary to use tools to replace each pressure tank (cylinder). The design of the M2-2 flame thrower eliminates these difficulties. The tank group ([Fig 4]) may be charged and filled as a unit with or without gun and hose. The quick-connecting tank coupling permits rapid interchanging of empty and full tank groups by the firers or assistants. This is done without tools, takes very little time, and cannot cause leakage, loss of pressure, and loss of range due to damaged threads.

5. DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTIONING.

The flame thrower consists of two major groups: tank group and gun group. Detailed descriptions of assemblies and parts are included in Paragraphs [66] through [76].

a. Tank group. (Figs [4] and [5]) Carried upon the firer’s back, the tank group holds fuel and pressure. The tank group may be identified as tank, fuel, portable flame thrower, M2, assembly D81-1-482. It consists principally of:

(1) Two fuel tanks, holding a total of 4 gallons of fuel, and joined by a tank connector to form a single fuel reservoir.

(2) Pressure tank, charged with highly compressed air or nitrogen used to propel fuel from the fuel tanks through the gun to the target. The tank is large in capacity to assure ample pressure and uniformly long range throughout the firing.

(3) Pressure-tank valve, which releases air or nitrogen through the pressure regulator to the fuel tanks. The valve can be opened by the firer without the assistance required in the case of the M1A1 flame thrower.

(4) Pressure regulator, which automatically assures delivery of air or nitrogen to the fuel tanks at the proper pressure. The regulator is located in a position where it cannot easily be damaged.

(5) Carrier, which supports the tank group on the firer’s back and shoulders and secures it to his body. It includes body and shoulder straps and quick-releasing fasteners.

b. Gun group. ([Fig 6]) Carried, aimed, and operated by the hands of the firer, the gun group ignites the fuel and directs the flame into the target. It includes:

(1) Fuel hose, which conveys fuel from the tank group to the gun. The fuel hose may be requisitioned as hose, fuel, portable flame thrower, M1, assembly B81-1-498.

(2) Gun, which ignites the fuel and directs it to the target. The gun may be identified as gun, portable flame thrower, M2, assembly D81-1-405. It consists of:

(a) Fuel valve, which discharges fuel through the barrel. The valve is operated by squeezing the valve lever and the grip safety, which are on opposite sides of the valve grip. The valve also includes a barrel from which the fuel is ejected. The ignition head is supported on the front of the barrel.

(b) Ignition head, which ignites the fuel as it passes from the nozzle of the barrel. With each pull of the trigger on the front grip, one of five charges of incendiary mix in an ignition cylinder is ignited. This pilot flame ignites the fuel as it is propelled from the gun.

Fig 5. Tank group with carrier folded back to show construction.

Fig 6. Gun group of portable flame thrower M2-2.

6. IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION.