PART ONEINTRODUCTION

Fig 1. Portable flame thrower M2-2.

a.Arrangement. This manual is published to guide and inform personnel using and maintaining flame thrower, portable, M2-2.Part Onecontains general information;Part Twois a guide to operation;Part Threegives maintenance procedures. TheAppendixdiscusses shipment and storage procedures, and applicable publications.

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

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.

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 materieland 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 updug-in personnel.

g.Eliminate enemy nestsin street or jungle fighting.

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.

The flame thrower consists of two major groups: tank group and gun group. Detailed descriptions of assemblies and parts are included in Paragraphs66through76.

a.Tank group. (Figs4and5) 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.

The words “Chemical Warfare Service,” model numbers, serial numbers, lot numbers, weight, cubage, manufacturers’ names, contract number, and date of packing are indicated on the packing chest or the equipment. The numbers and letters shown on the equipment should be referred to when repairs are required. The tank group and the gun (without the fuel hose) may each be marked “M2” and the fuel hose may be marked “M1,” although all of these are components of the M2-2 portable flame thrower.

a.M2-2 and E3 portable flame throwers. Portable flame thrower M2-2 is identical in all important respects with portable flame thrower E3. (The E3 flame thrower, when standardized with some modifications, became the M2-2.) Operation and maintenance of the M2-2 and E3 are in general the same, and the parts are interchangeable.

b.M2-2, M1, and M1A1 portable flame throwers. Portable flame thrower M2-2 has the same fuel capacity but differs in construction from portable flame throwers M1 and M1A1. Parts are not interchangeable except as stated in Paragraph 8.

To use an M2-2 gun with tank group (fuel unit) of an M1 or M1A1 portable flame thrower:

a. Remove fuel hose from M2-2 gun.

b. Screw a 3/4-inch by 1/2-inch pipe bushing into the side opening of the fuel-valve body. This bushing is furnished in the spare parts kit of each M2-2 portable flame thrower. (Par 10)

c. Screw the fuel-hose assembly of the M1 or M1A1 flame thrower into the 1/2-inch opening of the bushing, using a wrench to make a tight connection.

All data are approximate.

a.Range. See Paragraph22.

b.Duration of fire.

(1)Fuel.

(a) Continuous discharge of approximately 8 to 9 seconds, or

(b) Several short bursts totalling approximately 8 to 9 seconds (not including time between bursts).

(2)Ignition cylinder. Five charges in each cylinder, 8 to 12 seconds per charge.

c.Weights.PoundsPortable flame thrower M2-2, empty, in shipping chest (including the chest and all contents)110Portable flame thrower M2-2, empty43Portable flame thrower M2-2, filled with fuel68 to 72Tank group, empty35Tank group, filled with fuel60 to 64Gun group8d.Dimensions.InchesGun, length30Fuel hose, length37Tank group, height27Tank group, width20Tank group, breadth11Packing chest(Cube of packing chest: 8-1/2 cubic feet)34 x 23 x 19e.Capacity of weapon.Ignition cylinder (M1 or E1)1 (which includes 5 incendiary charges)Fuel4 gallons plus void for air or nitrogenf.Pressures.Pounds per sq. in.Pressure tank1,700 to 2,100Fuel tanks350

c.Weights.

Portable flame thrower M2-2, empty, in shipping chest (including the chest and all contents)

Portable flame thrower M2-2, empty

Portable flame thrower M2-2, filled with fuel

Tank group, empty

Tank group, filled with fuel

d.Dimensions.

Gun, length

Fuel hose, length

Tank group, height

Tank group, width

Tank group, breadth

Packing chest(Cube of packing chest: 8-1/2 cubic feet)

e.Capacity of weapon.

Ignition cylinder (M1 or E1)

1 (which includes 5 incendiary charges)

Fuel

4 gallons plus void for air or nitrogen

f.Pressures.

Pressure tank

Fuel tanks

g.Ratio of expended supplies. For every 100 complete fillings of the flame thrower, the following supplies are normally expended:

(1) Nitrogen contained in fifteen 220-cubic-foot cylinders or an equivalent volume of compressed air. (Eleven cylinders are expended if the four-place arrangement described in Paragraph 32 is used.)

(2) 450 gallons of fuel (400 gallons plus 50 gallons for spillage, spoilage, and evaporation).

(3) 100 ignition cylinders.

(4) If thickened fuel is used, 135 pounds (in cans of 5-1/4 pounds each) of U. S. Army fuel thickener.

The items listed below or their equivalents (Fig 7) are included in each M2-2 flame-thrower packing chest, in addition to the flame thrower. Numbers listed with items are Chemical Warfare Service stock numbers.

a.Kit, tool, for portable flame thrower M2-2, assembly B81-6-50.

b.Kit, spare parts, for portable flame thrower M2-2, assembly B81-6-52.

c.Cylinder, ignition, portable flame thrower M1. (6 cylinders, in 3 cans containing 2 each)

d.Technical Manual 3-376A, “Portable Flame Thrower M2-2.”

e.Gun mounting board. (Fig 10)

f.Plug, coupling, E81-1-514(for use in tank coupling when filling tank group with gun detached).

Fig 7. Items packed in chest with each flame thrower: A—Spare parts kit; B—Packing list; C—Three cans of ignition cylinders; D—Tool kit; E—Coupling plug; F—TM 3-376A, “Portable Flame Thrower M2-2.”

Fig 8. Contents of tool kit:A. 1 Screw driver, cabinet, 4-1/2-inch blade length, 3/16-inch blade diameter, H22-50-13.B. 1 Wrench, hex, 1/8-inch across flats for 1/4-inch socket-head set screws, H22-49-12.C. 1 Wrench, engineers’, double head, 3/4-inch and 7/8-inch openings, 9 inches approx length, H22-49-115.D. 1 Screw driver, common, 6-inch blade length, 5/16-inch blade diameter, H22-50-6.E. 1 Wrench, valve-adjusting, assembly, A81-6-48.F. 1 Wrench, heavy “S”, 1-3/8-inch and 1-1/2-inch openings, 12 inches approx length, H22-49-113.G. 1 Wrench, engineers’, single head, 1-1/8 inch opening, 10-1/2 inches approx length, H22-49-31.H. 1 Wrench, adjustable, single end, 6 inches approx length (crescent type), H22-49-67.I. 1 Wrench, heavy “S”, 1-3/8-inch and 1-3/4-inch openings, 12 inches approx length, A81-6-49.

Fig 8. Contents of tool kit:

A. 1 Screw driver, cabinet, 4-1/2-inch blade length, 3/16-inch blade diameter, H22-50-13.

B. 1 Wrench, hex, 1/8-inch across flats for 1/4-inch socket-head set screws, H22-49-12.

C. 1 Wrench, engineers’, double head, 3/4-inch and 7/8-inch openings, 9 inches approx length, H22-49-115.

D. 1 Screw driver, common, 6-inch blade length, 5/16-inch blade diameter, H22-50-6.

E. 1 Wrench, valve-adjusting, assembly, A81-6-48.

F. 1 Wrench, heavy “S”, 1-3/8-inch and 1-1/2-inch openings, 12 inches approx length, H22-49-113.

G. 1 Wrench, engineers’, single head, 1-1/8 inch opening, 10-1/2 inches approx length, H22-49-31.

H. 1 Wrench, adjustable, single end, 6 inches approx length (crescent type), H22-49-67.

I. 1 Wrench, heavy “S”, 1-3/8-inch and 1-3/4-inch openings, 12 inches approx length, A81-6-49.

Fig 9. Contents of spare parts kit:A. 1 Diaphragm, valve, assembly, A81-1-416.B. 1 Case, spring, assembly, B81-1-444.C. 1 Bushing, pipe, head, 3/4-inch by 1/2-inch (galvanized iron), H98-5-93.D. 2 Washers, coupling, A81-1-513.E. 3 Heads, safety, R81-1-561.

Fig 9. Contents of spare parts kit:

A. 1 Diaphragm, valve, assembly, A81-1-416.

B. 1 Case, spring, assembly, B81-1-444.

C. 1 Bushing, pipe, head, 3/4-inch by 1/2-inch (galvanized iron), H98-5-93.

D. 2 Washers, coupling, A81-1-513.

E. 3 Heads, safety, R81-1-561.

Fig 10. Packing chest open, with gun on mounting board. Tool kit, spare parts kit, and cans of ignition cylinders in boxes at right.

Part Two of this manual is for the guidance of operating personnel. It includes information on the controls and on operation.

Upon receipt of a new flame thrower, the following procedure should be carried out:

a. Cut packing-chest steel straps and seals with pliers.

b. Remove the screws, if present, from top of chest.

c. Open two latches at front of chest.

d. Lift lid backward and connect chain from inside of chest to inside of lid.

e. Remove moistureproof paper.

f. Remove gun from carton. After removing waterproofing tape from ends of hose, connect hose and gun. (Par 17)

g. Remove mounting board and place gun with hose on the board as shown inFigure 10.

Fig 11. Screwing deflector tube in safety head on left fuel tank.

Fig 12. Controls for operation of portable flame thrower M2-2.

h. Remove spare parts kit, tool kit, cans of ignition cylinders, and other items from packing chest.

i. Compare contents with packing list found in or on packing chest. Inspect all contents carefully for completeness, correct adjustment, and good condition.

j. Insert deflector tube in safety head on left fuel tank. (Fig 11) Outlet should face to rear and at a 45-degree angle to operator’s left shoulder. (Fig 18) Screw in deflector tube by hand; do not use wrench on deflector tube. Tighten lock nut with wrench.

k. Before use on a mission, test-fire the weapon. (Par 56b)

l. Save the packing chest for storage of the equipment when flame thrower is not being carried on a firing mission or serviced.

When they apply, the same steps should be taken as in Paragraph12. Any worn or damaged parts should be replaced. Areas where paint has worn off should be touched up with fresh paint.

The firer uses the pressure-tank valve handle, the trigger, and the valve lever and grip safety (Fig 12) in succession as follows:

a.Valve handle. The pressure-tank valve is operated by turning a handle on the valve flexible shaft within reach of the firer. Counterclockwise operation of handle releases pressure to the fuel tanks. Clockwise turning closes the valve.

b.Trigger. The trigger is at the front grip of the gun. Pulling the trigger vigorously ignites an incendiary charge in the ignition cylinder. This in turn ignites the fuel as it leaves the gun. The trigger action also causes the ignition cylinder to revolve one-fifth of a turn, presenting another charge for firing. Each of the five charges may thus be used in rapid succession, if necessary,by pulling the trigger vigorously as many as five times.

c.Valve lever and grip safety. The valve lever and grip safety are mounted on opposite sides of the valve grip of the gun. When both controls are compressed, fuel is propelled from the gun. If either the valve lever or the grip safety is not compressed, the fuel valve remains closed and the fuel remains in the weapon.

Effective use of the M2-2 portable flame thrower can be achieved only by diligent practice with the weapon. Untrained firers or assistants should never be sent on a mission.

a.Practice. Firers should practice under varying conditions of wind, range, elevation, depression, and traverse. The shortness of the total firing time (approximately 8 to 9 seconds) demands split-second judgment and coordination.

b.Use of water in training. Water may be used (instead of fuel) for elementary practice firing. Ignition cylinders are not used with water. The water under pressure may cause serious injuries to personnel at 10 yards. After practice with water, the gun should be disassembled (Pars73through76), cleaned and dried piece by piece, and lubricated. (Par 49)

c.Use of fuel in training. When using fuel in training, select or prepare a practice field of fire which provides at least 125 yards for range and 30 yards for spread. If the field contains dry grass, brush, or other flammable material, a fire-fighting squad should be available with equipment and source of water. Assistants and observers should stay well behind the firer because of danger from wind shifts. See Paragraph 40 for additional precautions.

Before use on missions or for training, flame throwers must be charged, filled, and serviced. Charging with compressed air or compressed nitrogen is described in Paragraphs32 and 33; filling with fuel in Paragraphs34through40; and servicing in Paragraphs50through56. Test for pressure. (Par 53d)

If a charged and filled tank group has been brought up to replace an emptied one:

a. Place the new tank group on the ground with the tank couplingon top. If the filling is thickened fuel, allow the tank group to rest in this position for from 1 to 2 minutes.

b. Remove coupling plug from new tank group and disconnect gun group from emptied tank group. Place unthreaded end of fuel hose in tank coupling and lock in place. (Par 70)

c. Lock the coupling plug in the emptied tank group.

a.General. Just before the start of a mission, load an unused ignition cylinder into the ignition head. (M1 and E1 ignition cylinders are identical and may be used interchangeably.) Cylinders are packed two to a can. Do not open cans until ready to load for a mission. The second cylinder in the can should be used in another flame thrower on the same mission or as soon as possible after opening the can. Partly used cylinders may be employed in training.

b.Precautions. Care must be taken, whenever cylinders are handled, to avoid any blows or pressure against the metal match ends. (Fig 13) Face, hands, and other parts of the body should never be exposed to front of cylinder or front of gun.

Fig 13. Ignition cylinder before use.

c.Procedure. Loading procedure is as follows:

(1) Unscrew and remove ignition shield. (Fig 14)

(2) Place ignition cylinder on end of barrel (Fig 15), being careful not to grasp cylinder by its ends.

(3) Raise nozzle end of gun so cylinder slides down against the spring case of the ignition head. (Fig 16) If necessary, rotate cylinder so it slips down all the way. Do not force cylinder into place as forcing may prematurely ignite it.

(4) Rotate spring case and ignition cylinder clockwise as far as they turn freely.

(5) Place ignition shield over cylinder. Engage the slot in the shield on the spring-case pin.

(6) Turn shield, screwing it onto ignition-head body. Make sure the threads engage during the first turn of the shield. When the slot on the shield engages the latch on the ignition head (Fig 17), the gun is loaded.

(7) If shield cannot be turned by hand tight enough to engage latch, unscrew shield. Then turn shield backwards until threads engage and repeat (6) above.

Fig 14. Unscrewing ignition shield, with pressure on latch.

Fig 15. Placing ignition cylinder on gun. Care must be taken to avoid striking or pushing metal matches of cylinder.

Fig 16. Ignition cylinder in place on gun before replacement of ignition shield.

Fig 17. Ignition head assembled for firing of gun.

Fig 18. Tank group adjusted on firer.

The tanks are supported on the firer’s back and secured to it by two shoulder straps and two pairs of body straps. (Fig 18) The straps may be adjusted by the buckles to fit the operator. The shoulder straps pass over the shoulders and under the arm pits; the lower body straps are clasped tightly in front of the body; and the upper body straps are clasped across the chest to prevent the shoulder straps from slipping and the tank group from rolling off the back. Adjustments to the various straps should be made until the unit is carried with the bottom of the fuel tanks at the small of the operator’s back. The tank group should fit snugly so that it does not shift if the operator changes position quickly.

Fig 19. Carrying the gun, with hands in position to fire.

The procedure for carrying the gun is as follows:

a. Carry the gun with the hose at the right side. (Fig 19)

b. Grasp the valve grip with the right hand and the front grip with the left hand, being careful not to operate the controls until ready to fire.

c. Keep the gun pointed away from friendly personnel at all times.

d. Do not face the front of the gun at any time. Even when no fuel is being ejected, the incendiary charges of the ignition cylinder can cause severe burns.

e. Keep the gun dry and clean if possible. Avoid getting dirt or foreign matter into the weapon.

f. Avoid rough handling.

g. Wear gloves if available.

h. Carry any extra ignition cylinders only in metal containers.

The release of pressure into the fuel tank causes a hissing sound. Therefore, open the pressure-tank valve while still out of hearing range of the enemy. Do not, however, open it prematurely because of the possibility of pressure leaks. To prevent frothing of the fuel, keep the tank group in as nearly an upright position as possible when opening pressure-tank valve. Be sure to turn the valve handle all the way in a counterclockwise direction. Stiffening of the fuel hose occurs when the pressure-tank valve is opened.

Firers and assistants should learn to judge ranges by frequent practice under varying conditions. The firers should be trained to approach as close as practicable to the target and to fire if possible at point-blank range for the greatest results.

a.Point-blank range.

(1)Effects. At very close (point-blank) range almost all of the burning fuel can be fired at great velocity directly through ports and openings into the target. Maximum casualties and damage are caused in the hostile position.

(2)Protection. Common sense precautions are taken to prevent casualties to friendly personnel from possible ricochet or rebounding of flame. If the target includes a vertical wall at a right angle to the firer or other friendly personnel, the weapon should not be fired at closer than 7 to 10 yards. When the weapon is fired at small openings in a bunker or pillbox, the firer and other members of the assault squad should not approach closer than 7 to 10 yards from the target.

b.Other effective ranges.

(1)Open fields of fire. When thickened gasoline is used, portable flame throwers may fire with considerable effect as far as 40 yards under normal conditions, depending on wind direction and wind speed. Under the same conditions, liquid fuel maybe effective at 20 yards. Results and accuracy are not as great as at point-blank range.

(2)Jungle or thick underbrush. If the target is located in jungle or thick underbrush without cleared fields of fire, the effective range of the flame thrower is reduced by as much as one half, depending on the nature and density of the vegetation.

c.Ineffective ranges. Although the flame may reach considerably farther than the ranges stated inb(1) above it may be useless because of the steep angle of descent and because much of the fuel is burned before it reaches the target.

Wind is an important factor because of the low velocity of the flaming fuel. Wind can lengthen, shorten, or deflect the flame.

a.Head winds. Head winds of more than 5 miles per hour tend to carry heat or even flame back toward the firer. Liquid fuel should not be fired into a head wind of more than 5 miles perhour. The range and accuracy of thickened fuels is reduced.

b.Following winds or very light winds. Best results are obtained under these conditions.

c.Cross winds. When firing at or near maximum range, cross winds deflect, breakup, and disperse the flame. They also reduce the range.

a.Ease of aiming. The flame thrower can be fired from any position that permits sufficient freedom to aim the weapon, subject to the conditions inb,c, andd, below. This includes standing, kneeling, and prone. In some instances, flame throwers have been fired with tank groups resting on the ground or on skids. If used in this way, the tops of the fuel tanks must be propped up to conform tob, below.

b.Angles of the tanks. When firing, the bottoms of the fuel tanks must always be substantially lower than the tops. The tops of both tanks must also each be the same distance above the horizontal and neither tank should be tilted to one side. Otherwise, only a small part of the fuel may be blown from the tanks.

c.Recoil. Stability must be sufficient to withstand the recoil from the gun. If possible, the firer should hold the gun snugly against his right side to support it and to absorb its recoil.

d.Protection. Full advantage should be taken of cover and concealment, such as shell craters and vegetation.

a.Sighting. There are no sights on the gun because of the short range from which it is fired, the variety of fuels used, and the marked effects of wind. (Par 23)

b.Fortifications. When firing at a fortified position, flame must be directedinto openings(gun ports, firing slits, ventilation screens, doorways). Flame inside gives the desired effects, but flame on the outside has little effect on personnel within.

c.Thickened fuel. (Figs3and20) When firing at or near maximum range, it may take several seconds for a burst of thickened fuel to carry through the air to the target area. Short bursts may result in misses at long range for this reason. Skill in aiming is particularly important with thickened fuel.

d.Liquid fuel. With liquid fuel, the greatest effect may be obtained by placing the flame directly on the target. (Fig 21)

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