M202 Flash
Overview
M202A2 Flash
US soldiers operating the M202A2 Flash quadruple rocket launcher.
Source: US DoD -
© Public domain
Description
Introduction
The M202 Flash is a Cold War era rocket launcher of US origin. It has a lot in common with the XM191 multi shot rocket launcher tested in the 1970's. Unlike the XM191 the M202 is not capable of firing anti-tank rounds. Whereas most rocket launchers are for anti-tank use the M202 Flash was designed to be an alternative to man portable flamethrowers. Compared to a traditional flamethrower the M202 is lighter, has a greater effective range and requires less training and maintenance.
Design
The M202 is a four barrel reusable rocket launcher of a fairly simple design. The four smoothbore barrels are contained in a metal box. The two covers at the ends hinge downwards. The forward cover doubles as a forward grip and the rear cover serves as a shoulder rest. A pistol grip with trigger assembly is mounted underneath and the optical sight is fitted on the left. During transportation both covers are closed, the pistol grip folded into the recess between the barrels and the sight is rotated downwards. The M202 only fires the M74 incendiary rocket. The rocket is fired from its transport canister, four of which are clipped together. The clip of four rockets is inserted at the rear of the M202 and extends from the weapon.
Firepower
The M202 contains four rockets that are ready to fire. One rocket can be fired every second although doctrine demands 5 seconds between each launch. The rockets are filled with TPA and result in an area incendiary effect with 20 meter burst radius. The resulting fire has a temperature of 1800 to 2200 degrees Celsius. The effective range is 200 m against point targets, 500 m against buildings and 750 m against area targets.
Users
The M202 Flash was only used by the US military. Due to reliability issues with the ammunition the weapon was not liked as the consequences for the operator could be severe. In the 1980's most of the training on the M202 stopped, but limited training continued into the 1990's. In US Marine Corps service the M202 Flash was replaced by the SMAW.
Variants
M202 Flash
Launcher of the M202 Flash seen with front and rear covers opened.
Source: www.world.guns.ru -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Variants of the M202 Flash
The M202 is a four round launcher for rockets with a napalm-like area effect. Variants of the launcher include the M202, M202A1 and M202A2. The differences between the launchers are unknown, but believed to be minor.
The M202 only fires the M74 incendiary rocket. The rocket is fired from its transport canister, four of which are clipped together. The clip of four rockets is inserted at the rear of the M202 and extends from the weapon.
Details
Media
M202 Flash
US marines training with M202 Flash in 1970.
Source: US Marine Corps
Copyright: Public domain
M202 Flash
US soldier familiarizing Japanese troops with the M202 Flash during an exercise in 1985.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
M202 Flash
US soldier familiarizing Japanese troops with the M202 Flash during an exercise in 1985.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
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