LPO-50 components on display: flame gun, hose and three cannister backpack.
Source: www.war-time.ru -
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The LPO-50 is a man portable flamethrower of Soviet origin. It was developed just after World War 2 to replace all older designs in Soviet service. In Soviet service flamethrowers were used only by specialized chemical warfare units. The LPO-50 was produced under license in Romania and China. The Type 74 is a Chinese an indigenious development based on the LPO-50.
The LPO-50 design emphasizes on weight reduction and simplicity. A single person can operate the LPO-50. The fuel is carried in three vertical cannisters on a backpack. The flame gun features a pistol grip and a bipod, allowing it to be used from the prone position. The operating principle differs from many other flamethrowers. Each pull of the trigger starts the fuel expulsion of a single full tank. At the same time the ignition system is triggered. The cannisters can be refilled after use.
The design allows for three uses when all three tanks are fitted. Each burst of flames lasts 5 to 7 seconds. There is a 2 to 3 second delay between pulling the trigger and fuel flow. The direct fire range is over 40 meters. In an arc up to 70 meters can be reached. Reloading time for all three cannisters is 8 to 10 minutes.
The LPO-50 entered Soviet service in 1953. The design was shared with China, which started its own production. The LPO-50 was also supplied to various Soviet allies during the Cold War. It was used by North Vietnam during the Vietnam war. In Soviet service the LPO-50 was supplemented with the RPO Rys "flamethrower rocket launcher" in the 1980's. With the introduction of the RPO-A it was fully replaced.
The Type 74 is a further development of the Soviet LPO-50. In can be distinguished by having only 2 cylinders on the backpack and 2 ignition charges near the muzzle.
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