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Type 74 flamethrower



Overview


Type 74

Chinese soldier in prone position with a Type 74 flamethrower.
Source: Chinese internet - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Flamethrower
Entered service
Mid 1970's
Status
Limited service
Development
Early 1970's
Developer
China
Production
Mid 1970's - present
Producer
China - Norinco
Designations
Type 74
Notable users
China

Description


Introduction

The Type 74 is man portable flamethrower of Chinese origin. The design is very similar to the Soviet LPO-50. The Type 74 was developed to increase effectiveness while reducing the weight at the same time. This was achieved at the cost of a reduction from 3 to 2 uses before having to reload.

Design

The Type 74 has a similar design as the Soviet LPO-50. The main change is that the number of cannisters has been reduced from 3 to 2, but have been slightly increased in size. The weight is reduced from 23 to 20 kg, while the effectiveness against bunkers is said to be doubled. Since the number of cannisters has been reduced, the flame gun on the Type 74 only has two ignition chargers near the muzzle.

Firepower

The Type 74 can be fired two times. Each time a full tank of thickened gasoline is expelled. The direct fire range is about 45 meters. As with the Soviet LPO-50 there probably is a 2 to 3 second delay between pulling the trigger and the fuel flow. Compared to the LPO-50 more fuel is expelled in less time. This results in significant recoil, requiring the Type 74 to be used in the prone position.

Users

The Type 74 was adopted by China and is offered for export. During the 1979 conflict with Vietnam it reportedly was used against 1.200 bunkers. This number may include the use of the Type 58, the Chinese production model of the Soviet LPO-50.

Details


Facts Type 74
General
Origin
China
Type
Man portable flamethrower
Dimensions
Weight
20 kg complete system with full tanks
Flame gun length
0.85 m
Flame gun caliber
14.5 mm
Operating principle
Fuel type
Gasoline with thickening powder
Cylinder capacity
About 4 L per cylinder
Recoil force
65 kg
Ignition
2x incendiary cartridge near muzzle
Trigger type
Electrical trigger
Power source
Replaceable battery in flame gun
Reloading time
4 to 6 minutes
Engagement radius
Fire range
45 meter direct fire range
Expulsion time
2 to 3 seconds per cylinder

Media


Related articles


LPO-50

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.