The last flamethrower: Why Chinese Army still have it in service? Type 74 flamethrower analysis

The Chinese Type 74 is a light-weight flamethrower developed based on Soviet design, and it is one of the last flamethrower in active service in the world. Chinese military news play list: The Type 74 is composed of fuel cylinders, feeding pipes and the dispenser gun. It weighs 20 kg, less than one meter in length, can be operated by one person. The flamethrower is ideal to eliminate enemies in shelters, bunkers, buildings, and military fortifications. The burning effect can suffocate personnel even if the burning oil does not directly make contact. It can also impact inflammable and explosive items to extend its damage. The Type 74 flamethrower has an effective range of 45 meters, reliability is improved comparing Soviet design. In 1989, the Type 74 flamethrower was pitted against the Italian T-148 flamethrower, one of the last western systems still in service. The Type 74 proves to be more accurate and powerful, but can carry less fuel, and can only dispense an entire cylinder of fuel, while T-148 can control the exact amount of fuel ejected. The T-148 can also work in heavy rain, which is a major benefit. Even though western countries have almost abandoned flamethrower, and choose rocket launched multi-purpose projectiles instead, Chinese Army still believe the Type 74 has a place in modern warfare. It is worth noting Chinese Army also deploy multiple rocket launched incendiary systems, including FHJ01 rocket system. The type 74 is now working with these new systems to maximize impact on battlefield. China Air Force: Chinese space exploration: Photo and video: Wiki common, CCTV7 site, weibo Zhongbuzhanqu