M202A1 FLASH

Infobox Weapon
name=Launcher, Rocket, 66mm, 4-Tube, M202A1


caption=
origin=flagcountry|United States
type=Multishot incendiary rocket launcher
is_ranged=yes
is_explosive=yes
service=
used_by=See Users
wars=
designer=
design_date=1970s
manufacturer=
unit_cost=
production_date=1978-Present
number=
variants= M202, M202A1
spec_label=
weight=11.5 lb (5.22 kg) empty 26.6 lb (12.07 kg) loaded
length= 27 in (686 mm) closed 34.75 in (883 mm) extended
cartridge= M235 Incendiary TPA
caliber= 2.6 in (66 mm)
action= Semi-automatic
rate= 1 round per second
velocity= 375 fps
range= 22 yd (20 m) minimum
max_range= 820 yd (750 m)
feed= 4 rocket clip
sights= ReflexThe M202A1 FLASH (Flame Assault Shoulder Weapon) is a type of rocket launcher that was designed to be a replacement for the flamethrower, which was showing its age after World War II.

The M202A1 is lightweight, and features four tubes that can load 66mm incendiary rockets. Each M74 rocket consists of an M235 warhead, containing approximately 1.34 pounds (0.61 kg) of thickened pyrophoric agent (TPA). The rocket-launcher is also capable of firing all four rockets at once, not just one at a time.

TPA is triethylaluminum (TEA) thickened with polyisobutylene. TEA, a organometallic compound, is pyrophoric and burns spontaneously at temperatures of 1200°C (2192° F) when exposed to air. It burns "white hot" because of the aluminum, much hotter than gasoline or napalm. The light and heat emission is very intense and can produce skin burns from some (close) distance without direct contact with flame, by thermal radiation alone. The weapon is mistakenly thought to be filled with napalm. It is meant to be fired from the right shoulder, and can be fired from either standing, crouching, or prone. After firing, it can be reloaded with a clip housing four rockets.

The M202A1 was issued as needed, generally one per rifle platoon. There is no dedicated gunner for the M202A1, and selected individuals in each rifle platoon and scout platoon should be trained in its use.

Users

*flag|United States

Trivia

-The M202A1 gained moviegoers' attention when it was featured in the 1985 action hit "Commando", starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

-The M202A1 was also a usable weapon in Resident Evil.

References

TC 23-2 66-MM Rocket Launcher M202A1.

TM 3-1055-456-12 M202A1 Operator's Manual.

Pyrophoric flame composition :United States Patent 4230509

External links

* [http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/infantry/flame/M202.html M202A1 Flame Assault Shoulder Weapon (Flash) - Gary's U.S. Infantry Weapons Reference Guide]
* [http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/m74rocket.html 66 mm Incendiary Rocket M74 - Designation Systems]