Chainmail, When the Marines first went into Afghanistan, we started to get inquires regarding a “Flame Capable” weapons system. Initially, the need was identified to get those Taliban Rats our of the caves they were hiding in. We convened a test at 29 Palms to determine what system would work best. HQMC actually rounded up a couple of M2A2’s for the test. Obviously they did poorly when matched against modern Thermobaric weapons. Although it was fun shooting the M2A2, it only reinforced out respect for those brave souls who carried it through WWII.
The two weapons that performed great were the Panzer-Faust and the SMAW-Thermobaric. Since we already owned the SMAW, we ordered the rounds from Talley Defense.
Guys those Shoulder Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon, SMAW-NE “Novel Explosive” rounds are incredible and they will eliminate anyone in a building, cave or bunker upon impact.
Terry L Walker
Marine Gunner CWO5
USMC Retired
Wish I could’ve watched those tests Gunner! Agree that thermobaric/fuel air explosive weapons are the coolest thing this side of nukes - but I still think the flamethrower’s superb in urban combat. I think I mentioned that we used to use the flame to screen street/fire lane crossings. The other plus to the flamethrower was that it didn’t totally demolish structures - it just eliminated enemy firing positions and terrified the opposition.
I’m a bit old school, I guess...
Semper Fi
Chainmail