ROKS flamethrowers

The ROKS-2 and ROKS-3 (Shortened from Russian, Rantseviy Ognemyot Klujewa-Sergeewa; Ранцевый Огнемёт Клюева — Сергеева; "Klujew-Sergeew backpack flamethrower") were man-portable flamethrowers used by the USSR in the Second World War.

ROKS-2 flamethrower
A captured ROKS-2 flamethrower at the Mikkeli Infantry museum, Finland (2011)
TypeFlamethrower
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
In service1935-1945
Used bySoviet Union
WarsSecond World War
Production history
ManufacturerDifferent manufacturers
Produced1935-1941
Specifications
Mass50.0 lb (22.7 kg)
Crew1

Effective firing range25 m
Maximum firing range45 m
Feed system9 litre fuel tank
1 nitrogen tank (propellant)
SightsNone
A Finnish soldier with a captured ROKS-3 flamethrower, June 1943

The ROKS-2 was designed not to draw attention, so the fuel and gas tanks were concealed under a sheet-metal outer casting resembling a knapsack; the flame projector was designed to resemble a standard Mosin–Nagant rifle. The purpose of this was to prevent the operator from being specifically targeted by the enemy.[1] The flame shots were ignited by firing specially modified 7.62×25mm Tokarev cartridges.[2]

The ROKS-2 was used, amongst other engagements, during the close-range fighting during the first days of the Battle of Kursk in 1943.[3]

The ROKS-3 was a simplified model designed to be easier to manufacture. It did away with the disguise for the backpack, though it retained the flame projector designed to resemble a rifle. Both models carried around 9 litres (2.4 US gal) of fuel. The fuel was propelled by nitrogen gas pressurized at 115 bars (11,500 kPa)[2] and, under ideal circumstances, had a maximum range of around 45 metres (49 yd).[1]

The Finnish designation for captured ROKS-2 units was liekinheitin M/41-r. Captured Soviet flamethrowers saw some use by Finnish forces during the Continuation War. They were operated by two-man teams of combat engineers. They were well regarded by the Finns, although flamethrowers of all kinds saw little use by Finnish forces.[2]

Some ROKS-3 units were supplied to North Korea,[4] Egypt, and Syria.

See also

References

  1. Chris Bishop (2002). The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. pp. 270–. ISBN 978-1-58663-762-0.
  2. "Portable Flame-throwers". JAEGER PLATOON: FINNISH ARMY 1918 - 1945 WEBSITE. May 9, 2013.
  3. World War II - Willmott, H.P., Dorling Kindersley, 2004, Page 189, ISBN 1-4053-0477-4
  4. US Department of Defense. "ROKS-3 FLAMETHROWER". North Korea Country Handbook 1997, Appendix A: Equipment Recognition (PDF). p. A-88.
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