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) | |
| Type | Flamethrower |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1935-1945 |
| Used by | Soviet Union |
| Wars | Second World War |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Different manufacturers |
| Produced | 1935-1941 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 50.0 lb (22.7 kg) |
| Crew | 1 |
| Effective firing range | 25 m |
| Maximum firing range | 45 m |
| Feed system | 9 litre fuel tank 1 nitrogen tank (propellant) |
| Sights | None |
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.
References
- Chris Bishop (2002). The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. pp. 270–. ISBN 978-1-58663-762-0.
- "Portable Flame-throwers". JAEGER PLATOON: FINNISH ARMY 1918 - 1945 WEBSITE. May 9, 2013.
- World War II - Willmott, H.P., Dorling Kindersley, 2004, Page 189, ISBN 1-4053-0477-4
- US Department of Defense. "ROKS-3 FLAMETHROWER". North Korea Country Handbook 1997, Appendix A: Equipment Recognition (PDF). p. A-88.
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