This post is inspired by Steampunk Soldiers, by Osprey publishing. Its a counter factual history book set in a steampunk TL that documents the various military forces and weapons around the world in the late 1800's. One of the forces that I found most compelling where the 11th NY Infantry Regiment 'Fire Zouaves', who take their name to new heart and develop flamethrowers for use in their TL's lengthened ACW.
Given the technology of the era what would it take to develop a practical flamethrower? I don't see fuel as a problem since petroleum based products where readily available in the north during that time. What I'm more concerned with is the means of projecting the flame. As well as if the unit could be carried across a battlefield, if not by one or two men then on horseback perhaps?
Given the technology of the era what would it take to develop a practical flamethrower? I don't see fuel as a problem since petroleum based products where readily available in the north during that time. What I'm more concerned with is the means of projecting the flame. As well as if the unit could be carried across a battlefield, if not by one or two men then on horseback perhaps?
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