M240 Incinerator Production information Manufacturer USCM Type Flame unit Technical specifications Size 88cm (Length) Ammunition Type Ultra-thickened napthal fuel Rate of Fire 30 seconds Range 30 meters Usage Affiliation USCM
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The M240 Incinerator Unit is a lightweight, carbine-style flamethrower employed by the United States Colonial Marine Corps. It uses a pressurised ultra-thickened napthal fuel and has a range of around thirty meters. It is typically fired in bursts of thirty seconds or less to prevent the weapon overheating. The M240 Incinerator Unit could be supplied with fuel either through canisters attached to the weapon or a direct main supply.

SummaryEdit

The M240 Flame Unit (also called an Incinerator or Flamethrower) is a lightweight, carbine-format flamethrower designed for use in close combat at the squad and fireteam level. Using pressurized, ultra-thick napalml fuel as a base ignited by a nozzle burner, the M240 can shoot flame at targets up to 30 meters. Once a target has been hit, fuel droplets from the flamethrower will stick and continue to burn for approximately thirty seconds. With sufficient fuel in a standard fuel reservoir for a burst of up to 30 seconds, the M240 is undoubtedly one of the most fearsome weapons in the Marine inventory, and has proven especially useful in close combat and exomorph 'critter' cull operations. It is ideal for use against fortifications because of the ability of the flame to be directed through defensive apertures. However, it is unpopular with many of its operators, partly because of its short range, and also because of the tendency of the fuel reservoir to rupture violently when hit by shrapnel or small arms fire. The weapon comes with a green 1000 denier nylon shoulder strap.

Ammunition and FireEdit

The M240 is 88 cm long and weighs more than 2.7 kg with a full reservoir. A valve at the rear of the incinerator is used to refuel the weapon; alternatively, the reservoir can be screwed off and refilled or replaced separately. A twist-valve on the flamethrower regulates the fuel flow and a thumb switch on the handgrip electrically ignites the nozzle burner when depressed. The weapon is fired by squeezing the handgrip trigger (which is a pressure pad built into the grip), and will continue firing until the trigger is released. The range of the M240 can be increased by making a high angle shot, firing the flame unit up at an angle of 45 degrees - the burning fuel then descends onto the target in an arc. In this way, shots can be made up to a range of 50 metres, though it is far less effective than direct fire in penetrating an armoured firing slit or aperture.

One option for the firer is the 'wetshot', where the nozzle burner is switched off and a stream of thickened fuel fired towards the enemy, which 'mists' as it reaches the end of its trajectory. If the nozzle burner is clicked back on, a subsequent shot can ignite the fuel vapour, creating an intense fireball. Another option is the blind angle burst, used during close-in fighting, such as within a built-up area - a flame burst from an M240 can be 'bounced' off facing walls or surfaces to attack an enemy around a blind corner.

FlamesEdit

Since the thickened fuel is difficult to extinguish, a commander must carefully consider the tactical area before authorising the use of flame. The amount of kindling and burnable debris must be assessed, as well as the environment. It is very important to note that naked flames should not be permitted in any pressurised environment with a high oxygen content. The potential for collateral damage is a serious constraint on the use of incendiary weapons like the M240.

There is also another type of flame used only by the successor to the M240, the M240B Flamethrower. It is called Cobalt Thermogel, and is a blue-colored flame that burns slowly while releasing incandescent filaments of radioactive cobalt-60 into the air. These filaments severely poison nearby living things, causing continuous and substantial long-term damage.

VariantsEdit

• M210: The M210 Incinerator Unit was the arm-mounted version of the M240.
• M240B Flamethrower: Offering fire control superior to that of its predecessor, the Flamethrower Marine’s next-generation flamethrower excelled at simultaneously searing multiple enemies in its fiery blast cone. The weapon performs better against closer targets, as its flame is more concentrated at the launch nozzle. The weapon’s fuel is somewhat adhesive and therefore continues to heat even non-flammable targets after the Flamethrower itself has ceased firing.

SourcesEdit

• Aliens
• AvP Extinction - Bestiary