Incendiary device

Mark 77 bomb loaded on FA-18

Fire-ball Veste-Coburg

Southend ww1 incendiary bomb

Luftwaffe 1kg Incendiary Bomb

Ballroom Castle Warsaw September 17 1939

Incendiary device refers to a type of weapon designed to start fires or destroy sensitive equipment using fire. Incendiary devices are used in military, arson, and terrorist contexts to cause damage, destruction, or psychological warfare. These devices range from simple homemade Molotov cocktails to sophisticated military-grade incendiary bombs and thermite charges.

History

The use of fire in warfare dates back to ancient times, with early examples including the burning of enemy structures and the use of fire arrows. The development of Greek fire, a highly flammable compound used by the Byzantine Empire, marked a significant advancement in incendiary warfare. In modern times, incendiary devices have evolved significantly, with nations developing various forms of incendiary munitions, including napalm and white phosphorus, to support their military operations.

Types

Incendiary devices can be broadly categorized into several types based on their intended use, mechanism of action, and the materials they employ to generate fire.

Molotov Cocktails

A Molotov cocktail is a simple incendiary device consisting of a glass bottle filled with a flammable liquid, usually petrol or alcohol, and fitted with a wick. When lit and thrown, the bottle shatters, spreading the ignited liquid over a wide area.

Incendiary Grenades

Incendiary grenades are designed to start fires upon detonation. They can be used to destroy equipment, clear bunkers, or create barriers of fire. These grenades often use white phosphorus or thermite to generate intense heat and fire.

Incendiary Bombs

Incendiary bombs are designed for use in aerial bombing campaigns to cause widespread fire damage. They have been used extensively in warfare to destroy cities and military targets, with notable examples including the firebombing of Dresden and Tokyo during World War II.

Thermite Charges

Thermite is a mixture of metal powder and metal oxide that burns at extremely high temperatures. Thermite charges are used in military and civilian applications to cut through metal or weld railway tracks.

Use in Warfare

Incendiary devices have been used in various conflicts to destroy enemy resources, demoralize troops, and civilian populations. Their use in populated areas has been controversial due to the high civilian casualties and long-lasting environmental damage they can cause.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The use of incendiary weapons against civilian populations is prohibited under international law, including the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). However, the legality of their use against military targets remains a subject of debate. Ethical considerations also play a significant role in the discussion on the use of incendiary devices, given their potential to cause severe and indiscriminate suffering.

See Also

• Chemical weapon
• Explosive weapon
• Flamethrower
• Military technology