The M2 flamethrower was an American-made portable flamethrower that was used during World War II. It was the successor to the M1 and M1A1 flamethrowers. Although it could only shoot fire for around 7 seconds and the flame was only effective out to around 20–40 meters. However, with the arrival of flamethrower tanks, the need for flamethrower-carrying infantrymen to expose themselves to enemy fire was greatly reduced.