Overview
The LPO-50 is the North Vietnamese Army’s portable flamethrower in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam — a Soviet-supplied incendiary weapon confirmed from audio data in the closed beta build. Functionally equivalent to the US M2 Flamethrower, the LPO-50 projects ignited fuel at close range for clearing US bunkers, fortified positions, and defensive emplacements.
Weapon Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Portable backpack flamethrower |
| Fuel | Soviet thickened incendiary mixture |
| Effective range | Short — close quarters only |
| Fire mode | Continuous stream, three ignition chambers |
| Damage type | Incendiary — burning damage |
| Fuel capacity | TBA at launch |
Historical Background
The LPO-50 was a Soviet-designed portable flamethrower supplied to NVA forces. Unlike the US M2 which used a single continuous fuel system, the LPO-50 used three separate ignition chambers that fired in sequence — giving it three distinct bursts before the fuel was exhausted. Soviet-equipped armies including the NVA used it for exactly the same purpose as the US M2: bunker clearing, fortification assault, and denial of covered positions.
NVA Advantage — Tunnel Insertion
The LPO-50 combined with the NVA tunnel network creates a uniquely dangerous capability: emerging from a tunnel exit inside or immediately behind a US defensive position, then deploying the flamethrower at contact range before the defenders can react.
Tactical Use
Identical in principle to the M2:
US bunker and fortification clearance — stream into emplacements and fortified cover to clear defenders.
Defensive position assault — approach under tunnel cover, emerge at contact range, deploy.
Building clearance — stream through doorways and windows.
Counter-garrison — a flamethrower deployed against a discovered US garrison position destroys both the garrison and any defenders guarding it.
Vulnerability
Like the M2, the LPO-50 carrier is a high-priority target and the fuel system is vulnerable to enemy fire. Use tunnel insertion for approach rather than crossing open ground. The NVA’s tunnel network is the best protection a flamethrower carrier has — use it.
LPO-50 vs M2 — Faction Comparison
| LPO-50 (NVA) | M2 (US) | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Soviet supply | US manufacture |
| Fuel system | Three ignition chambers | Single tank |
| Effective range | Short | Short |
| Tactical advantage | Tunnel insertion approach | Helicopter insertion approach |
The weapons are comparable in capability. The NVA’s tunnel network gives the LPO-50 a safer approach route than the M2 carrier typically has — tunnel insertion puts the flamethrower inside the enemy’s perimeter without crossing open ground.
Strengths
- Devastating against US infantry in fortified positions
- Three-chamber system — three distinct bursts of fuel
- NVA tunnel network enables safe close-range insertion
- Unique capability against US defensive emplacements
- Burning damage continues after the stream
Weaknesses
- Very short range — useless without tunnel or cover approach
- Fuel system vulnerable to enemy fire
- Carrier is a high-priority US target
- Heavy loadout contribution
- Ineffective in open terrain
Related
- M2 Flamethrower — US equivalent
- Tunnel Warfare — the NVA mechanic that makes the LPO-50 viable
- Engineer class — likely carrier role