In 1941, the FmW 41 flamethrower first used by the German Army. It differed from its predecessors mainly with the two tanks placed one above the other. The larger one on the bottom contained kerosene (7.5 litres), while the smaller one above contained compressed hydrogen (3 litres). The flamethrower was also lighter in weight than its predecessors (a full flamethrower weighed 18 kilograms). The range was 30 to 35 metres. The very first combat experience in the winter of 1941-1942 showed the shortcomings of this flamethrower. In low temperatures, it experienced issues with ignition. Therefore, in 1942, a design change was made and the flamethrower was replaced by a new one with ignition by ignition cartridges. Each flamethrower was equipped with a magazine of ten ignition cartridges.
It was mainly used by offensive units but later, it became an important defensive weapon. During the war, its production increased. 44,000 pieces were made in 1944 alone.
The flamethrower was part of squad set which included equipment for four flamethrowers.