For Axeman and the Dickster

[Decolliber]

Crime-obsessed South Africans have a powerful new weapon with which to stop likely criminals: the car flamethrower.
Casting a man-high fireball, reportedly with no damage to the paint, the Blaster has been placed on 25 South African vehicles since its introduction last month.
At 3,900 rand ($655), it offers a cheap, dramatic defense against carjackers. It has yet to be deemed illegal.
South African courts allow killing if convinced that it's in self-defense. The defense is not unheard of. In last year's 13,000 carjackings, criminals often brandished weapons or used them with little provocation.
The Blaster squirts liquefied gas from a bottle in the automobile's trunk through two nozzles, located under the front doors. The gas is then ignited by an electric spark, with fiery consequences.
Both sides flame at the same time, regardless of whether the attack is coming from just one side of the vehicle, or whether passersby are on the other side. But the breadth and depth of blast can be modified according to individual preference.
The first buyer, Police Superintendent David Walkley of Johannesburg's crime intelligence unit, is satisfied the Blaster is legal, provided it is used correctly.

for full story, see:

http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/africa/9812/11/flame.thrower.car

(for those who do not keep up with the BB, Axeman was car jacked recnetly)

[cegerer]

I like the sounds of this.

[jhugh]

and we wonder why people make disparaging comments about Porsche owners...

[ZAMIRZ]

Nothing new, I first heard about this a year and a half ago. You guys should see the demonstration, it's f'ing sick!

[jester911]

Sounds absolutely nuts.

I like it.

[Embs]

Yes I'll take two pedestrian Kabobs (medium well) to go please!

In an area of the world where daily HUMAN road kills are no big deal, I am not at all surprised.

[Axeman]

John C.

Thanks I saw that a long time ago, I also posted the pics on the whole Carjacking thread :

Carjack

I definitely agree that it's the best solution, as well as being able to carry a weapon in this filthy state. That's mainly the reason I'm moving out of the US for good at the end of 2004. If anyone needs an experienced Cisco engineer in the south of France, I have my resume ready!!

Cheers!

[Adam]

Have you had your Op yet, MJ? Hope it all went well.

[Axeman]

Hey Adam,

Thanks for asking, yes I did have my operation, it was pretty major so I'm still in a lot of pain, just trying to rest and waiting for the incision to heal. I have my new German disc implant now in my body..I'm hoping that it will help me get better.

[Adam]

Sorry to Hijack the thread, guys, but I recently had some back trouble also, and it's now a topic I take notice of, rather than dismissing it as "an old man's" complaint. Hey, I'm only 26 and I recently had a nasty herniated-disc problem. It was almost ruptured... but, I feel better than ever now.

Hope you're back on your feet in no time, MJ! I'm keen to see how it turns out for you.

[dickster]

indeed i saw the thing in action on uk tv some years ago. it seems to go with the territory.

my experience was nothing like axemans. to go through that and a major op - well, glad you're through it, and good luck in germany.

[LeRoux Strydom]

Guys, just to put the record straight......

This flamethrower thing is urban legend, besides which, if it really existed would be very illegal. I live in SA, and have nowhere come across this device.

Another aside, the carjacking issue is no more prevalent here than in the UK. Look up your stats.

LeRoux

[Deeks]

Yep... Unfortunately Mr Strydom is right.
Car-jacking is now Britain's fastest growing crime

.....Adam... I'm studying to become a chiropractor. Give me 4 more years and I'll get you "back" into shape

[Jim Richards]

Gotta get me one for them dang tailgaters

[Thomas Owen]

In case you were on the fence as to whether this device was for you...

"Both sides flame at the same time, regardless of whether the attack is coming from just one side of the vehicle, or whether passersby are on the other side."

Regards,

[HawgRyder]

A multiple layer of Kevlar on the inside of the door (glued on the outside metal panel)...then some Lexan instead of glass...and let the carjacker fire at you.
Maybe it will bounce back at him and do the job for you.
In any case, you and your passenger will be protected.
The whole protection thing should be light, easy to use, and passive (is on all the time), and use no extra power.
Until the police get the right idea (kill the carjackers instead of arresting them) we will have to put up with the situation.
Bob