Flamethrower (Age of Empires III)

The Flamethrower is a unique Chinese infantry unit in Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties.

Overview
The Flamethrower fires AoE damage at a fast rate (the highest of all units), with strong multipliers against infantry, buildings, and ships. However, it is countered easily by cavalry and other artillery as an infantry unit. Unlike true artillery units such as the Mortar, it can take some time to destroy buildings, especially with its short siege range.

It can be trained either by itself, or as part of the Black Flag Army together with the Arquebusier at the Castle. It can be sent from the Home City in the Iron Cap Prince's Army together with the Changdao Swordsman, or the Mandarin Duck Squad with Chu Ko Nu.

When destroyed, the Flamethrower will explode (however this does not deal damage to nearby enemies). The Flamethrower is best used as a support unit for infantry against massed enemy infantry.

Upgrades
The overall stats for Flamethrower can be improved by sending improvement-based shipments.

Disciplined Flamethrower
Disciplined Flamethrower is the first upgrade for the Flamethrower. It is available for and  once Fortress Age is reached.
 * Hit Points: +30% (273)
 * Flame Attack: +30% (6)

Honored Flamethrower
Honored Flamethrower is the second upgrade for the Flamethrower. It is available for and  once Industrial Age is reached.
 * Hit Points: +35% (346)
 * Flame Attack: +35% (8)

Exalted Flamethrower
Exalted Flamethrower is the third upgrade for the Flamethrower. It is available for and  once Imperial Age is reached.
 * Hit Points: +60% (472)
 * Flame Attack: +60% (11)

History
"The flamethrower was the first use of gunpowder in warfare, before it was imbued with enough saltpeter to explode. The Chinese flamethrower design, the Pen Huo Qi, was based on a seventh-century Byzantine model, which featured an inconsistent spurting action. The Chinese desired a more continuous flame, and achieved it by developing a dual bellows system. Two bellows allowed for the creation of an unbroken stream of the chemical fuel naptha, which could then be ignited. The Chinese flamethrower was used both as a defensive weapon and a siege unit. It was often fixed on a wall, positioned to fire down on incoming soldiers and siege weapons. However, the most common depiction of the flamethrower portrays it as mounted on a four-wheeled pushcart. This mobility most likely allowed the flamethrower to be used on the battlefield, to deter enemy attacks, as well as to project a shield of flame for advancing soldiers."

Trivia

 * The in-game siege range of the Flamethrower is hidden.