Zhao Shi Zhen's fire lances

Note: The content of this blog post was originally taken from my other articles. However, I decided to write a separate article for cleaner navigation, tidier organization, and easier reading and digestion.

Although normally focused on more advanced weapons, Ming firearm specialist Zhao Shi Zhen (趙士楨) also devised several devised several comparatively simpler and more primitive fire lances. These functioned primarily as close-combat supplements to his advanced war carts, with their gunpowder bursts designed to disrupt Mongol cavalry charges and Wokou swordsmen, allowing the fire lancers to then finish off disorganised foes in melee easily.

Li Hua Qiang (梨花鎗)

Zhao Shi Zhen's Li Hua Qiang, from 'Shen Qi Pu (《神器譜》)'.

Zhao Shi Zhen's modified Li Hua Qiang was simply a slightly enhanced version of the original fire lance, featuring two additional fire tubes to to extend the duration of the flame and incendiary discharge.

Tian Peng Chan (天蓬鏟)

Zhao Shi Zhen's Tian Peng Chan (highlighted), from 'Shen Qi Pu (《神器譜》)'.

Zhao Shi Zhen also modified the Tian Peng Chan, transforming it into a fire lance by attaching two Peng Tong (噴筒) to the shaft.