Originally developed by the Chiss Ascendancy, the FT-220 Flame Tank was designed to quickly traverse frozen worlds such as Csilla, the capital of the Ascendancy, by using its flames not only offensively, but also to melt away its surroundings. Because of the danger associated with the extremely high temperatures of the flames being emitted, as well as the high volume of explosive gases in the tanks mounted on the tank, only the most qualified and highly skilled Imperialist warriors were permitted to command them.