The development of «Ognivo» was a response to trench warfare tactics, where infantry actively used fortifications, trenches, and building ruins. Rusviet design bureaus adapted [[Infantry/Rusviet Flamethrower|infantry flamethrowers]], scaling them for mech platforms. The project received the name '''SHM-78 «Ognivo»'''<ref>''«SHM» (from Rus : «ШМ» — «Шагающая Машина»; Eng. : «Walking Machine»)''</ref><ref>''from Rus. «Ognivo» (from Rus. : «Огниво»; Eng. : «Flint»)''</ref> The name refers to traditional flints, emphasizing the connection with fire as the main design element.