The 5 Terrifying Weapons Of WW2

World War II was a global conflict that not only showcased human resilience but also spurred the development of some of the most innovative—and terrifying—military weapons. Here are some of the most chilling weapons from that era:

1. The German  S Mine

When Hitler came to power, the S Mine, also known as the Shrapnel Mine 35 or “Bouncing Betty,” became a focal point of military research. Dubbed “the most feared device encountered by Allied troops,” the S Mine was deceptively simple yet lethal.

Physically, it resembled a small cylinder filled with TNT, topped with a fuse. Upon being triggered, it would not explode immediately; instead, it was designed to implode about four seconds later. What made it particularly deadly was its ability to launch about three feet into the air before detonation, maximizing its explosive impact.

2. The Volkssturm’s Desperate Jet

By late 1944, the German Third Reich was in dire straits. Among their most desperate measures was the Heinkel He 162, a fighter jet intended to be flown by inexperienced pilots, including members of the Volksstrum.

With a minimum performance speed of 750 km/h and designed for easy handling, the He 162 was a testament to the regime’s frantic attempts to maintain air superiority despite dwindling resources.

3. German Jet Fighter That Roasted Pilots Alive

The Me 163 Komet, a German rocket-powered fighter, was one of WWII’s most terrifying innovations. With speeds exceeding 600 mph, it could outpace Allied planes, striking with little warning.

Its unique design allowed for rapid, vertical takeoffs, and its powerful rocket engines gave it unmatched acceleration. However, the Komet’s fuel mixture of highly volatile hydrazine and nitric acid made it extremely dangerous, posing risks not only during flight but also on the ground, where accidents could be catastrophic.

4. Pigeon-Guided Missiles
   

Harvard professor B.F. Skinner collaborated with the U.S. Army to develop Project Pigeon, a guided missile system controlled by trained pigeons. The pigeons were conditioned to peck at targets displayed on a screen, allowing them to guide missiles toward their targets. Despite initial success in simulations, the project was ultimately canceled due to concerns about resource allocation.

Another experimental weapon was the bat bomb, which featured bomb-shaped casings containing Mexican free-tailed bats with small incendiary devices attached. Refrigerated to induce hibernation, the bats were to be released shortly before dawn over Japan, where wooden structures were prevalent. However, the project was scrapped, as it was deemed impractical for deployment.

5. The Super Cannon: The V3

The V3 cannon, a massive piece of artillery, could strike targets over 100 miles away at speeds of approximately 3,400 mph. This supergun measured 430 feet in length and required precise aiming before construction. However, its development faced significant challenges when the Allies learned of the German plan to use it against London.

RAF bombings throughout late 1943 and early 1944 severely hampered its construction, and as Allied forces advanced, plans for the V3 were ultimately abandoned. The Allies did not learn of the V3’s existence until after the war.