5 of the Weirdest Weapons Used During World War II

World War II brought technological innovations, but not all were successful or conventional. As the conflict escalated, both the Allied and Axis forces experimented with new weapons, some of which seemed strange or impractical. From animal-based bombs to bizarre mechanical inventions, these weapons are remembered more for their oddness than for their effectiveness. Here are five of the strangest weapons used during World War II, each with its own unique history and surprising details.

1. Bat Bombs

The idea of using bats as weapons might sound strange, but it was a serious project initiated by the United States. The plan was to attach small incendiary bombs to bats and release them over cities in Japan. The idea was that the bats, seeking shelter during daylight, would roost in the wooden structures of Japanese buildings, where the attached bombs would ignite fires, causing widespread damage.

Millions of dollars were poured into the research and development of this concept, and it was tested in various stages. Special containers were designed to carry thousands of bats and release them over enemy territory. However, the project ran into several issues, including the unpredictability of the bats’ behavior. There were also challenges in safely releasing the bats without triggering the bombs prematurely. After years of trials, the bat bomb project was canceled in 1944 when more advanced weapons like the atomic bomb became a priority.

2. The Wind Cannon

Among the many experimental weapons developed by Germany, the wind cannon stands out for its unique concept. This weapon was designed to shoot compressed air at high speeds in an attempt to knock down enemy aircraft. Engineers believed that the force of the compressed air could destabilize planes in flight, making it a potential defense against Allied bombers.

The wind cannon was tested on the banks of the Elbe River, but the results were disappointing. The weapon lacked the power needed to effectively knock down planes, and the compressed air dissipated quickly in open air. Despite several attempts to improve the design, the wind cannon failed to deliver and was eventually abandoned. It remains one of the more unusual attempts at aerial defense during the war.

3. Project Habakkuk

One of the most ambitious and unusual ideas to come out of the war was the British project known as Habakkuk. This was an effort to build a massive aircraft carrier out of a material called “Pykrete,” a combination of ice and sawdust. The plan was for this floating fortress to serve as a base for aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean, where it could help Allied forces in the fight against German U-boats. Pykrete was chosen because it was stronger than ice alone and had the potential to last for months without melting, even in warmer temperatures.

The idea was tested, and small-scale models were built. While Pykrete was proven to be incredibly strong and durable, the project was eventually deemed unnecessary due to advancements in long-range aircraft that could patrol the Atlantic without the need for floating bases. In the end, Project Habakkuk never moved beyond the planning and testing phase, but it remains one of the most unusual military concepts from the war.

4. Anti-Tank Dogs

The Soviet Union came up with a desperate and highly controversial plan to use dogs as anti-tank weapons during the war. The idea was to train dogs to carry explosives and run underneath enemy tanks, where the bombs would detonate. The Soviets hoped that the dogs, trained to associate food with tanks, would seek out and destroy German armored vehicles on the battlefield.

Unfortunately, the plan did not go as intended. Many of the dogs became confused by the noise and chaos of battle, often running back to their handlers with the explosives still attached. Others were shot before they could reach the tanks. The program was largely seen as a failure, as it resulted in the loss of many dogs without significantly affecting the enemy’s tank divisions. Despite its failure, the anti-tank dog project remains one of the more unusual and controversial strategies of World War II.

5. The Krummlauf

Germany’s Krummlauf was a rifle attachment designed to allow soldiers to shoot around corners. The attachment featured a curved barrel that redirected bullets at an angle, theoretically giving soldiers the ability to fire at enemies without exposing themselves to return fire. This innovation was developed to help in urban combat situations, where direct line-of-sight engagements could be deadly.

While the concept seemed promising, the Krummlauf had significant flaws. The curved barrel caused bullets to break apart, reducing their effectiveness and accuracy. Additionally, the attachment wore out quickly during use, making it unreliable in combat. Despite these issues, the Krummlauf was used in limited numbers, but it never became a standard piece of equipment due to its poor performance.