The World's Weirdest Weapons

"Illuminating series looking at some unusual and innovative weaponry throughout history, the World's Weirdest Weapons."

These unorthodox military innovations were not developed by chance, each was constructed to solve a tactical or strategic problem, such as overcoming Nazi defences on D-Day, mounting a surprise attack over water, or safely moving an agent back and forth across enemy lines. The US smart bomb piloted by live pigeons, a jet pack used by flying soldiers, an incendiary bombing program that used bats released from aircraft, and a giant Catherine Wheel are all covered in this fascinating series. World’s Weirdest Weapons explores never before seen weapons and introduces viewers to the extraordinary people that invented these ingenious devices.

Storyline

First Aired

2013-04-17
Last Aired

2013-05-24
Creator
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

1
Episodes

6
Status

Ended
Language

English
Network

BBC Four

Keywords:

military weapons

Stream and watch The World's Weirdest Weapons

Season 1

1. Secret Weapons of D-Day

A look at outlandish weapons devised and occasionally used by worldwide military forces. The first pro...More

A look at outlandish weapons devised and occasionally used by worldwide military forces. The first programme looks at a `flying dustbin' and a floating harbour used by the Allies as they stormed Normandy on D-Day.Less

45mins 2013-04-17

2. The Flying Soldier

A bizarre idea proposed by the American military to strap jetpacks on to soldiers' backs to create an ...More

A bizarre idea proposed by the American military to strap jetpacks on to soldiers' backs to create an aerial fighting force.Less

45mins 2013-04-26

3. In Search of the Smart Bomb

Bizarre inventions. The hunt for the world's first guided bombs was on in WWII, with everything from u...More

Bizarre inventions. The hunt for the world's first guided bombs was on in WWII, with everything from unmanned drones to bombs steered by animals trialled.Less

45mins 2013-05-04

4. Hitler's Mad Weapons

Continuing the look at unusual munitions. As WWII dragged on, Hitler's engineers developed some revolu...More

Continuing the look at unusual munitions. As WWII dragged on, Hitler's engineers developed some revolutionary weapons - including a supergun and a mega tank.Less

45mins 2013-05-10

5. Seaplane Strike Force

A look at innovative weaponry. During the Cold War, the USA and the USSR were each developing top-secr...More

A look at innovative weaponry. During the Cold War, the USA and the USSR were each developing top-secret weapons that could be deployed on the water: seaplanes.Less