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  • BBC Four

The World's Weirdest Weapons

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

  • 2013
  • Ended
  • Documentary
  • ~45m / ep
  • 1 season

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.

Latest: Season 1 · 2013

View all seasons
  1. E1. Secret Weapons of D-Day

    Apr 17, 2013 · 45m

    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.

  2. E2. The Flying Soldier

    Apr 26, 2013 · 45m

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

  3. E3. In Search of the Smart Bomb

    May 4, 2013 · 45m

    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.

  4. E4. Hitler's Mad Weapons

    May 10, 2013 · 45m

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

  5. E5. Seaplane Strike Force

    May 7, 2013 · 45m

    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.

  6. E6. Weapons of the Superspies

    May 24, 2013 · 45m

    Unusual weaponry.