World War II depleted the resources of many states, so their leadership tried to develop all kinds of tactics in order to gain an advantage over the enemy. In some cases, these tactics were incredibly bloody, in others, they were simply insane. The military and scientists experimented tirelessly, directing all their talents to improving weapons. We only remember successful developments that have become a springboard for the further development of military equipment, but, believe me, there have been many cases of overt failures. Such can be called a tank with attached wings or a huge vehicle, whose use could not be imagined without the help of a crane. Here is a list and 5 types of weapons of the times of World War II, striking with their absurdity.
5
Flying tanks
Attempts to develop flying tanks during World War II were made by several countries, but the most famous experiments were carried out by the USSR and Great Britain. The British were working on a Baynes Bat glider, which was supposed to help transport light tanks to the rear of the enemy. Soviet designers worked on a hybrid model of a tank and a glider called Antonov A-40. The T-60 tank, lightened to the maximum, was taken as the basis of military equipment. Initially, it was assumed that the hybrid would be sent to help the partisans, “unhooking” their wings after landing at the landing site. The crew of the miracle of technology consisted of two people. Work on the "flying tank" was carried out for about two years, but after a series of tests, the designers came to the conclusion that it would not be possible to realize the idea. Almost immediately after take-off, the towing motors overheated, which forced them to make emergency landings.
Japanese designers tried to create a tank with wings, but their bold experiments also failed. As a result, I had to abandon this idea, and look for new ways to achieve superiority over the enemy.
And this is an article about flying tanks, published in the journal Technique of Youth in 1990 (clickable):
4
Tanks "Donald Duck"
The official name of this tank is not “Donald Duck”, but Duplex Drive, which translates as “double movement”. It was developed with a special system that turns an ordinary tank into an amphibian. The use of this system was needed during the landing of the Allied forces in Normandy. In fact, “Donald Ducks” was not called a specific type of tank, but any combat vehicle on which the floating system was mounted. It consisted of a tarp, the lower part of which was attached to the hull of the tank. In the process of moving the tank on the ground, the tarp folded, taking up a minimum of space, and without interfering with the crew fighting the enemy. As soon as the tank descended into the water, the tarpaulin casing was opened, retaining its shape thanks to metal rails. Movement in the water was carried out by the work of propellers driven by the tank’s motors.
Of course, the whole design could not but cause laughter, the first experiments conducted back in 1941 by the British inventor of Hungarian origin Nicholas Straussler were met with rather skepticism. However, when the Mk VII light tank sailed into the reservoir, the idea of creating an amphibian ceased to seem utopian. Although the soldiers laughed at the new tanks, it is worth recognizing the experiment as successful with some reservations. Still, the nautical skills of this monster were rather low. After the Second World War, the use of the system was discontinued.
By the way, there is a very interesting article on the biggest tanks of the world on our site thebiggest.ru.
3
Searchlight Tanks CDL
Canal Defense Light tanks were developed by the British in the strictest confidence. Actually, the name of the tank was already fraudulent, it translates as "Light to protect the channel." The calculation was that if the enemy hears about the development of weapons, he will decide that the task of the tank is only to blind the enemy and highlight his positions. However, the real goal was to disorient the enemy, the spotlight was supposed to cause nausea and prevent counter-attacks on the positions of the British.
Several companies were involved in the work on creating the CDL, some of them made floodlights, other tank chassis, and a third tower to house electrical equipment. According to the designers' idea, a muzzle of a muzzle was placed next to the searchlight, which would distract the enemy before turning on the searchlight. Of course, such tanks were to be used only at night. After lengthy tests at the training grounds, the CDLs were allowed to participate in hostilities, but what was the disappointment of the designers when they learned that their offspring were used for other purposes, but as ordinary tractors. The government went too far with secrecy, so most of the officers simply did not know about the availability of searchlights, and those who knew were in no hurry to use them, since there were practically no battles at night. Over time, CDLs were used several times for their intended purpose, but in general, the project is considered completely failed.
2
Tauchpanzer III
The Tauchpanzer, nicknamed the "diving tank", was made on the basis of the German tank PzKpfw III. Its difference from the Donald Ducks is that German combat vehicles were supposed to move not above, but under water. Their development was dictated by the upcoming Operation Sea Lion, which involved the landing of German troops on the shores of Britain. All joints of the tank were sealed with bituminous resin, while hatches were sealed with rubber gaskets. It was assumed that the tank could move under water for 20 minutes, which already imposed serious restrictions. Air delivery to the crew was carried out using a special pipe, whose length reached 20 meters. The nozzle of the pipe was held to the surface by a float, to which the antenna was also attached. Radio communication was required to adjust the direction of movement of the tank, although the crew was equipped with navigation aids. In case of liquid getting inside the tank, a pump was installed to pump out water, and all participants of the “expedition” had underwater breathing equipment at their disposal.
On the one hand, German designers provided all the nuances, including the valve on the exhaust pipe and the possibility of cooling the engine with water, on the other hand, the limited travel time and immersion capabilities did not give full confidence in achieving a positive result. According to rumors, one of the reasons for the refusal to land in Britain was the failure to develop "diving tanks." They were used once in the process of carrying out the Barbarossa plan for passing the Western Bug, after which they were used only for solving ground problems.
But did you know that after May 9, 1945, hostilities were still taking place in Europe with Nazi troops? Read about the largest of them in this article.
1
Self-propelled mortar "Karl"
The total weight of this monster reached 126 tons, which makes the Karl Görat mortar one of the largest weapons. The development of mortars began in 1935. Thanks to various improvements, the designers managed to increase the firing range from 1 to 10 kilometers. The shots were fired by concrete-piercing shells weighing 1.5 tons, as well as high-explosive bombs weighing 1250 kg. Despite equipping the mortar with a self-propelled gun carriage, the possibilities of its movement were unusually small. "Karl" could travel at a speed of 10 km / h for short distances. Transporting the giant required the involvement of several tanks, a crane and a special mobile rail platform. To transport "Karl" it was required to divide it into four parts.
Despite the assurances of the Germans in the effective use of guns, their efficiency was simply ridiculous. For example, during an attack on the Brest Fortress, none of the three projectiles fired hit the target. The fourth shot could not be made due to the breakdown of the mortar. Also, "Karl" was used during the siege of Sevastopol. Shot about 200 times, the mortars were able to hit only one armored tower and damage the supply of electricity to the second. A total of 6 combat and one experimental mortar were made.
During the war, two "Karl" were captured by the Americans, one by Soviet troops, the rest were supposedly destroyed by the Germans themselves. Right is he who said that size does not matter!
Finally
And what ridiculous types of weapons of that period do you know? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Posted by: gunner1886