Secret Weapons of World War II (2023 - 2023)

As nations raced in covert labs to outgun their enemy, tanks in World War II proved pivotal, often dictating the course of battle. This episode delves into the T-34, the linchpin of the Red Army's armor, and the enigmatic Kugelpanzer. We feature airborne tanks like the Russian Antonov A-40 and Japanese Special No. 3, as well as the unique Canal Defence Light. Exploring super-heavy tanks such as the German Panzer VIII Maus, the US T-28, and the colossal Landkreuzer P.1000 Ratte, we highlight the complexities and challenges of secret weapon design.

World War II intensified aerial competition, driving nations to refine aircraft technology. This episode examines early jet fighters, including the German Messerschmitt Me 262 'Swallow' and the British Gloster 'Meteor.' We cover the German Amerikabomber and the Boeing B-29 'Superfortress,' epitomizing altitude and firepower pursuits. Designs such as the Bachem Ba 349 'Natter' and the Yokosuka MXY-7 'Ohka' emerged from wartime desperation. Additionally, we spotlight unique prototypes like the Vought V-173 'Flying Pancake' and the groundbreaking Silbervogel, hinting at future spaceflight.

World War Two reshaped naval warfare, with secret weapons playing pivotal roles. This episode explores these transformative innovations. We examine advances in submarine warfare, from the Japanese I400 submarines to the German Type XXI U-boats, along with groundbreaking systems like the URSEL Rocket U-boats and the UGS Manta, a craft merging hydrofoil speed with midget submarine stealth. Engineering marvels, from Mulberry Harbours to Yamato-class battleships, show nations' quests for an edge. We also touch on visionary concepts, like an aircraft carrier crafted from Pykrete.

The battles of World War II brought new strategies to the fore. Chief among them was the ability to use technology to wreak destruction from afar. From unique engineering solutions like the Dambusters bouncing bomb, to the bunker-busting Tall Boy and Grand Slam some of these secret weapons were designed for a specific battlefield purpose. Others hoped to harness the innate capabilities of nature to deliver their destuctiveness, like the unerring precision of the homing pigeon, incendiary-armed bats or the Fu-Go balloon bomb. Some represented fantastic leaps forward in technology like the worlds first cruise- and ballistic-missiles and one, the nuclear bomb, would even go on to define an age. Each was designed in secret to serve a particular purpose, or solve a new problem. And if they succeeded, they were revealed for the first time as a blazing ball of fire.

In World War II, success wasn't just about frontline weaponry; espionage and intelligence played crucial roles. Devices like the Enigma and codebreakers like the Bombe were as vital as tanks and guns. Weapons were designed for partisans and assassins, made for stealth and ease of hiding. Hollywood even aided in camouflaging factories and misdirecting forces, causing chaos for the enemy. With novel codes, decoys, and specialized firearms, spies and saboteurs showcased the clandestine dimension of the conflict.