That Time the U.S. Tried to Steer Bombs with Pigeons
During World War II, the Allies needed a way to make bombing more accurate. At the time, bomb accuracy was often measured in miles. Most bombs dropped by either side would miss their targets. Air armadas of hundreds-if not thousands-of bombers were necessary to ensure that just a handful of targets were struck.
The higher-ups had an obvious demand: better accuracy. But how? Contemporary computers were the size of school buses. The next best thing, according to noted behavioral psychologist B.F. Skinner, was a live pigeon. Yes, a live pigeon.
The YouTube channel "Plainly Difficult," explains the history of Project Pigeon:
Ultimately, the project was canceled, to the relief of pigeons everywhere, though not necessarily because the bird-brained scheme wouldn't have worked. It was instead a victim of budgetary constraints before it could be tested in battle. Still, it will live on forever as one of the weirder ideas in warfare.
Source: Plainly Difficult
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