Cold war's atomic chickens: NATO's bizarre nuclear defence plan
During the Cold War, NATO searched for effective methods to prevent a potential Soviet invasion. One of the most extraordinary projects was Blue Peacock – a British atomic mine whose operation was to be aided by chickens. This unusual solution was intended to allow the weapon to function even in extreme winter conditions.
The project codenamed Blue Peacock involved the deployment of nuclear mines in West Germany. Their main task was to slow down the Soviet offensive and disrupt the rear by destroying key infrastructure. The mines could be detonated remotely or automatically eight days after being armed.
Atomic chickens as a solution to mine problems
The British planned to use modified Blue Danube bombs, each weighing over 6,800 kilograms and yielding up to 40 kilotons. To prevent their neutralisation, they were equipped with security features responsive to movement, decompression, and water flooding.
The biggest problem was the cooling of mines buried in the ground during winter, which could affect the efficiency of the electronics. Engineers from the Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment proposed an unconventional solution: using chickens as natural heaters. The birds placed inside the mine, with their body temperature of about 41-43 degrees Celsius, were to provide the appropriate temperature for several days.
In 1954, ten test specimens of the mines were ordered, but ultimately the Blue Peacock programme was cancelled. The reason was concerns about radioactive dust, which after detonation could threaten the UK itself. In 1958, work on this project was officially ended.
The Blue Peacock project remains one of the more original ideas of the Cold War, and the concept of atomic chickens continues to amaze. However, it is not the only controversial idea for using animals for military or political purposes from the Cold War era. This category also includes "Acoustic Kitty," a CIA programme that aimed to turn cats into cyborg spies.
