User:Bdrundridge

Shark Bomb

Shark Bomb was a natural, national defense technique proven ineffective in the 1940's

History:

In the midst of WWII, the Australian Navy began experimenting with different types of defense techniques when faced with threats from the expanding Japanese military. In addition to explosive devices and fire arms, several military developers began searching for creative, low-cost solutions for security. One such experiment was dislocating native carnivorous sharks via bait or air transport to areas where possible spies or intruders may enter the continent. However, this tactic was never utilized after preliminary tests proved unreliable and too expensive.

Techniques:

Two main shark bomb techniques were tested. The first was the luring of man-eating sharks to desired areas with bait. Scientists attempted to create a swell of threatening sharks by scenting certain areas with blood. The desire was to create a mass of sharks around areas of the coast to prevent divers and/or spies from attempting entry. Early trials conducted in enclosed environments proved promising as the sharks were easily persuaded by the scents in the water. However, when tested in an applicable environment, the behaviour of the sharks were less predictable due to greater area of involvement and increased distractions.

The second technique was the physical displacement of sharks to desired locations using air transports. This means is the basis for the term "Shark Bomb" and was tested around the island nation of Tonga. Four Planes carrying water tanks with six (6) sharks each were dropped near the town of Fuaamotu, where a collection of dummies were secretly placed. This trial was quickly determined unsuccessful after one plane accidently dropped the tank on land, and the remaining eighteen (18) sharks failed to strike a target. Although the six (6) sharks dropped on the shore died, no Tongans were injured by the miss-drop. One beach-goer's bicycle was severely damaged.

Types of Sharks:

The main types of sharks used in these experiments were mackerel sharks. Specifically, the Great White Shark was sought as they were deemed the biggest threat to the enemy. The size of the Great White made the transport difficult for the "Shark Bombing" technique.

Results:

The total time of research lasted less than 7 months and was proven inefficient and costly. The total monetary investment was over four-hundred thousand dollars australian (400,000 AUD). The project was deemed an embarrassment for the participants. Documentation and knowledge of the Shark Bombing experiment was never publicly released and was quickly disgarded by the Australian Military.

--Bdrundridge (talk) 17:45, 22 January 2009 (UTC)Bruno Drundridge