Cold War secrets: Britain's atomic chickens in Blue Peacock
During the Cold War, NATO sought effective methods to prevent a potential Soviet invasion. One of the most extraordinary projects was Blue Peacock – a British atomic mine to be supported by chickens. This unusual approach ensured the weapon functioned even in extreme winter conditions.
The project, codenamed Blue Peacock, involved deploying nuclear mines in West Germany. Their primary purpose was to slow the Soviet offensive and disrupt the rear front 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 7,000 kilograms and yielding up to 40 kilotons. To prevent neutralization, they were equipped with security features responsive to movement, decompression, and water flooding.
The most significant issue was the cooling of mines buried in the ground during winter, affecting the electronics' efficiency. Engineers from the Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment proposed an unconventional solution: using chickens as natural heaters. The birds, with a body temperature of about 41-43 degrees Celsius, were expected to maintain the appropriate temperature for several days.
In 1954, ten test specimens of the mines were ordered, but ultimately the Blue Peacock program was cancelled. The reason was concerns about radioactive dust, which could threaten the UK itself after detonation. In 1958, work on this project was officially concluded.
The Blue Peacock project remains one of the more original ideas of the Cold War, and the concept of atomic chickens continues to intrigue. 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 program that aimed to turn cats into cyborg spies.
