Curious Historian

By Sarah Norman | February 6, 2024

Lazy Dog Bombs

In the ever-evolving realm of military innovation and strategic warfare, there exists a concept that might seem plucked straight from the pages of a science fiction thriller: Project Thor. This might sound like nonsense, but when it was introduced in the 1950s it was seen as a potential game-changer.

From its humble origins in the era of "Lazy Dog" bombs to the mind-boggling prospect of 'Rods from God' raining down from outer space, Project Thor remains one of the most unhinged military ideas of the 20th century.

Strap in and let's take a look at this terrifying concept meant to revolutionize modern warfare as we know it.

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To understand the origins of Project Thor, we need to hark back to the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During those conflicts, the military employed "Lazy Dog" bombs. These small kinetic projectiles, only 1.75 inches long and 0.50 inches in diameter, resembled conventional bombs but were designed to rain down on enemy troops, causing damage akin to a vertically fired machine gun.

From Led To Tungsten

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The concept of dropping solid steel pieces from aircraft evolved into something much grander. Instead of steel, the U.S. Air Force envisioned dropping massive tungsten rods from space. These "telephone pole-sized" rods would measure 20 feet in length and one foot in diameter, hurtling towards Earth at remarkable speeds.

Supersonic Impact

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The "Rods from God" were designed to gather staggering velocities, allowing them to slam into the Earth's surface at speeds ten times the speed of sound. This extraordinary speed would endow them with the ability to pierce deep into the Earth's crust, obliterating underground bunkers.

Nuclear-Like Explosions

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One of Project Thor's significant advantages lies in its destructive power. Upon impact, these tungsten rods would create explosions on par with nuclear bombs, yet without the devastating nuclear fallout associated with traditional nuclear weapons.

Do The 'Rods From God' Violate The Outer Space Treaty? Not Technically

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Project Thor treads a fine line when it comes to international law. The Outer Space Treaty, signed in 1967 by numerous countries, including the United States, prohibits the use of nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons in space. However, technically, non-explosive tungsten rods would not violate the treaty's terms.

What Can Go Wrong?

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Despite its potential advantages, Project Thor raises some valid concerns. The rods, designed to penetrate deep into the Earth, might inadvertently strike unintended targets, raising questions about the collateral damage they could cause. Additionally, their use might encourage countries to construct nuclear facilities beneath populated areas.

It's All Theoretical

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As of now, Project Thor, or the "Rods from God," remains purely theoretical. While it was considered as a potential strategy during the George W. Bush administration for targeting underground nuclear sites in rogue nations, it has not been implemented to date. The future of this awe-inspiring concept remains uncertain.

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