Ranken Dart

By Crusader1307

Designed in 1916. The Ranken Dart was a simple yet effective weapon. It was designed to severely damage Observation and Barrage Balloons and well as Zeppelins. The device was dart shaped and was roughly 2 feet long. The iron head was sharpened and held 1-pound of explosive. Used by Aircraft Pilots or Observers, upon reaching a “close” distance, The Ranken Dart was thrown (at the top of the balloon). Side fins for stabilization would extend automatically and help guide the dart to impact. Upon which, the charge would ignite and blow a large enough hole to damage or cause the balloon to crash. Even if the explosive charge did NOT detonate, several Darts could still cause enough damage to bring them down.