Explosive harpoon: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Walmuseum Húsavík - Explosionsharpune.jpg|thumb|Explosive harpoon used in Iceland in the 20th century]] |
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The '''explosive harpoon''' is a type of [[harpoon]] which uses an explosive discharge to assist in whaling. In [[Norway]], [[Japan]], and [[Iceland]], the use of these harpoons is commonplace. Norway created and utilises the most technologically advanced grenades in their harpoons.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} |
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The '''explosive harpoon''' is a type of harpoon which uses an explosive to assist in the capture of a [[whale]]. In [[Norway]], [[Japan]], and [[Iceland]], Penta-erythritol tetra-nitrate is used in harpoon grenades. These are steel canisters that thread onto the tip of a reusable harpoon, and explode by means of a hook and trigger line when they have penetrated approximately half a meter into the whale. It sends shrapnel through their bodies along with hooks that grab hold of the whale preventing the whale's escape. A cable then reels them in as they draw their last breath.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shocking film shows Japanese hunting fleet using exploding harpoons to slaughter whales |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/shocking-film-shows-exploding-harpoons-used-to-slaughter-whales-by-japanese-hunting-fleet-a3704661.html |website=Evening Standard |accessdate=16 August 2018}}</ref> Norway uses more advanced and more expensive grenades, where it is claimed that 80% of whales are killed instantly. Iceland uses the Norwegian grenades, which can kill even large fin whales instantaneously 84% of the time.In Japan, their use has been shown to yield a poor rate of instantaneous kills. <ref>http://www.fiskistofa.is/media/utgefid_efni/Oen2015_finwhale_TTDreport_final.pdf</ref> |
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== Historic versions == |
== Historic versions == |
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=== Albert |
=== Albert Moore's Explosive Harpoon === |
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Among many patents for explosive harpoons |
Among many patents for explosive harpoons is Albert Moore's patented hand-dart explosive harpoon. It was invented on March 16, 1844 (U.S. Patent No. 3,490). This was the first handheld explosive harpoon ever invented.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://whalecraft.net/Explosive.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423150044/http://whalecraft.net/Explosive.html|archive-date=2017-04-23|title=Explosive Harpoons|website=whalecraft.net|access-date=2018-02-27}}</ref> |
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== Controversy == |
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== Types of Explosive Harpoons == |
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=== Possible use as a weapon === |
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An alternate version of the explosive harpoon known as the power spear was only designed for the purpose of spearing. That could lead to multiple interpretations of it's true purpose, if it was only needed for fishing then it could have been called a variant of the harpoon. However, because the official description was vague in the patent, it's use is left up for interpretation.<ref name="Improved gun-harpoon">{{Cite journal|date=1848-12-05|title=Improved gun-harpoon|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US5949A/en}}</ref> |
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=== Mounted === |
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| ⚫ | 'Mounted' is a term for a broad range of explosive harpoons, as this variant can be mounted onto a ship it is generally bigger and more powerful than a hand thrown explosive harpoon. This type of harpoon is spring operated as explosive discharges which are more common in other forms of harpoons have proven to be volatile and delicate in the 'mounted' variant.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=1963-07-22|others=Charles E Willcox, Donald G Setty, Charles E Willcox, Donald G Setty|title=Muzzle-triggered gun|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US3145494A/en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=1946-08-20|others=John B Galliano, John R Grigg, Ind Ideas Inc|title=Harpoon cannon|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US2581758A/en}}</ref> |
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Whaling by itself endanger multiple species of whales. Nearly all of the countries involved in whaling, make use of explosive harpoons. The targeting of female Minke whales has caused marine conservation organizations to stand to the practice of whaling in general, which in turn,has helped bring a slow cease in the use of explosive harpoons. The excessive hunting of whales has been heavily assisted by the very fast-paced evolution of harpoons. Dramatic increase in reliability and effectiveness have caused whaling to be a highly profitable means of trade.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://seethewild.org/whale-threats/|title=Learn more about the whale threats of today {{!}} SEEtheWILD|date=2017-01-27|work=SEEtheWILD Wildlife Conservation Travel|access-date=2018-02-20|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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== Technologies == |
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=== Evolution === |
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The major evolution of explosive harpoons are the evolution of hand thrown to being propelled by a gun or ballistic type system. The biggest goal behind improvement was to ensure there was more piercing capabilities to better deliver the explosives. Harpoon guns were better optimized to ensure accurate deliverance of explosives.<ref name="Improved gun-harpoon"/> |
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==== Mounted ==== |
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=== Hand thrown === |
=== Hand thrown === |
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Hand thrown harpoons have been developed over time and now incorporate a gun or a ballistic type firing system.<ref name="Improved gun-harpoon">{{Cite journal|date=1848-12-05|title=Improved gun-harpoon|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US5949A/en}}</ref> |
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Gunpowder explosives seemed to remain constant but the functionality of explosive seemed to change. The explosion itself for a long time was the main tool for the death of the whale. In later times the explosion can be used in tandem with barbs or other impaling devices that can deliver fatal blows to the whale. |
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Many different types of explosives and propellant were tried. Initially, black powder grenades were used in the tips of harpoons. They had numerous problems; if the powder were to get wet, it had the potential to misfire, the powder was very sensitive and had a tendency to combust prematurely, and the sulfur used in the powder could taint the taste of the whale’s meat. |
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Switched from gunpowder to explosive charges, most models involved uses of gunpowder and ways to optimize use of gunpowder.<ref name=":0" /> |
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== Use == |
== Use == |
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[[File:Japan Factory Ship Nisshin Maru Whaling Mother and Calf.jpg|thumb|Adult and juvenile [[minke whales]] dragged aboard a Japanese ship; the wound on the juvenile was reportedly caused by an explosive harpoon]] |
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The explosive harpoon |
The explosive harpoon has historically only been used for whaling. Due to Oliver Allen’s improvements to the device, it can now be used on a smaller scale and in common practices like spearfishing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://americanhistory.si.edu/onthewater/collection/AG_056230.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604022118/http://americanhistory.si.edu/onthewater/collection/AG_056230.html|archive-date=2009-06-04|title=On the Water - Whaler's Allen's Gun Harpoon|website=americanhistory.si.edu|access-date=2018-02-20}}</ref>{{verification failed|date=August 2022}} |
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In 1986, the International Whaling Commission issued a global moratorium against commercial whaling. This had a positive effect on the worldwide whale population. However in certain countries like Canada, Japan, Norway, Indonesia and Iceland whaling is still continues on a limited scale, as this is considered an integral part of their cultures. The explosive harpoon is being replaced by rifles in most modern whaling in these countries. <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20151203-why-do-some-countries-still-hunt-whales|title=Why do some countries still hunt whales?|last=Hogenboom|first=Melissa|language=en|access-date=2018-02-20}}</ref> |
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<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.whalefacts.org/history-of-whaling/|title=WHALE FACTS MARINE MAMMAL FACTS & INFORMATION|language=en|access-date=2018-07-05}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Harpoon]] |
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* [[Harpoon cannon]] |
* [[Harpoon cannon]] |
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* [[Svend Foyn]] |
* [[Svend Foyn]] |
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Latest revision as of 15:29, 15 December 2024
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The explosive harpoon is a type of harpoon which uses an explosive discharge to assist in whaling. In Norway, Japan, and Iceland, the use of these harpoons is commonplace. Norway created and utilises the most technologically advanced grenades in their harpoons.[citation needed]
Historic versions
[edit]Albert Moore's Explosive Harpoon
[edit]Among many patents for explosive harpoons is Albert Moore's patented hand-dart explosive harpoon. It was invented on March 16, 1844 (U.S. Patent No. 3,490). This was the first handheld explosive harpoon ever invented.[1]
Charles Burt’s Explosive Harpoon
[edit]Patented on May 6, 1851, by Charles Burt of Belfast, Maine (U.S Patent No. 8,073), this was the second harpoon of its kind.
Types of Explosive Harpoons
[edit]Mounted
[edit]'Mounted' is a term for a broad range of explosive harpoons, as this variant can be mounted onto a ship it is generally bigger and more powerful than a hand thrown explosive harpoon. This type of harpoon is spring operated as explosive discharges which are more common in other forms of harpoons have proven to be volatile and delicate in the 'mounted' variant.[2][3]
Hand thrown
[edit]Hand thrown harpoons have been developed over time and now incorporate a gun or a ballistic type firing system.[4]
Use
[edit]
The explosive harpoon has historically only been used for whaling. Due to Oliver Allen’s improvements to the device, it can now be used on a smaller scale and in common practices like spearfishing.[5][failed verification]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Explosive Harpoons". whalecraft.net. Archived from the original on 2017-04-23. Retrieved 2018-02-27.
- ^ "Muzzle-triggered gun". Charles E Willcox, Donald G Setty, Charles E Willcox, Donald G Setty. 1963-07-22.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help)CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ "Harpoon cannon". John B Galliano, John R Grigg, Ind Ideas Inc. 1946-08-20.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help)CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ "Improved gun-harpoon". 1848-12-05.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "On the Water - Whaler's Allen's Gun Harpoon". americanhistory.si.edu. Archived from the original on 2009-06-04. Retrieved 2018-02-20.