Big Joe 5 crossbow
The Big Joe 5 crossbow (BJ5) was a shoulder-fired weapon developed by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) (predecessor to Central Intelligence Agency) to be used for assassinations up to 200 metres. The weapon was created with compactness in mind. It is described in John Brunner's book "OSS Weapons". It's ammunition consisted of 8 ounce aluminum darts or incendiary flare bolts.

Unlike most crossbows, the Big Joe 5 used a rigid triangular frame to suspend an array of elastic rubber bands, which provided the energy storage and propulsive mechanism for the bolts. The body of the weapon was roughly the size of a large handgun and it featured a hinged stock of heavy steel wire that doubled as a cocking lever. For transport and concealment the frame and stock could be folded, resulting in a very compact package.
Q181947
crossbow
Concept
Q658626
Office of Strategic Services
ORG
Q37230
Central Intelligence Agency
Concept
Q3882219
assassination
Concept
Q4905905
Big Joe 5 crossbow
Concept
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subclass of
developer
use