Paradummy

A paradummy is a military deception device first used in World War II, intended to imitate a drop of paratroop attackers.

[citation needed] The dolls were immobile and about 85 cm tall, consequently smaller than a person, but on the ground during twilight it was difficult to discern the difference between them and real parachutists.

[citation needed] The dummies contained explosives which detonated on impact with the ground, in order to confuse nearby defenders.

[2] In addition, real parachutists would hang motionless from their parachutes during the jump, so that the ground troops could not discern them from real jumpers or comrades who had been shot while airborne.

Some of the original dolls from this find are now exhibited in war museums.