RAF Mark VI Cable Cutter for Barrage Balloon Wire

This wing-mounted cable cutter was powered by a small explosive charge and was intended to cut barrage balloon wires if an aircraft became entangled in them. The balloon cable would run into the notch, triggering the charge, which released a sharp blade like a chisel to sever the cable.

Heavy bombers such as the Halifax and Lancaster had several such cutting devices fitted along the leading edges of their wings.