Balloon busters were military pilots known for destroying enemy observation balloons. These pilots were noted for their fearlessness, as balloons were stationary targets able to receive heavy defenses, from the ground and the air. Seventy-seven flying aces in World War I were each credited with destroying five or more balloons, and thus were balloon aces.
Observation balloon being shot down by a German biplane
British balloon of the German Parseval-Siegsfeld type, 1916, typical of observation balloons in the first half of World War I
A Nieuport 11 armed with Le Prieur rockets and an overwing Lewis gun
The leading balloon buster, Willy Coppens, is personally decorated by his monarch, King Albert I.
An observation balloon is a type of balloon that is employed as an aerial platform for gathering intelligence and spotting artillery. The use of observation balloons began during the French Revolutionary Wars, reaching their zenith during World War I, and they continue in limited use today. Synonyms include espionage balloon, reconnaissance balloon, spy balloon, and surveillance balloon.
British observation balloon from 1908, typical of pre-WWI observation balloons
The battle of Fleurus, 26 June 1794, saw the first military use of an aircraft (L'Entreprenant).
German Parseval-Siegsfeld type balloon at Équancourt (September 1916). The rear "tail" fills with air automatically through an opening facing the wind.
Caquot type kite balloon, used by the Allies in the mid-latter part of WWI