Barrage balloon
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A barrage balloon is a type of airborne barrage, a large uncrewed tethered balloon used to defend ground targets against aircraft attack, by raising aloft steel cables which pose a severe risk of coll
US Marine Corps barrage balloon, Parris Island, South Carolina, in May 1942
Landing ships putting cargo ashore on one of the invasion beaches during the Battle of Normandy. Note the barrage balloons, raised by the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion.
Balloons could be launched from specialised vehicles.
Kite balloon
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A kite balloon is a tethered balloon which is shaped to help make it stable in low and moderate winds and to increase its lift. It typically comprises a streamlined envelope with stabilising features
Barrage balloon
…severe risk of collision with hostile aircraft, making the attacker's approach difficult and hazardous. Early barrage balloons were often spherical. The kite balloon, having a shape and cable bridling that stabilizes the balloon and reduces drag, could be operated at higher wind speeds than a spherical balloon. Some…
Drachen kite balloon, showing its characteristic shape
Caquot kite balloon with basket near the ground