Kite balloon
Videos
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
Drachen kite balloon, showing its characteristic shape
Caquot kite balloon with basket near the ground
Barrage balloon
Videos
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
Kite balloon
…windy conditions. They were extensively used for military observation during World War I and similar designs were used for anti-aircraft barriers, as barrage balloons in both world wars. Developed in Germany from 1893 by Parseval and Sigsfeld (de:Hans Bartsch von Sigsfeld), the main component of their kite balloon…
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.