Master this essential guide to military observation balloons and their operation in field campaigns.
This complete treatise covers the manufacture, equipment, inspection, and handling of both captive and free balloons, with practical instructions for training a field balloon company. It blends technical detail with operational guidance to help readers understand how balloons support reconnaissance and artillery observation in war.
The book presents a thorough look at kite balloons, their envelopes, gas management, steering mechanisms, and the integration of the basket and ground communications. It also explains the roles of balloon divisions, escort duties, inflating stations, ascent planning, and safety considerations during mobilization and battle conditions. Throughout, the emphasis is on real-world procedures, from inflation to deployment and recovery.
- Learn how a kite balloon stays aloft and pointed into the wind, including gas bag design, ballonet function, and steering controls
- Explore the setup and use of inflating stations, ascent planning, and the logistics of moving balloon assets on the battlefield
- Discover crew roles, drill sequences, and practical handling during maneuvers, transport, and quick descents
- Understand the tactical uses of balloons for reconnaissance, artillery observation, and battlefield intelligence
Ideal for readers of military history and technical manuals who seek a concrete, era-specific view of balloon operations and field training.