Author Topic: US/British Observation Balloons question  (Read 2495 times)

Offline 66L79

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US/British Observation Balloons question
« on: July 05, 2020, 09:56:00 AM »
How were British/US Observation Balloons filled from the trucks out in the field?

(Not what they were filled with)

Any reference photos would be much appreciated, too.

Offline Berman

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Re: US/British Observation Balloons question
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2020, 02:12:25 AM »
 Observation balloons were filled either from compressed gas cylinders or mobile equipment. One truck or wagon contained acid that immersed iron filings to produced hydrogen. There was a gas washing truck that removed any remaining acid from the gas to prevent damage to the balloon's fabric. Portable compressors were used to fill the balloon.
 You can see photos here.  Computer search.   "In World War I, balloons posed a deadly advantage"

Offline 66L79

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Re: US/British Observation Balloons question
« Reply #2 on: July 10, 2020, 11:42:35 AM »
Thank you for the useful information.  I found a website with your search with some photos.