French Military Surveillance Balloon
by Science Source
Title
French Military Surveillance Balloon
Artist
Science Source
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
French reconnaissance squad flying a surveillance balloon designed by Jean-Marie-Joseph Coutelle (January 3, 1748 - March 20, 1835), a French engineer, scientist and pioneer of ballooning. The National Convention became interested in using Coutelle's balloon to observe enemy maneuvers and appointed him captain and first officer of the Company of Aeronauts. They ordered him to build balloons to aid the French Revolutionary armies. The balloon L'Entreprenant (The Enterprise) became the first military reconnaissance aircraft. It was first used to gather information during the 1794 conflict with Austria in the Battle of Fleurus. The presence of the balloon also had a demoralizing effect on the Austrian troops which improved the likelihood of victory for the French troops. This image has been color-enhanced.
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September 25th, 2016
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