American military balloon unit inflating a reconnaissance

American military balloon unit inflating a reconnaissance balloon with hydrogen (1862). The balloons used were of varnished silk and, in spite of a small amount of leakage, they still retained sufficient gas to make ascents some days after their initial inflation. Engraving from Astra Castra by Hatton Turnor (London, 1865)

Amount Ascent Ascents Astra Castra Espionage Hatton Hydrogen Inflating Inflation Initial Leakage Reconnaissance Retained Spite Sufficient Turnor Varnished

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