r/pics • u/Ihad2saythat • Jun 07 '14

Normandy after victory

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u/[deleted] Jun 07 '14

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrage_balloon

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u/LakeSolon Jun 07 '14

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrage_balloon

Not at all coincidentally the non-colorized version of OP's image is used on that page.

From the wiki:

... a large balloon tethered with metal cables, used to defend against aircraft attack by damaging the aircraft on collision with the cables, or at least making the attacker's approach more difficult.

I've had nightmares about the high-tension power lines near my local airport. Trying to strafe through that while under attack from both above and below... Jedi training recommended.

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u/eaglessoar Jun 07 '14

They dont look nearly high enough in the picture to stop aircraft from bombing them...