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Re: Soviet balloon
Ballons were very well protected by AAA and sometimes with fighter patrols also. IIRC in 44 at least Maj. Luukanen (56 kills) was shot down while bursting an observation balloon, Lt Pekuri (18½ kills) got a direct 37mm hit in rear fuselage while trying to burst another and, in this I'm more uncertain, Capt. Puhakka (42 kills) was forced to make an emergency landing after hits during still another balloon bursting sortie. All pilots survived but still the balloon bursting was very dangerous. And these examples are only those that came to my mind instantly.
juha
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