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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION PRESSSMITHSONIAN

ANNALSOF

FLIGHT~

Japan's World W a r II
Balloon Bomb Attacks on
North America

Robert C. Mikesh

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION PRESSCity of Washington
1973

NUMBER

9

SERIAL

PUBLICATIONS

OF THESMITHSONIANINSTITUTION

T h e emphasis u p o n publications as a m e a n s of diffusing knowledge was expressedby t h e first Secretary of t h e Smithsonian Institution. I n his formal p l a n for the Institution, J o s e p h H e n r y articulated a p r o g r a m t h a t included t h e following s t a t e m e n t :" I t is proposed to publish a series of reports, giving a n a c c o u n t of the new discoveriesin science, a n d of the changes m a d e from year to year in all b r a n c h e s of k n o w l e d g e . "T h i s keynote of basic research has been a d h e r e d to over t h e years in t h e issuanceof t h o u s a n d s of titles in serial publications u n d e r the Smithsonian i m p r i n t , comm e n c i n g w i t h Smithsonian
Contributions
to Knowledge
in 1848 a n d c o n t i n u i n g
w i t h t h e following active series:
Smithsonian

AnnalsofSmithsonian

Contributions

toSmithsonian

Contributions

toSmithsonian
Smithsonian

Contributions

Smithsonian

Contributions

Studies

Anthropology
Astrophysics
toBotanyto the EarthContributions

Smithsonian
Smithsonian

Contributions

Flightin History

toSciences

Paleobiology
toand

ZoologyTechnology

I n these series, the Institution publishes original articles a n d m o n o g r a p h s dealing
w i t h t h e research a n d collections of its several m u s e u m s a n d offices a n d of professional colleagues at other institutions of learning. T h e s e papers r e p o r t newly a c q u i r e dfacts, synoptic interpretations of d a t a , or original theory in specialized fields. T h e s epublications are distributed by mailing lists to libraries, laboratories, a n d o t h e r interested institutions a n d specialists t h r o u g h o u t the world. I n d i v i d u a l copies m a y b eobtained from t h e Smithsonian Institution Press as long as stocks are available.
S.

DILLONRIPLEY

Secretary
Smithsonian

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Mikesh, Robert C.
Japan's World War II balloon bomb attacks on North America(Smithsonian annals of flight, no. 9)
Bibliography: p.
1. World War, 1939-1945-Aerial operations, Japan. 2. Balloons. I. Title. II. Series.
TL515.S5no. 9[D792.J31
613.13'08s[940.54'49'52]
72-8325
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
Price $1.50 domestic postpaid or $1.25 GPO Bookstore
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Institution

Contents
Page

Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Origin and Development
Transpacific Balloon
American Reaction
United States Military Countermeasures
Propaganda
Conclusion
Appendixes
Detailed Description of A-Type Paper Balloon
B-Type Rubberized-silk Balloon
Hopper-Type Flight-control Apparatus
Payload Ordnance
Balloon Production
Inflating and Launching
Degree of Development
War Casualties on United States Soil
Otlier American Observations
Chronology of Balloon-bomb Incidents
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index

ui

iv
v
1
2
7
25
28
37
38
40
54
57
58
61
63
66
67
69
69
82
83
84

Foreword
Mr. Mikesh has compiled the most complete account ever published on one of themost bizarre and obscure chapters in modem warfare. Never before had the United Statesreceived attacks launched directiy from an enemy shore. Never before had the American
public been more in the dark about the nature of an attack, due to tight security
measures.
Although the damage caused by these balloons was slight, their psychologicalimpact was real, and history should not overlook their use. Mr. Mikesh became an
authority on this subject through personal interest while serving in the United States Air
Force. He studied this subject in detail while stationed for a number of years in Japan andsupplemented these findings with our own military records. Now a retired major, Mr.
Mikesh has written authoritatively on the subject in a variety of publications, and thisAnnals of Flight represents the culmination of years of fastidious research on afascinating subject.
Michael Collins, Director
National Air and Space MuseumIVAcknowledgements
My first note of thanks must go to a close family friend, Justis Webb, who sparked
my interest in this subject in 1945. He had been an Air Force pilot flying C-47s onforest-fire patrols relating to the defense against the ballon bombs and gave me the firsthint that such a weapon existed. Little was said about the balloons even after the war, but
my curiosity continued to grow.
In 1960, while researching another subject at the Aerospace Studies Institute,
Maxwell AFB, Alabama, I casually mentioned by interest in Japanese balloon bombs toMiss Marguerite K. Kennedy, Chief, Archives Branch. Through her kind assistance, sheand her staff searched their files and discovered a vast amount of material on this subject.
It was at this time that I decided to prepare a definitive study about the Japanese balloon
bombs, since little information other than brief accounts had ever been published. Afterten years of collecting, researching, and interviewing many that were associated with theballoon bomb, I feel satisfied that as much relevant material as possible has been locatedfor incorporation into this document. This could not have been possible had it not been
for the help of a great many people.
During my final four-year period in Japan, I was able to meet and discuss withmany of those having firsthand knowledge of the balloon program. Among these wereformer Major Teiji Takada, engineer for the balloon project, who provided invaluable
material and insight from his personal observations. For this, I am grateful. My thanks toformer Colonel Susumu Nishuira, now Chief, Japan War History, Defense Agency,
Ichigaya, Tokyo, for locating and making available to me the many Japanese documentson this military operation. I frequently think of the many laborious hours spent by mygood friends, Mr. Tosuke (Jack) Magara, and Mr. Shorzoe Abe in providing the translations
needed to make these documents meaningful to me. Mr. Mannoske Toda, publisher of
Koku Fan, made his material on balloon bombs available for this study. Mr. Eiichiro
Sekigawa was most generous as a close personal advisor and in providing many
opportunities for acquiring this material in Japan through his affiliations in theaviation-writing and publishing field. Mr. Yoshiji (Eddie) Osawa was a great inspiration asa friend, having had firsthand experience as a boy in the hand manufacture of theballoons, and in relating his wartime experiences.
Mr. James A. Winker, vice president of Raven Industries, Inc., provided a large
amount of material. Through his company's association in the manufacture of balloons,material had been acquired about Japan's balloons and this file was made available to me.
This provided many heretofore missing details for which I am very grateful. Colonel C.V.
Glines, USAF (Ret.) gave continuing encouragement in seeing this project to reality due
to his interest in the subject, and was most helpful in some of its preparation. Dr.
Clarence S. Ross, formerly with the United States Geological Survey had been themineralogist that evaluated the sand carried as ballast by the balloons. During ourinterview, he disclosed a great deal of information never before recorded on this subject
which adds greatly to this study. When Mr. Frank Lara, public relations manager of die
Weyerhaeuser Company, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, learned of this documentation
project, he offered eager assistance with photographs and accounts surrounding die six
casualties of the balloon bomb that occurred in the company's lumbering area.

Meteorologists James F. Andrews and Philip F Clapp of the National Weather Service,
Suitland, Maryland, were very helpful in their technical assistance relating to information
about the upper air currents that carried the balloons across the Pacific.
The help and encouragement of my colleagues at the National Air and Space
Museum cannot go without special mention. Namely, these are Messrs. Louis S. Casey,
Robert B. Meyer Jr., C. Glen Sweeting; and Louise Heskett of the Smithsonian Institution
Press, who edited this manuscript. Mr. Roger Pineau, a former NASM colleague, has given
unstintingly of his knowledge of Japanese history, language, and lore. His counsel andtranslations have been invaluable.
The cover art work, which adds a touch of Japanese flavor to this study, wasexpertly done by Mrs. Keiko Hiratsuka Moore and is most appreciated.
To all these people, and to any who may have been inadvertently overlooked I givemy sincere thanks.
Robert C. Mikesh
15 June 1972

Introduction
The strategy of large-scale modern warfare, whichleans very heavily upon the Intercontinental Ballistic
Missile, may well have been touched off by die epic
attack of the Doolittie Raiders against Tokyo in April
1942. Ironically, this mission also sparked the inventionof the world's first intercontinental weapon. The
concept of balloon bombs might have changed thecourse of the war in favor of the Japanese had it been
pursued with more vigor and tenacity.
The "Doolittie Raid" during World War II wasplanned against Japan to "cause confusion and impede
production." The Americans knew that the bomb loadsof these sixteen B-25 Mitchell bombers could not doenough physical damage to invoke any permanent delayof the war. But there were high hopes that theappearance of American planes over the Japanese homeislands would be such a psychological blow tiiat theenemy might change their strategy of conquest to thebenefit of the Allies.
Doolittle had no way of knowing then, but the boldraid he led hastened the end of the war by encouraging
the Japanese to engage the Americans at Midway andlose disastrously. In a desperate attempt to find a meansof reprisal, the Japanese conceived a method to strikedirectly at the American continent. Their plan was
simple; launch balloons with incendiary and antipersonnel bombs attached, let them travel across the
Pacific with the prevailing winds, and drop on American
cities, forests, and farmlands.

It took over two years to design the balloons, bombs,
and automatic dropping mechanism. Japanese scientists,
spurred on by the fury of the militarists and the need fora return gesture which would regain them the "face"
they believed they had lost in die eyes of die world,
worked day and night to solve the technical problems.
Finally, on 3 November. 1944, the first of more thannine thousand bomb-bearing balloons was released. It isestimated that nearly one thousand of the death-dealing
balloons must have reached die North American
continent. They were found over an area from Attu in
the Aleutians, as far east as Michigan, and reachingsouthward to Mexico. They took die lives of six
Americans and caused otiier damage, but their potential
for destruction and fires was awesome. Even more
important, if die extent of this remote kind of bombing
had been known generally, the shock to American
morale might have been worse than any potential
material damage.
Historians have tended to make fight of this use ofman's oldest air vehicle, seemingly a pathetic last-ditch
effort to retaliate against the United States. It was,however, a significant development in military concept,
and it preceded today's intercontinental ballistic missiles
launched from land or submarines. Had this balloon
weapon been further exploited by using germ or gas
bombs, the results could have been disastrous to theAmerican people.

Figure 1. The large Japanese paper bombing balloon in the rear of the exhibit hall in the Smithsonian Institution's
Arts and Industries Building in 1972. This one was recovered at Echo, Oregon, on 13 March 1945 after making the
Pacific crossing. (72-2993)
1Origin and Development
The

Unexpected

From widespread reports during 1944-1945, alongwith paper and metal fragments, United States military
authorities began piecing together a fantastic story. The
following are four isolated but typical incidents that led
the military to become concerned.
A father and son on an early morning fishing trip
were just settling down when they observed aparachute or balloon-like object drift silently by andover Hie nearby hill. Moments later an explosion
echoed through die valley leaving only a small traceof smoke coming from the direction in which theobject had disappeared. By the time the two reached
the area of the incident, fragments of paper were theonly thing unusual in the silence of the north woods.
The attention of two farmers at work in their field
was diverted to a sudden explosion in a nearby field
and an eruption of a cloud of yellow smoke. They
moved cautiously to the scene, only to find a small

hole in the ground witii metal fragments nearby.
There was no evidence as to how this mysterious
object was delivered.
A mother tucking her sleeping child in for thenight was shocked by a sudden flash of light throughHie window followed instantly by the sharp crack ofan explosion in the silent darkness.
Ranchers coming over the top of a hill near where
they had camped the night before, discovered apartially inflated balloon entangled in the scrub
brush. It had no bombs, but somewhere along its
journey it had discharged its lethal cargo.
A Japanese offensive had been launched using
balloon-borne incendiaries and anti-personnel bombs
carried by wind currents to the American continent.
World War II air raids by enemy planes usually allowed
ample warning for people to take cover, but this new
threat against a nation that had never experienced an air
offensive was being launched in silence without any
form of warning by an air vehicle dating back to 1783.

Figure 2. United States military and government officials inspect a Japanese balloon
near Bums, Oregon, where it was discovered on 23 February 1945 (USAF 30776AC).

The threat of an unheralded explosion with attendant
death and destruction could panic the nation. There was
no way of knowing the possible extent or duration of
balloon launchings. In the dry season, widespread
scattering of incendiary bombs could literally burn out
the vast forests of the Pacific Coast. This was Japan's
intended purpose along with the associated psychological effect upon the American people. Then, there
was the possibility of using balloons to spread germ
warfare—a far greater menace.1 The threat to the nation
was more frightening than the military or other government agencies dared reveal to the public, and so thesituation was played down as much as possible.
For Hie Japanese, this was not a simple air operation.
It took two years of testing and preparation before thefirst bomb-carrying balloon was launched from Japan.
But mey drew upon a technology that dated back muchfurther.

Early Balloon

Programs

At the siege of Venice when no position could befound for siege guns, it was decided to use balloons forbombardments. This was during the Italian War of
Independence, 1848-1849, when Austrian Lieutenant
Uchatius undertook the technical development of sucha means of attack. Hot air balloons of thin paper wereused. These balloons could carry bombs weighing thirtythree pounds for a half hour, and were dropped bymeans of a time fuse. The point of departure of theballoons was determined by the direction of the wind.
No great material damage was done to the enemy,
though one of the charges burst in St. Mark's Square. An
unexpected shift of the wind drove some of theballoons back to the besiegers and their use wasabandoned.
The Japanese idea of a balloon bomb originated in
1933, when Lieutenant General Reikichi Tada, of theJapanese Military Scientific Laboratory, was assigned tothe head the "Proposed Airborne Carrier Research andDevelopment Program" which was to investigate anddevelop new war weapons. Several revolutionary
weapons were already under consideration. The "I-GoWeapon" was a small wire-controlled, manless tankwhich could attack enemy pillboxes and wire entanglements. The "Ro-Go-Weapon" was a project to develop a
rocket propellant. Still another was a "death-ray"weapon which could kill enemy soldiers at close range
with a charge of electricity.

Though possible, the Japanese did not consider this aspect.

Figure 3. Japanese paper bombing balloon (A 37180C).
Of all the items under consideration in this series, the"Fu-Go-Weapon" seemed to offer the most promise. The
idea was based on small, four-meter-diameter (13.1 feet),
constant-altitude balloons capable of carrying explosives.
The wind was to carry the balloons approximately
seventy miles to enemy positions, where the bomb load
would be released by a time fuse. It was hoped that theresults would approximate in range and accuracy thoseof the heavy guns used by the Germans against Paris in
World War I. This project appears to have been stopped
in 1935 and never completed.

Figure 4. A faulty ballast-dropping mechanism caused this balloon to land, without
dropping its bombs, near Tremonton, Utah, on 23 February 1945. Little damage wascaused to the envelope.

An excursion into the Japanese language is warranted
here to ensure an understanding of weapon nomenclature. The term "Go" in this sense, is the equivalent of"Number." In the case of the "I-Go-Weapon," "I"(pronounced "EE") is the first character of the JapaneseI, Ro, Ha syllabary. "Ro-Go-Weapon" could be properlytranslated to "Weapon No. B" or the second in thisseries. "Fu-Go" is the thirty-second character of thesyllabary. These weapons are exotic by nature to be
sure, but considering the time of their development, it isFigure 5. Americans were quick to inflate a recovered Japanese balloon for inspection of
all components. This balloon was retrieved intact near Alturas, California, on 10 January
1945. (U.S. Army photograph, SC-226135)

unlikely tiiat they were preceded by thirty-one
advanced-weapon ideas. "Fu" happens also to be thefirst character in "Fusen," meaning "Balloon," and thisprobably explains why this weapon was termed "FuGo."
Although conceived in the mid-1930s, ten years
before its actual use, the idea of the balloon weapon
system was never totally shelved. Limited researchcontinued with the idea of using it to scatter propaganda
leaflets in enemy territory, taking advantage of lower
altitude winds. Balloons large enough to silently carryfoot soldiers into enemy lines at night was also con-sidered. Thus, the element of surprise as obtained withthe present-day paratrooper would be realized.
With the onset of World War II, reorganization ofarmy units placed the balloon-weapon research underthe 9th Military Technical Research Institute, 2 and theformer Army Scientific Laboratory was discontinued.
The degree of priority given to the "Balloon Bomb"
Commonly called Noborito Research Institute, locatedwhere the Odawara Express Line crosses the Tama River on thesouthwest side of Tokyo. Flight testing eventually moved toIchinomiya on the Chiba Peninsula, to later become one of theoperational launch sites for the balloon offensive.

project cannot actually be determined. Its importancewas enhanced, however, by the Doolittie Raid on 18
April 1942, along with other methods or reprisal against
the American continent. As the threat of air attacks
against Japan became a continuing reality, with theAmerican continent yet untouched, revengeful attack
methods gained in importance.
Other considerations included one-way bombing
attacks by long-range, land-based bombers. There were,
however, no suitable airfields within practical range of
the United States. Japan kept trying until the end of the
war to develop a bomber capable of non-stop flight fromJapan to the United States, one way if necessary. Aninterim measure of launching small, bomb-carrying
airplanes from submarines was studied and one attack
was made by one Yokosuka E14Y1 aircraft (Allied Codename "Glen"), the night of 9 September 1942, starting
small forest fires near Mt. Emily, Oregon. Improved
planes and submarines were developed, but there was no
promise forthcoming of any appreciable number of suchattacks, and primary efforts were diverted to otherprojects.
The research project of balloon weapons wascontinued in an effort to bomb the American continent.
In March 1943, a six-meter (19.6 feet) balloon with adesired range of 3,000 kilometers (1,863 miles) was
developed which flew 1,000 kilometers (621 miles)
between the west and east coasts of Japan. It was foundthat this model could stay in the air for more than thirty
hours at an altitude of 8 kilometers (26,247 feet). This
type of balloon was further developed so that allcomponents could be loaded on board submarines
through their restrictive hatches. The balloon was to be

inflated on the deck of the submarine, then attached toit was an automatic altitude-control device, a timemechanism for releasing a bomb, and one 5-kilogram
incendiary bomb. The balloon was to be launched fromthe submarine on the surface at night approximately 620
miles from the United States giving it a flight time ofabout ten hours. Success probability for flight was quite
good provided a flight was confined to daylight or nighttime, but not to both. Gas expansion and contraction
caused by day-night temperature change would create
problems with longer flight times.
So much importance was attached to this effort, that
it was made a joint army-navy research project. The navy
would equip two submarines3 at the Kure Naval Basewith balloon launching facilities, while the army would
concentrate on balloon development and ordnance to be
dropped from them. Two hundred balloons wereassembled for this operation.
Plans were nearing completion when the submarines
being modified for this mission were recalled for the
Guadalcanal operation, resulting in the discontinuanceof this project in August 1943. The acute war situation
dictated that every available submarine was needed totransport weapons and food to the starving Japanese
troops in the islands.
As the noose of Allied might drew tighter around theJapanese, the necessity for some way to carry the fightto the enemy's shores became more urgent. The development of longer range balloons launched from Japanesesoil seemed to be a logical answer.

Submarines 1-34 and 1-35 were so equipped.

Transpacific Balloon
Meteorology
The idea of "inter-continental free-flight balloons"was feasible. There was a continuity of wind patterns
over Japan and over the American continent. The 9th
Military Technical Research Institute sought the adviceof the Central Meteorological Observatory in Tokyo,
where meteorologist H. Arakawa was asked about thefeasibility of using these wind currents. He was also
asked the following questions. At what altitude should
the selection be for the balloon bombs to travel? Whatseasons are most favorable to the project? How manydays would it take for balloons released from Japan toreach the central zone of the United States? What would
be the diffusion of the constant-level balloons over
North America?
Fairly accurate data was available to Mr. Arakawa
concerning winds from the Asian continent that crossed
over Japan, but winds over the Pacific were relatively
uncharted. The phenomenon of local wind speeds of 200
to 300 kilometers per hour (120 to 185 miles per hour)at certain latitudes and at higher altitudes of around 12
kilometers (39,370 feet) in the winter months were being
studied and needed further research. Little was known of
air currents above 13.5 kilometers (44,291 feet).
Between 1942 and 1944, facts were collected andstudied from the seven Japanese radiosonde stations at
Sendai, Niigata, Wajima, Yonago, Fukuoka, Shio-noMisaka, and Oshima (see Figure 6). From these recordsof the upper air in scattered regions of Japan, supplemented by surface weather observations from ships
and islands over the Pacific Ocean, Arakawa was able todevelope logical wind-flow patterns extending across the
Pacific. These "rivers of fast moving air"—later called"jet streams"—which had been studied in Japan did not
become a major matter of American interest until
high-level, B-29 bombing raids against Japan were wellunder way in 1944. Beginning in October, the jet stream
is quite strong over or south of Japan above the
9.1-kilometer (30,000-foot) level, and it attains
maximum velocity from November through March. Useof this jet stream increased the chances of success in theemployment of this balloon weapon.

The method used to estimate the upper wind patternnear 12 kilometers, very briefly, was to assume that thedecrease of temperature with altitude over the Pacific
was given. Then, using surface weather observations, it
was possible to calculate the pressure field at thisaltitude. The horizontal gradient of pressure, together
with the latitude, then gives the geostrophic wind speed.
From these calculations, the flying course of theballoon, its speed, and its diffusion were analogized, andoptimum launch locations were determined. It wasnoted that the upper air stream varied considerably incurve as it reached the American continent. The air
stream in the American continent area would generally
flow to the southward, while this could vary as theballoon would descend as it neared its destination. The
time required for a balloon to transit the Pacific Ocean
was estimated to be from tiiirty to one hundred hours
with an average time of sixty hours.
To substantiate these findings and determine thefeasability of spanning the Pacific, some two hundred
paper balloons4 were launched during the winter of
1943-1944. These meteorological tests were a joint
effort along with engineers whose task was to develop
the transpacific balloon. Attached to each experimental
balloon was radiosonde equipment to collect andtransmit upper air information to stations in Japan.
None of the balloons reached the United States nor wasthat the intention. From the information derived andfurther calculations, answers to the meteorological questions were obtained and Japanese engineers—encouragedby the probability of success—proceeded with enthusiasm.

Engineering

Obstacles

The main concern that faced engineers for the"Fu-Go Weapon" was to develop a method of keeping
the balloon flying at a fairly high altitude for the fifty toseventy hours it would take to cover the 6,200 miles ofocean. If the balloons were launched in the daytime,
These were the balloons that had been placed in storage forsome future use after the submarine-launched, balloon operation
was terminated.

SENDAIOSHIMA
SHIO-NO-MISAKA

Figure 6. Radiosonde plotting-station locations in Japan used
for upper wind study in 1945.

continuous sun radiation in clear skies at the upper
altitudes would cause the gas temperature to rise froman average of 0°C. to more than 30°C. in the afternoon
on the side of the balloon facing the sun. This would
expand the balloons to the bursting point. At night, thereverse would be true since the temperature is usually-50°C, and at 33,000 feet atmospheric pressure isapproximately one-fourth the pressure at sea level. The
balloon would thus lose excessive altitude as it lost
buoyancy.
By using the experience gained from the six-meterdiameter balloons, the problem was solved by the
installation of a gas discharge valve at the base of theballoon, and attaching an ingenious automatic systemfor dropping ballast. The size of the balloon had to belarge enough to support the increased load of ballast andthe metering valve, which together controlled theballoon altitude. To obtain this added endurance forincreased range, a ten-meter-diameter (32.8 foot) balloon was determined as optimum for this requirement.
The buoyancy of the ten-meter balloon was about fivetimes that of the six-meter balloon. The balloons,
usually made of three and four layers of tissue paper
cemented together to form a gas-proof sphere, were
inflated with hydrogen to a capacity near 19,000 cubicfeet. When filled, they had a lifting capacity of 1,000
pounds at sea level and about 300 pounds at 30,000
feet. The balloon envelope was encircled by a scalloped
cloth band to which numerous shroud lines wereattached, and these were tied together below in twolarge knots. From these knots, the bombs and ingenious
ballast release mechanism were suspended.

The altitude-control mechanism was developed under
the supervision of Technical Major Otsuki of theNoborito Research Institute. This device consisted of acast-aluminum wheel from which bags of sand were
hung. By means of aneroids and a small battery, a releasefuse attached to two sandbags was ignited whenever theballoon reached a preset minimum altitude. The balloon
then would rise again to approximately 38,000 feet, andbe carried along by the higher winds. It would sink tothe minimum desired altitude—around 30,000 feet—as
the gas slowly escaped or was cooled. Two more
sandbags were then dropped, as the process was
repeated. When all thirty-two sandbags were expended,
the balloon would discharge its load of bombs anddestroy itself by a small demolition charge. The numberof cycles required was calculated, based upon forecasted
wind speeds, and appropriate settings were made toposition the balloon over the American continent for
bomb release.
The next engineering problem was unusual temperatures and pressures that the balloon equipment would
encounter. All Japanese army equipment was designed
to operate to extremes of-30°C; however, at-50°C. atthe 260-millibar pressure level, rubber components andsprings lost their elasticity. Also electrical batteries weregreatly reduced in power output, and ballast-dropping
explosives lost reliability because of the low pressure.
Therefore, considerable research was directed toward
high-altitude explosives, antifreeze batteries, and the useof solar heat and other insulation methods.
As these tests were being made between May andAugust 1944, nearly all dry ice in Tokyo—for testingcold resistance of components—was diverted to thisproject. It was a common practice for scientists working
on this program to personally check daily on the statusof the ever-dwindling supply of dry ice.
Tests conducted to determine direction and altitudeof the balloon, skin and gas temperatures, gas pressure,ballast dropping, altitudes gained by the balloon, and thefunctioning of the gas-relief valve with relation to
air-pressure expansion were all monitored by radio. For
this reporting purpose, many types of radiosonde equipment had to be developed.
Probably the greatest difficulty for the Japanese wasdeveloping a radiosonde that could operate consistently
under varying stratospheric conditions. The responsibility for development of such a system went to theJapanese 5th Army Technical Research Institute. The
primary purpose of the radio equipment would be toreport the balloon's flying course, its altitude, and tomeasure the balloon's inside pressure. In addition, it
would also provide data on the balloon's descending andascending flight. This would give an added indication ofwhen the ballast was being dropped. The first tests wereconducted from Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo.
At the time, there was no radiosonde known which
could operate for the desired length of time in stratospheric conditions. Success of the balloon-development
program depended upon this radio-reporting equipment.
The development of a power source of adequate
durability and the selection of proper frequencies caused
the-most trouble. In order to check the functioning ofradio equipment during these experimental flights,
various models of the radiosonde apparatus weredeveloped and suspended from balloons.
Many agencies became involved in the developmentof radiosonde equipment. Included was the Army
Weather Bureau that assigned their most experienced
member, Engineer Yuasa Matsumoto, who developed noless than ten experimental radiosonde transmitters forthis effort.
After considerable research, an adequate radio set was
finally developed. Attached to a balloon and released infree flight, it operated for eighty continuous hours,
relaying back the valuable flight information. The radio
fell silent when the balloon reached a point at longitude
130° west; however, engineers were exuberant with theresults. They concluded that a balloon could cross the
Pacific in three days during the winter period from
November to March.
The radiosonde equipment developed for observing
the balloon's flight course produced a continuous wave,
moderated by a multivibrator. This piece of equipment
had a power output of two watts with an alternating A
and B frequency which worked on an alternating cycle.
ft
A" frequency would operate ten minutes and rest ten
minutes. While "A" was resting, "B" would operate andvice versa.
Navy

BalloonParalleling the army's paper-balloon program but witha later start, the Imperial Japanese Navy also began astudy of balloon bombs to utilize a skin of rubberizedsilk. This became known as the "Internal Pressure Type"balloon. Both balloon designs were of similar size, but
the payload of the silk balloon was not as great due tothe greater weight of the envelope.
Instead of controlling altitude by the release ofballast and venting excess gas pressure, as was the casewith the paper balloon, the navy's version was sealed
after filling, being designed to keep its volume constant,
yet strong enough to tolerate pressure changes withtemperature and altitude. Flight altitude was relatively
stable, making this one of the more favorable features ofthis balloon concept. Consistent flight altitude made forFigure 7. Imperial Japanese Navy's balloon development consisted of a rubberized-silkenvelope. Due to the weight, its payload was much less than the paper balloon developedby the army. (U.S. Air Force photograph, 30770).

arsenal's research and development, and Professor
Tatsusuke Nakamura, of the Imperial University at
Nagoya, collaborated in the design study.

better plotting of weather data and tracking the balloon
flight path; however, readings of gas pressure became
their highest by 3:00 P.M. daily during flight and manyballoons failed at this point in time. A safety valve wasthen installed on subsequent balloons that would venthydrogen at 50 millimeters Hg (by mercury barometer)5
which resolved the problem. This retained sufficientpressure, causing little effect upon buoyancy. A lightweight and simple ballast-dropping mechanism was also
employed.
The internal pressure-type balloon for the navy was
originated by Rear Admiral Naneko Kichisaboro, headof the Sagami Naval Arsenal. Captain Ogawa, head of the

In the spring of 1944, all army and navy balloon
research was again consolidated. The navy's balloon
project, supervised by Technical Lieutenant Commander
Kiyoshi Tanaka, was moved to, and became part of, theArmy's 9th Military Technical Research Institute. The
continued development of this balloon was assigned by
Major General Sueyoshi Kusaba, the head of the project,
to Technical Major Takada with Commander Tanaka ofthe navy to assist him. At this time, the army assigned"B-Type" as the designation for navy-developed
balloons, while continuing with the term "A-Type" forthe paper balloons.

United States technical evaluation shows this figure to be 35
millimeters of mercury.
10Despite continued research in this balloon concept,
the results were disappointing. The buoyancy of the
B-Type balloon was nearly zero at the ground, causing
ascent to be quite slow. While the A-Type balloon
reached the 10,000 meter altitude within forty minutes,
it took the B-Type from two, to two and one-half hours
to reach the fast-moving jet stream at that altitude. This
also made launching rather difficult when there was any
wind, for the balloon and its payload would be damaged
as it skipped over the ground before rising.
Usually, from two to three B-Type balloons werereleased daily from Ichinomiya carrying radiosonde gearfor experimentation and tracking. Finally, it was
concluded that mass production of this balloon was
impractical because of the heavy drain of manufacturingresources and materials otherwise used for explosives.
One engineer on the project stated: "There was no otherreason than this lack of material for this more durable
and reliable balloon skin, that the noncritical papermaterial balloon was placed in service." Consequently,
production was limited to three hundred of the B-Typeballoons before this navy-originated concept wasabandoned.
Traditionally, neither Japanese military service
wished to be subservient to the other or, for that matter,willingly share in the other's project. Therefore, theJapanese navy continued with balloon research under a
new concept which consisted of balloons capable ofcarrying a crew to effect some flight control. The bombs
were attached individually to small balloons and used as
ballast weight for release to drift independently to thetargets, and thus achieve stabilization in altitude of themain balloon. A model test was conducted at the
Fujikura Industries Company in Tokyo, but never went
beyond the testing stage before the war ended. Otherexotic ideas were brought up, but never materialized.

Accelerated

under the control of General Mimura, to be assisted by
the Itabashi Research Institute of the Army Arsenal, as
well as scientists outside the army. This suggestion wasapproved, and a program for accelerated research forcomponents of balloon bombs was prepared.
The first meeting of scientists and technicians
concerned was held at the Weapon Administration
Bureau at Wakamatsu-cho, Ushigome-ku, Tokyo. The
date of this event is not recorded, but it is presumed tohave been held in May 1944. Major General Sueyoshi
Kusaba, who had been the key figure in the development of the Fu-Go Weapon from the early beginning led
the study group. He briefly related the current development status of the program, and then took four hours todeliberate on the problems yet to be solved. Eachresearch institute was asked to assist in the areas of theirexpertise.
Shortly following this conference, each research
institute received approval for study under the authorityof the commander of the Weapon Administration
Bureau for the Fu-Go Weapon. A two-million-yen
budget was allotted to the Noborito Research Institutefor the project. The research group headed by General
Kusaba took charge of flight experiment, coordinatedand conducted the "Fu-Go Research Project" from eachof the other institutes, and thus became the focal pointof the entire project.
Consultants on general affairs were Dr. Hidetsugu
Yagi, Dr. Sakuhei Fugjwhara of the Central Meteorological Observatory, and Dr. Tatsujiro Sasaki of the
Aeronautical Research Institute. Dr. Masaichi Majima of
the Tokyo Imperial University acted as chairman for the
project.

Manufacture
While experimentation continued in the early part of1944, manufacturing facilities for balloon envelopes
were being set up in seven different locations in thevicinity of Tokyo. By manufacturing the balloons in thisgeneral area, distance to the launch sights was reduced.
This minimized creasing the envelope and other damage
in shipping that could increase the possibility of gas
leakage. Components for the release mechanism weremade by several manufactures and shipped to the launchsites along the nearby coastline for final assembly.
The factory operations were supervised by a Captain
Nakamura and a civilian technician. Some of theindustrial firms concerned and connected with theoperation were the Mitsubishi Saishi (paper factory), theNippon Kakokin Company, and the Kokuka Rubber
Company. The panels were then sent to subcontractors

Development

With test flights showing positive results, the researchgroup concluded that "the attack against the North
American continent with balloons flown from theJapanese homeland was not impractical." The group
added to this conclusion, however, that many problems
still remained to be solved before the balloon operation
could be successfully implemented.
Lieutenant General Shinoda, director of the Noborito
Research Institute, related the status of development to
his superior, General Mimura, Commander of Weapon
Administration Bureau, and suggested that for thetimely solution of unsolved problems, cooperation ofeight institutes would be necessary. These should be
11

Figure 8. Japanese technicians struggle with an experimental balloon operation at the
Sagami Arsenal in the spring of 1944.

Figure 9. Surface wind was the greatest detriment while filling the balloons andreleasing them for flight.
12who assembled the envelopes into the finished products.
The program called for 10,000 balloons to be mass
produced in time for the approaching fall and winterwinds of 1944-1945. Mr. Teiji Takada, a former
technical major at the Noborito Research Institute,clearly defines the magnitude of such an undertaking.

konnyaku* that was used to make the paste sealant, as
this was a very stable food substance. Coloring wasadded to the paste to let those engaged in the application know how evenly it was applied to ensure gasproofing.
After the paper—now laminated—was dry, it wasinspected for possible flaws. This was done in a dimly fit
room that was floored with frosted glass having electric
fights placed beneath it. Sheets of raw paper placed
individually upon the lighted floor became translucent
with a bluish color caused by the adhesive. Areas of lightcolor showed up as being insufficiently pasted, while
even a hair on an inner layer from a pasting brush wasquickly spotted. Defects were circled with chalk; and inan adjacent room, patches were applied over these areas.
The raw, handmade, standard-weight paper madefrom the mulberry tree was fifteen grams per square
meter. Strength was gained by laminating the three andfour layers of paper alternately lengthwise andbreadthwise. Next, the panels were softened by dippingthem in a solution of soda ash, a water wash, and then asolution of glycerine. The glycerine wash was soon replaced with calcium chloride and other softeners sincemunitions powder had a higher priority for the glycerine
than the balloon project. After the panels were dried,the edges were trimmed and panels were pasted together
on a spindle form, the upper part first, then the lower
part. Each balloon consisted of 600 separate pieces of
paper, all having to be glued together with no allowancefor gas leakage. After the relief-valve neck was installedin the lower hemisphere, both hemispheres were joined
together by an encircling scalloped band which was
glued on. This band formed the suspension skirt towhich the shrouds were attached.
A large floor area was required for the shaping andfinal assembly room. All protrusions—not only on thefloor but around the walls—were carefully wrapped withpaper, to protect the balloon skin from damage. It wasdifficult to detect skin abrasions once the balloon was
assembled. Girls that were malting the balloons were
instructed not to wear hairpins, to have closely trimmed
fingernails, to wear socks even in the midsummer heat,and to use gloves despite the fact that their workrequired manual dexterity.
To test the balloons for possible leaks, buildings large
enough to house the inflated thirty-three-foot-diameterenvelopes were required. Large theaters and sumo
wrestling halls were ideal, but more were needed and had
to be built for the testing which added considerably tothe cost of the balloons. Such buildings as the Nichigeki

To cope with the requirement of 10,000 balloons,
all materials were considered with reference totheir critical resources compared to the researchnecessary for substitute materials. Ten thousand
balloons would carry about 1,800 tons of articles,
while the total weight of hydrogen cylinders to beprepared to fill these balloons equally amount to
1,200 tons. Visualizing that hundreds of slowly
burning fuse cords, along with hundreds ofthousands of electric detonators were required, we
could fully perceive what the number 10,000
means.

One of the earlier technical problems that had to besolved was to design an inexpensive gas-proof balloon
bag of noncritical material that could be mass produced.
After much experimentation, it was found that goodresults could be obtained from tissue paper made fromfibers of the kozo bush, a member of the mulberry-tree
family, but very similar to the American sumac.6 The
paper was to be obtained from the handman ufactured-paper companies all over Japan; however,with these various sources, the standard of quality could
not be controlled. The strength of the paper wasdependent chiefly upon the fiber which had to beuniform, yet it was necessary to have it be very light.
The size of the sheets also varied with each manufacturer.
Lieutenant Ito of the Noborito Institute made atechnical breakthrough when he developed a mechanicalmethod of processing the kozo fiber into paper. Not
only could sheets of desired size be manufactured, but amechanical method of laminating the layers was also
developed. This was a revolutionary event in the age-old
hand process of Japanese paper manufacturing.
For gas-proofing the paper, many types of sealers
were tested; one produced a wax paper and another,natural gum. Both were too heavy. An adhesive calledkonnyaku-nori, made from a type of Japanese potato,7
proved to be best for joining the seams. At a time when
there was an acute food shortage in Japan, it was not
unusual for laborers to be caught stealing the powdered

In addition to kozo (Broussonetia Kazinoki), the matsumata(Edgewortia Papyrifera) tree was also used in the manufacture ofJapanese paper for the balloons.
Also commonly called arum root.

In later years, as war tensions eased, Japanese lightheartedlyreferred to the "Fu Go" as the "Konnyaku bakudan"("Konnyaku bomb").

13

3

Ml

<
ON
(N

.ft

'sa3i3w-SH3±3W JO SONVSnOHl

14

J O soNvsnoHi

NI3aniij.iv

Figure 12. Great numbers of Japanese high-school girls
were used in the delicate work of pasting and stitching
the balloon envelope.

Music Hall and the Toho Theater in Tokyo, andKokugi-Kan Wrestling Hall in the Tokyo borough of
Asakusa were used.
For the test, the balloon was filled with air blown
into it at a pressure of 120 meters of water column, after
which it was sealed. After twenty-four hours, it waschecked for leakage. Those that were satisfactory werethen coated with a protective lacquer.
The earlier paper balloons were made in factories, butwhen the demand reached its peak, the factories
processed the paper and made the majority of thepanels. The panels were then sent to subcontractors who
assembled the finished product.

Figure 13. Large arenas and theaters were used for balloon production and inflation
testing. One building was the Nichigeki Music Hall, a familiar modem-day landmark in
downtown Tokyo.
15

Figure 14. A skyward view of an inflated balloon held
captive by its shroud lines. The gas relief valve is shownat the base of the envelope. (A 37180F)

Figure 15. The Japanese paper balloons were 32 feet indiameter and, when fully inflated, held about 19,000
cubic feet of hydrogen. (A 37180F)

In numbers, school children were the greatest labor
force on this project. During wartime, school hours wereshort in order that the remainder of their day could be
devoted to the war effort. Thousands of Japanese had apart in making these balloons, but officially they were
never told of their purpose. Even when word about theirintended use would filter down, no one believed it.
Two years of experimentation and some 9,000,000
yen (more than 2,000,000 prewar dollars) were spent on
the manufacture of balloons. Still another source quotes
the original price per balloon at 10,000 yen, roughly$2,300 at the prewar rate of exchange, but this cost wasconsiderably reduced as production increased. It isdifficult at this time to accurately determine from thesefigures what actual costs were involved.

BalloonLaunchfunctions. Of the thousands of balloons released, only
two returned to Japan. Both occurred on 13 March
1945, twenty fours after launching, but they fell in snow
and caused no damage. The first landing was reported
near Hakodate on Southern Hokkaido, while the second
was located in Akita Prefecture. The northern regions ofJapan were ruled out as launch sites because of thepossibility that balloons might stray into Kamchatka, aSoviet Union territory, and cause an international
incident.
Balloon launch locations and their unit and functions
that occupied them were as follows:
Otsu, Ibaraki Prefecture
Command Headquarters.
First Battalion (composed of three squadrons). Total strength:
1,500.
Weather Unit (in connection with the Army Weather Bureau).

Sites

Ichinomiya, Chiba Prefecture
Second Battalion (composed of three squadrons). Total strength:
700.
Test Release Unit.
Nakoso, Fukushima ftefecture

While the fabrication of the balloons was underway,
the army formed a new operational unit called theSpecial Balloon Regiment, under the command of
Colonel Inoue. Its responsibility was to prepare launchsites, establish direction-finding station locations,prepare for gas-production facilities, and train personnel
in the launching of the balloons.
Three general site locations were selected along thelower half of Honshu's eastern seaboard. These areas
were chosen because of nearby rail lines and favorable
terrain. Also, the coastal sites lessened the possibility ofdamaging Japanese property through flight mal-Third Battalion (composed of two squadrons). Total strength:600.
Hydrogen-generation plants became the key to launch
operations. The Nakoso and Ichinomiya sites depended
upon the gas being transported in tanks from distantKanto Plain companies, such as Showa Denko (achemical and electric company still operating under this16

IWANUMA(l D.F. STATION)NAKOSO(6 LAUNCH S T A T I O N S )OTSU(O LAUNCH STATIONS)OHARA)ICHINOMIYA(e LAUNCH S T A T I O N S )( I D.F. STATION)

Figure 16. Balloon launching sites and flight-following stations.
name). The Otsu site, however, was capable ofgenerating its own hydrogen from the beginning of theoperation.

Launching

To belaunched

Approximate
number launched

November 1944
DecemberJanuary 1945
February
March
April (early)

500*
3,500
4,5J)0
4,500
2,500
0

700
1,200
2,000
2,500
2,500
400

Total

15,000

9,300

Date

Operations

To achieve the greatest effect from the balloons based
upon weather forecasts, the following proposed launchschedule was worked into the plan, based on thepossibility that 15,000 balloons would be available(actual balloon operations are shown for comparison).

•Anticipated difficulties with the new program accounted forthis low figure.
17

Figure 17. Balloon launching complex at Otsu after the war. Note the shelter caves inthe side of the hills and the sea in the background. (U.S. Army photograph, SC 284816)

Figure 18. The United States Army's First Cavalry Division, on maneuvers in occupied
Japan on 22 April 1947, discovered these former balloon launching sites at Otsu. (U.S.
Army photograph, SC 283906-S)

18

* 9 ^• > ' • . ••'«!-.

''•<•:,.-

Figure 19. The seclusion of the hills aided as a windbreak when filling the balloons, aswell as security from detection. (U.S. Army photograph, SC 283809-S)

Figure 20. These rail fines once brought the envelopes, munitions, and other supplies
needed to operate the balloon offensive at Otsu. (U.S. Army photograph, SC 283910-S)

19

-HYDROGEN TANKS•SUSPENSIONRIG

PIPE—Jr•:-:.:'v\-'-..' ! .\V':-.

Figure 21. Profile and plan-view of balloon launching facility at Ichinomiya.

-PREVAILING WINDSNAKOSO"VSTATION^ARRACKSSTOREHOUSE

IBARAKIPREF.
JOBAN LINE-

Figure 22. Third Battalion Release Base at Nakoso.

The plan further called for the following balloon
ordnance:
15-kilogram bombs
54cilogram incendiaries
12-kilogram incendiaries

7,500
30,0007,500

Depending on the choice, from two to six pieces of
ordnance could be carried on each balloon. (Far lessthan the proposed number of balloons were released;
however, the ordnance sent aloft was in the above
proportions.) According to one Japanese source, theballoon load varied from a minimum of about twenty-

Figure 23. Rusty tanks for the hydrogen generating
plant is all that remains of this former balloon launchsite. Only Otsu had its own gas facilities. (U.S. Armyphotograph, SC 284185)
20^rm*nj»ani^fmm,iitgmW/U&Msmi&iilti^

Figure 24. General view of one launch site with three pads in operation.

England, with thoughts that extended ranges might havethem falling on American cities. Kamikaze attacks in the
Pacific created added fear in showing the extent towhich the enemy might go with new weapon threats.
Above all, the balloon bomb, as a new weapon system,
could provide a much-needed morale boost for theJapanese people.
Mr. Teiji Takada, a former staff member of theNoborito Research Institute and one of the scientists on
the Fu-Go Project recalled his thoughts of the mass
launching of these balloons after his months and years of
toil in developing this weapon system. "When theplanning stages of the Fu-Go was over and a large-scalerelease was started, the bombardment by the United

five pounds to a maximum of about seventy pounds,
with the average about fifty pounds. Such variations inloading were apparent in recovered balloons. Typicalmaximum loading was one fifteen-kilogram highexplosive bomb or one twelve-kilogram incendiary alongwith four five-kilogram incendiary bombs.
It was on the birthday of a former ruler, Emperor
Meiji-3 November 1944—at 0500 that the air assault of
balloon bombs was officially begun against the continental United States. This attack could not have started
at a more favorable time for the Japanese. The newseason brought strong winds in the jet stream to propel
the balloons. The American public was just becoming
uneasy about the German V-2 rocket attacks against
21

EARLY MOANINGj BALLOON LAUNCHING'"-VHKXV s < ^vV:,"''n".'.....—tSKMr^Sa .:

.

•

-:;P1

.'

- .-.i-'Aft^iH-L.;

Figure 25. A typical balloon flight profile is shown above; below, a typical jet stream in
winter months.
of greatest velocity, the days had to be clear and withrelatively no surface wind. In ascending through rain,snow, and even some clouds, the balloon accumulated
moisture which froze—adding much weight-and
prevented it from reaching operating altitude. It wasvitally important that the balloon ascend into thefast-moving jet stream so that the programmed release of
the ballast and dropping of the bombs would occur over
Hie North American continent. Failure to reach the jetstream meant that the balloon would self-destruct before
spanning the Pacific.
The best time to launch was just after the passing of ahigh-pressure front. Launching conditions were unsuitable if a high-pressure front was approaching, or alow-pressure front had just passed.
Filling the balloon with hydrogen was most difficultand dangerous on windy days. Desirable wind conditions
for launching could be expected only three to five days aweek. Even then, it could be done for only several hours
at a time, usually just before the onshore breezes atsunrise. On occasion, some launches took place in theStates air forces was growing in its violence. Every night,
the sky was red in reflecting the flame of conflagrationand the people who lost their homes by fire crowded
around us, increasing in number day by day. Thisscientist continued: "Trembling with fear of the raging
fire, we desired to make use of the fire hoping its
violence to be fully displayed in the enemy country. We
exerted our full effort to realize our inconsistent desire.
What contradicting objectives we were driven to by thewar!"
Major General Sueyoshi Kusaba, charged with the
Fu-Go Weapon operation, estimated that he had fivemonths of favorable winds to prove the effectiveness of
this new weapon. With the initial allocation of ten
thousand balloons, he knew that it would not be an easy
matter to launch this number successfully in the time
allotted. Considering that it took from thirty minutes toan hour to prepare one balloon for flight at any launchpad, many pads had to be in operation at each major
launch site. To accomplish these launchings during themost favorable months of the year when the winds were22

responsible for these harsh measures. Ironically, thebombs used with the balloons came from normal army
ordnance channels and retained the standard Japanesemarkings. All components were destined for destruction
if all worked properly, so the reason for the absence ofJapanese markings on certain portions of the completed
weapon is questionable.
Where people are concerned, however, there will
always be infringements on security. Despite elaborate
measures otherwise taken, it was learned that as thelaunching operation neared completion a strange custom
had developed whereby Japanese soldiers had beenplacing their personal samhara into some secluded foldof the balloon just as it was about to be launched. These
were amulets usually given to the soldier as he left for
war to be carried on his person as a Shinto prayer forprotection against accident. As all eyes would watch theascending balloon after so much effort had been applied
to the operation, this mindful prayer must have beenwith all the observers.
Very tight security measures were enforced during
launching operations. Farmers and fishermen werebarred from the surrounding area, but as this was an air
operation, it was impossible to prevent some people
from seeing the balloons ascend; however, the sparcely
populated areas along the coastline eased the security
problem. Little was said of the operations and no
mention of the flights were ever published. People with ahint that the balloons were destined for the UnitedStates found the thought too fantastic to believe. The
absurd nature of this highly secret operation added
immeasurably toward safeguarding it.
Eye witnesses recall that these launches were an
unforgettable sight. When freed from the ground aballoon was only partially filled, to allow for expansion
to full inflation at 16,000 feet. At release, the unfilledconcave lower portion of the envelope, with its manyropes dangling from the perimeter, greatly resembled agiant jellyfish. The white, and sometimes light blue,
color in the eariy morning sun enhanced this illusion.
Their silent drifting off into space, broken only by anoccasional rattle of the slack paper, was eerie. The
balloon was visible for only several minutes following its
release before it faded away as a spot in the blue sky likea daytime star.

Figure 26. Partially inflated balloon, with its bombload, in flight over the Pacific Ocean drifting toward
the American continent. (U.S. Army photograph, SC
226132)early evening. In the period from November throughMarch, about fifty suitable days were all that could be
anticipated and two hundred balloons were themaximum that could be launched from the three site
complexes per day. The launching of one balloon
normally required a crew of thirty men.
Setbacks in the program were greater than expected.
Despite this, March which had been programmed for thesmallest number of launchings because of uncertain windcurrents and generally poor surface weather, actually
produced nearly three thousand balloon operations, thelargest of any month.
Security was an important factor during the launching operations as well as in the manufacturing of theballoons. While Japanese markings and stamps would
normally be used to facilitate assembly of components,
alphabetical letters orfigureswere used instead. No traceof origin of the balloon was to be allowed and inspectors
were reprimanded on any infringement of this rule. Fearof disclosing the manufacturing location or launch sitewhich would result in reprisal attacks by B-29s were

FlightFollowing

Launching the balloon was one thing, but the flightpath of each group of bombs had to be followed todetennine that it had a good chance of reaching North
America. While the launch sites were being prepared, the23frequency. As the bearing of each transmitting balloon
was plotted from predetermined frequencies, the Direction Finding stations were able to monitor the flightpaths quite accurately.
Beginning with the first launching on 3 November
1944, the easternly tracks were followed for nearly
two thousand kilometers (1,240 miles) and indicated afairly constant speed during the eight to ten hours of
tracking. Beyond that distance, direction and distance
had to be assumed. For more accurate tracking, a station
was established on Sakhalin Island, north of Hokkaido,
and tracks could then be followed for more than thirty
hours. With these plottings, the Japanese were fairly
certain that the balloons were capable of reaching theUnited States.
Like the bombing balloons, a release mechanism
dropped the load of radio equipment when out of rangeof the home station and before the balloons reachedtheir destination.

Army Special Balloon Regiment also established Radio
Direction Finding installations with the aid of the 5th
Army Technical Research Institute. This Institute wasgiven the task of providing the electronic assistance forthe project. These sites were located at Sabisbiro9 innorthern Honshu; Iwanuma, along the central east
coastline; and Ichinomiya, at the launch site southeast ofTokyo.
While balloon operations were in progress, an occasional balloon carrying radiosonde equipment insteadof bombs was launched. This light-weight radio equipment produced a continual signal on a preselected

Not far from Misawa Air Base and Hachinohe in northern
Honshu, is Sabishiro, noted for its seashore which was chosen by
the American flyers, Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon, for thestarting point of their transpacific flight in October 1931. Their
Bellanca monoplane, "Miss Veedol," made the first nonstop
flight from Japan to America in 41 hours and 12 minutes.

24

American Reaction
the loss of lives, property, and building materials would
be beyond imagination.
There were further possibilities to consider. Biologicalagents could also be transported by balloon, spreading
disease among the people and livestock over large areasof the United States.
Panic-based on the fear of the unknown potential ofthis new weapon-was in itself a vital concern toresponsible agencies in the United States government.
The best defense against panic was to say as little aspossible about this new menace, and play down any
local anxieties.

The first discovery of a Japanese balloon introduced
more mystery than immediate concern. This sighting was
on 4 November 1944, when a navy patrol craft spotted
what looked like a large fragment of tattered cloth
floating on the sea, sixty-six miles southwest of San
Pedro, California. The unidentified debris was hauled on
board, and was soon determined to be a rubberized-silkballoon with a heavy undercarriage attached. Ironically,
this balloon was from the first group launched on 3
November (Japan date), just two days earlier—two days
because of the international dateline.
The apparatus, still connected to the undercarriage ofthe balloon, consisted of a small radio transmitter. The
equipment bore Japanese markings and indicated thatsomething new and mysterious had been introduced into
thesefinalmonths of the war.
The incident was reported through military channels,
but it caused little concern until two weeks later when asecond fragment was salvaged from the ocean. Within
the next four weeks, balloons were found in Wyoming
and Montana. This clear evidence of a new and unexpected balloon-borne weapon gave rise to increased
concern, and the assistance of all government agenciesnational, state, and local—was immediatelv summoned.
Forest rangers—state and national—were ordered toreport any balloon landings and any recoveries of
portions of balloons or their undercarriages.
Of more and immediate vital concern was thereaction of the American people to this unorthodox
weapon. What psychological response would develop
from realization that the American continent was undersustained enemy air attack for the first time in thehistory of the United States? What panic might result
from the thought that countless silently moving balloons
could be drifting across our continent, randomly discharging their bombs into homes and factories? The
threat was a potential reality.
And what of this load? The destructive explosive
power was measurable, but what of the incendiary
threat? With our great forests along the entire West
Coast and extending inland, a massive incendiary raid
during the dry season could envelop the entire area in
one gigantic, uncontrolled holocaust. From this alone,

Publicity
The lack of publicity associated with the balloon
bombs had still another far-reaching effect. After theannouncement in the newspapers of discovery of aJapanese bombing balloon in Thermopolis, Wyoming,
elaborate and apparently successful efforts were made toprevent the Japanese from gaining any knowledge ofbomb damage and balloon sightings in the United States.
It was obvious that the Japanese would be eager to know
the effects of the attacks, and that information on thecourses followed by the balloons and the areas hit by thebombs would enable them to evaluate and improve theirtechniques.
The one incident that had made the papers in the
United States was indeed known in Japan. The Chinese
newspaper Takungpao had picked up the report from
American sources and repeated it in late December
1944. For the moment, this proved to the Japanese highcommand that the concept was sound and allowed theprogram to continue. To their chagrin, however, nofurther comments on the balloons were found, although
United States, Russian, and Chinese reports were
continually screened.
Considering the widespread dispersion of theballoons—reported from the Arctic Circle to the Mexican
border—the primary goal was to prevent the Japanesefrom learning of their effectiveness.
On 4 January 1945, the Office of Censorship
requested newspaper editors and radio broadcasters to25

Figure 27. Wind catches a recovered balloon like a parachute. Note the arrangement of
the gores on the lower surface with the relief valve in place. Photo taken on 23 February
1945.(29907 AC)

Figure 28. Elaborate measures were sometimes taken in the recovery of these balloons
for closer inspection. Here, Indians chop down a treed balloon which landed harmlesslyon 29 March 1945 at Pyramid Lake, Nevada. (29906 AC)
26

The voluntary censorship, ironically, made it difficult
to warn the people of the bomb danger. The risk seemedjustified as weeks went by and no casualties werereported. On 5 May 1945, however, five children and awoman were killed near Lakeview, Oregon, by a balloon
bomb which exploded as they dragged it from thewoods.
This tragic accident caused the government toabandon its campaign of silence. On 22 May, a jointstatement by the war and navy departments was issued
which described the nature of the balloon bombs andwarned all persons not to tamper with any such objects
that they might find. The balloon weapon was said toconstitute no serious military threat to the UnitedStates, because the attacks were "so scattered andaimless." The statement continued by stating "that thepossible saving of even one American life throughprecautionary measures would more than offset any
military gain occurring to the enemy from the mere
knowledge that some of his balloons actually havearrived on this side of the Pacific." An educational
campaign was instituted at once to warn all persons,particularly children, of the danger of tampering withstrange objects found in the woods.

give no publicity whatsoever to balloon incidents. This
voluntary censorship was adhered to from coast to coast,a remarkable self-restraint in a free-press-conscious
country. Three months later, in a strictly confidential
note to editors and broadcasters, the Office of Censorship stated:
Cooperation from the press and radio under
this request has been excellent despite the fact thatJapanese free balloons are reaching the UnitedStates, Canada, and Mexico in increasing
numbers....
There is no question that yourrefusal to publish or broadcast information about
these balloons has baffled the Japanese, annoyed
and hindered them, and has been an important
contribution to security.

The success of the security measures was indicated byan Associated Press release on 2 October 1945, following
the surrender, that contained these comments:
The Japanese listened eagerly to radio reports,
hoping to hear of the bombs' effectiveness. But
American editors voluntarily kept the information
to themselves and so discouraged the Japanese thatthey abandoned the project.
The Japanese learned of only one bomb landing
in the United States. It was one which came downin Wyoming and failed to explode.

27

United States Military
Counter/measures
Initialof-war camp in the United States. Since the first balloon
discovered off San Pedro in early November carried what
was believed to have been radio and meteorologicalequipment, local officials concluded that it was perhaps
a weather balloon which had been blown across theocean. With the discovery of the Wyoming bomb craterin December, however, attention was directed toward thetheory that the balloons carried bombs, for the
fragments found near the crater were determined to beparts of a high-explosive bomb of Japanese manufacture.
During the first two weeks in January 1945, four moreballoons were recovered, and from them additional
information was obtained which led to the conclusionthat the balloons actually were a new, Japanese offensive
weapon.
The War Department was kept fully informed of eachreported balloon incident and, on 4 January 1945, theDetection

The Fourth Air Force, with headquarters at Hamilton
Field, just north of San Francisco, had been charged
with the air defense of the West Coast of the UnitedStates as late as 1943. The threat of air attack had long
before faded and the Fourth Air Force became primarily
involved in training combat replacements. After recoveryof the first few balloons in November and December
1944, the responsibility for a study, along with a defense
against the bombing balloons, was assigned to thiscommand. This unexpected new menace placed themonce again in the air-defense business.
Instead of the earlier possible threat of massive
assaults by aircraft from Japanese carriers, now theenemy vehicle was a paper balloon. The seriousness of
this new threat, however, cannot be overemphasized.
This unique Japanese offensive weapon of an unknown
magnitude had tremendous possibilities, and to what
extent these might be developed, the situation was
critical. By mid-December 1944, a military intelligenceproject was well underway to evaluate this new weapon
system, but even then there were only a few isolated
incidents from which to draw information.
Aside from the first discovery on 4 November 1944
of a rubberized-silk balloon off the coast of California,
the first report of a balloon incident to reach the Fourth
Air Force was that of a paper balloon discovered on 11
December near Kalispell, Montana. On 19 December theWestern Defense Command reported that a bomb crater
had been discovered near Thermopolis, Wyoming. As an
explosion in that area had been heard during the night of
6 December, it was thought that the crater had beencaused by a balloon-borne bomb on that date. On 31
December, twelve days after the bomb-crater discovery
in Wyoming, a paper balloon and some apparatus werediscovered near Estacada, Oregon.
Local military authorities were puzzled by these
discoveries. When the Kalispell balloon was reported, forexample, it was thought to have been launched from aJapanese relocation center or from a German prisoner-

Figure 29. Aerial photograph of a Japanese balloon inflight over Reno, Nevada, taken by a pursuing Bell P-63
King Cobra from Walla Walla Army Air Field, Washington, on 22 March 1945.
28

Chief of Staff designated the commanding general,
Western Defense Command, as coordinator for all
balloon intelligence activities in the Seventh, Eighth, andNinth Service Commands. Concurrently, the commander, Western Sea Frontier, was designated coordinator for balloon intelligence activities over ocean areas.
Reports clearly indicated that one purpose of theballoons was the dropping of either incendiary or
antipersonnel bombs. Other possibilities were not overlooked, however, and toward the end of March 1945 theWar Department prepared a statement listing the various
uses to which the balloons might be put. The following
six possibilities were enumerated in order of importance.
1. Bacteriological or chemical warfare, or both.
2. Transportation of incendiary and antipersonnelbombs.
3. Experiments for unknown purposes.
4. Psychological efforts to inspire terror and diversion of forces.
5. Transportation of agents.
6. Anti-aircraft devices.

Firefly

BalloonThe mystery surrounding the purpose of the balloons,however, did not delay the preparations of air defense
plans. Uncertainty as to the enemy's intentions and thepossibility of the balloons becoming a real menace,stimulated the development of countermeasures.
The first attempt by Fourth Air Force planes tosearch for a Japanese balloon occurred on 19 December
1944. Four fighter planes were directed by the Los
Angeles Control Group on that date to search the Santa
Monica area for a reported balloon. The planes wereunable to locate their target. Although nearly five
hundred aircraft were at various times dispatched insearch of reported balloons between 1 December 1944
and 1 September 1945, only two balloons were ever shot
down over the North American continent by planes. The
first of these was brought down by a Lockhead P-38
from Santa Rosa Army Air Field on 23 February 1945,
near Calistoga, California. The second balloon was
trailed on 22 March by fighter planes all the way from
Redwood, Oregon, into Nevada. Passing over Reno, theballoon finally settled in nearby mountains. Determined
to make a capture, one fighter pilot landed his plane tocontinue the pursuit by automobile, but the balloon
released some ballast and bombs in the hills andascended again over the plain. One of three Bell P-63s
from Walla Walla Army Air Field circled overhead anddestroyed the balloon by gunfire.
The bullets generally used on these missions were a
new type of experimental ammunition known as the"headlight tracer." These were designed to inflict little
or no damage to the balloon when it fell to the ground.
The navy was also involved with balloon interception
in support of this operation. Corsair pilots, for instance,
recall the many hours spent in the cockpit on runway
alert for possible scramble pursuit of the balloons.
The first Allied territory in the balloon flight path was
the Aleutian Islands, where army and navy air forceswere based. Throughout early April, daily flights of thebomb-carrying balloons passed over this region, andanti-aircraft fire and combat air patrols succeeded inshooting down some of them. On 13 April alone, navy
F6F Hellcat fighters shot down nine balloons at altitudes
of between 30,000 and 37,000 feet over Massacre Bayon the eastern tip of Attu Island; however, that was lessthan half the number that escaped their interception andproceeded on their eastward journey. This indicated anincrease in the tempo of the operation; whereas inreality it marked the final flights of the balloon program.
The poor interception record was a result of inaccurate sighting reports, bad weather, and the very highaltitude at which the balloons traveled.

Project

It was concluded, however, that the greatest danger
was not from the 32-pound antipersonnel bombs they
carried, but the incendiaries which would be a serious
threat to the West Coast forest regions during the drymonths. One incendiary could ignite hundreds of square
miles of valuable timber. As a result, Ninth Service
Command, Fourth Air Force, and Western Defense
Command joined in a plan for special assistance infighting forest and grass fires. Under the provisions of
this plan—named "Firefly Project"—a number of Stinson
L-5 and Douglas C47 airplanes, and approximately
2,700 troops—200 of them paratroopers—were stationed
at critical points in probable hazardous fire areas for use
infire-fightingmissions.

Lightning

Interception

Project

When the possibility that the enemy might launch
germ-carrying balloons was advanced, another plan,
known as the "Lightning Project" was initiated, andarmy officials immediately advised the Department ofAgriculture. Without fanfare, word was spread to healthand agricultural officers, veterinarians, 4-H clubs, andagricultural colleges to be on the lookout for the firstsign of any strange disease in livestock or crops. Stocksof decontamination chemicals and sprays were quietly
shipped to strategic points in the western states.
29

Figure 30. A Lockheed P-38 Lightning is credited for bagging the first Japanese balloon
over American territory. This occurred on 23 February 1945 near Calistoga, California.
(A-103110)
Figure 31. After tracking a Japanese balloon from Redwood, Oregon, to central Nevada,
one of the three Bell P-63 King Cobras was credited with the second kill on 22 March
1945.(71-1252)

30

Figure 32. Grumman F6F Hellcats had a field day in early April 1945 over the Aleutians
when nine balloons were shot down. (A-47332)
Figure 33. Pilots spent many hours on cockpit alert waiting to be scrambled for balloon
interceptions. Vought F4U Corsairs were used in large numbers, as were other types.
(A-103981)

31

to fly from China over the Pacific Ocean to obtainmeteorological data. A study of the various problems
involved was in progress at the close of the war before
the flight was accomplished, and the project wascanceled in September 1945.

Most of the activities connected with readiness for
immediate air defense of the West Coast had been almost
completely deactivated. Nearly all of the early-warningradar stations had been placed on a caretaker basis, theGround Observer Corps had been deactivated, and theInformation and Filter centers had been closed. With noaircraft warning service in operation, the Fourth Air
Force was unable to guard the West Coast against any
surprise air attack. No combat planes were kept on
ground alert, and a defense force could be organized
only after several hours' warning. Anti-aircraft defense
was likewise very limited. With regard to possible meansof defense against balloons, the following statement
came from a military planning meeting held at theWestern Defense Command Headquarters on 17 January
1945:

Captive-Balloon

Experiments

As with every new weapon, a defensive system had to
be developed. Radar detection of the balloons foraircraft interception appeared to be the standard
solution for the slow balloons. In the opinion of several
radar experts, the metallic valve of the balloon would beradar-visible, but the envelope itself would not bereflective. Chance of detection at 10,000 feet would beslight and at higher altitudes it would be impossible.
Several agencies became involved in experiments todetermine the degree of radar reflectivity of theJapanese balloon system. Responsibility for a test
program was divided between the Naval Airship Training
and Experiment Command at the Chesapeake Bay
Annex and the army's Camp Evans Signal Laboratory

Balloons are relatively slow moving in comparison with aircraft; therefore, provided they areobserved there will probably be time to takecounteraction before they are over vital areas.
Should balloons approach in hours of darkness,visual observation will not be effective. It is not yet
known whether radar will detect them. Defense
against this weapon must be based on a means fortheir early detection and their prompt destruction
over water or waste land by aircraft and antiaircraft artillery. This may involve reactivation,
partial or complete, of radar screens, groundobserver corps, and information and filter centersor similar installations, as well as provision for alert
fighter units and additional 'alert' antiaircraft
artillery.

Consideration was, therefore, given to a plan for
positioning a fighter-training group in each of the vital
defense areas as a defense force. Groups in an advancestage of training could be selected for this purpose, andcould be rotated after two weeks or one month. In
addition, the Ground Observer Corps could be partiallyreactivated, and radar stations might be operated forearly-warning purposes.
It is interesting to note that despite interception ofsome balloons above 30,000 feet, a majority of thesightings were at no more than 20,000 feet, and this waspresumed to be then normal operating altitude. The
exact opposite was true, since those discovered at
20,000 feet and below were actually malfunctioning
balloons. Additionally, Americans did not fully appreciate the effectiveness of the jet stream above 30,000
feet for calculating the intended altitude and time offlight for the balloons. Consequently, all balloon calculations by the Americans were based upon the lower levelwinds with vast variations in flight path and time ofcrossing.
As an interesting aside, a project was initiated in
December 1944 in the United States for a free balloon

Figure 34. This inflated balloon shows the geometry of
the many paper gores which make up the gas-proof
envelope. Nineteen shroud lines attached to the cloth
skirt carry the gondola. (U.S. Navy photograph,
80-G-326353, in the National Archives)
32

south of Asbury Park, New Jersey. Tests began on 14
February 1945 at the Chesapeake Bay Annex when ametallic reflector equal to that of a balloon relief valve
was sent aloft while attached to a ZMK barrage balloon
moored to a small powerboat. Measurements of reflection were taken at distances of 4,000 yards and 8,000
yards utilizing a pulsed-signal generator and equipment developed originally for measurement of ship-target radar.
A noticeable echo generated by the motor launchthat towed the balloon into position rendered the tests
inaccurate. A rowboat was then used in order to reduce
the echo problems, but it too met with little success.
Army engineers who were present for these tests
decided to continue with their own experiments at
Camp Evans. They planned to fly a recovered Japaneseballoon, and began by checking reflectivity from theenvelope itself. On 20 February 1945, the balloon wascovered with a large net and inflated with approximately
10,000 cubic feet of helium. Moored to a winch
attached to a truck, the balloon ascended to approximately 1,000 feet and after about an hour fell limp to
the ground because of helium loss through the now
weathered and porous paper.

In hope of continuing with the test, makeshift
repairs were made for an attempted free-flight radar test
path. Once again the balloon was inflated, this time withsome 9,000 cubic feet of helium while still covered with
the net for added envelope strength during the filling
operation. Just prior to launch, an attempt was made toremove the net, but gusty surface winds were causing
damage to the weakened skin. To prevent further
damage, the balloon was released without valve or metal
attachments. The balloon rose to approximately 4,500
feet and remained airborne for about thirty minutes
before it finally settled into some trees about five andone-half miles away, damaged beyond repair.
A second balloon was acquired in much better
condition—apparently never having been subjected tomoisture—and on 28 February was inflated and released
with the relief valve in place. It climbed to approximately 1,000 feet in free flight and was carried eastward
by the wind. A navy "Texan" scout-trainer was assigned
as escort and reference target for the radar evaluation.
Should the balloon appear to endanger populated areas,
the plane was to shoot it down. But because of poor
visibility and wind speeds which reached seventy miles
per hours, sight of the balloon was lost about ten miles
out at sea. Thus ended the so-called laboratory testing ofJapanese balloons, after little or no tangible results.

Figure 35. United States Navy personnel steady theballast-dropping mechanism and bomb-carrying device.
The main bomb is suspended in the center, while aballast sandbag hangs at the right. (U.S. Navy photograph, 80-G-326354, in the National Archives)

Figure 36. On the left periphery of the release ring is a
5 kg thermite incendiary bomb sometimes used as ballast
in the last release stations prior to the dropping of themain bomb. (U.S. Navy photograph, 80-G-326355, in
the National Archives)
33

Other captive balloons had been inflated for inspection purposes. One of these was the much photographedballoon at Moffett Field, California. At the main West
Coast antisubmarine base, the enormous blimp hangar
provided excellent space for evaluating the balloon andits rigging.
A number of balloons were gathered for whatever
purpose needed. One of these balloons that is in the
National Air and Space Museum collection (accession
number NASM 617) was recovered at Echo, Oregon, on
13 March 1945, after making the Pacific crossing (Figure1). Military authorities at Walla Walla Army Air Base,
Washington, sent the balloon to Moffet Field, California,
which was a general collection center for these balloons.
This balloon was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution by the War Department on 18 October 1945 fromthe Technical Air Intelligence Center, through the Naval
Station Anacostia, D.C. Still another balloon (accession number NASM 2436) of little-known origin wasreceived by the National Air and Space Museum fromthe NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey, on 7 June 1962.
Presumably, this is the balloon which was sent to thatstation from NAS Moffett Field through NSC Oakland,
5 May (no year given) via the S.S. Yugoslavian Victory,
marked: "Hold for National Air Museum."

SunsetProject

Detection and interception of the balloons was ofcontinuing concern to Fourth Air Force. In order toarrive at the best defensive system, they initiated"Sunset Project" early in April 1945. This was toestablish a test area covered by radar sites in an effort todetect actual Japanese balloons as they approached the
Washington coast. This coverage extended from Cape
Flattery in the north to the mouth of the ColumbiaRiver at the Oregon border. The locations and the typesof equipment utilized were as follows:
Location

Search radar

Paine Field
Cape Flattery
Ruby Beach
QueetsRaymondRochesterSCR-588-B
SCR-527*
SCR-271 (SCR-545)
SCR-527*
SCR-588-B
AN/TPS-1B

GCI equipment
SCR-588-B
SCR-584
SCR-545
SCR-584
SCR-588-B
SCR-615-B*The SCR-527 could not be used for GCI operation becauseof bad reflection and short range.
All of the equipment required for the project,however, was not immediately available to the Fourth
Air Force. By the end of April, all but the SCR-584s had
arrived at Paine Field and were ready for installation at
the selected sites. The SCR-584 sets (which were used
34

for ground-controlled interception) arrived early in May.
Five of the search-radar units were in operation by 7
May, and the sixth set was placed in operation 18 May.
By 8 June, all of the SCR-584 sets were in operation.
The operations of the project were to be of two
types—search for balloons by radar, and interception by
fighter planes guided by VHF ground equipment. Radarplots were to be reported to the Silver Lake Region
Control Center where it was expected that balloon
targets could be recognized by their speed,altitude, andrelation to known wind currents. Intercept aircraft, suchas P-38 "Lightnings" and P-61 "Black Widows," were to
be kept on alert at Paine Army Air Field, Quillayute
Naval Auxiliary Air Field, and Shelton Naval Auxiliary
Air Field. Detailed weather information which would
indicate the probable course of the balloons was to be
furnished to the centrol group by the weather officer of
the Fourth Air Force.
From reports of unusual signals from radio transmitters over the ocean, it was soon determined thatthese must be from approaching balloons. During theperiod from 6 December 1944 to mid-April 1945 when
the offensive ended, ninty-five radio signals of the typebelieved to have been transmitted by balloons had beenmonitored. This, in effect, became the most positive
form of alert, but it was not an aid to interception
because so many balloons were without transmitters.
Further, the signals would fade before they reached thecoast. Because of technical problems, very few accurate
tracks or plots to determine the origin of the signals had
been obtained. From tracks that were plotted, it wasevident that they followed the flow pattern of the winds
over the sea at relatively the same speed. A directionfinder net was established to plot further signals.
Radio transmissions were generally of the same type:
pulsed continuous wave signals of varying frequency andwith marked transient characteristics. The pulse rates
usually ranged from 20 to 150 pulses per minute. The
frequencies usually ranged from about 5,000 kilocycles
to over 12,000 kilocycles, with individual transmissions
varying in some cases by more than 250 kilocycles.
As more plots and information became available, theWestern Defense Command estimated the balloons werebeing released from the vicinity of Sendai, in the central
east-coast region of the main island of Japan.
In further attempts to determine more closely thelaunching points of the balloons, military intelligenceasked the United States Geological Survey to assist. Sand
ballast samples from balloons found at Holy Cross,
Alaska, and Glendo, Wyoming, were delivered to its
chief mineralogist, Dr. Clarence S. Ross, in the hope thatthe place of origin might be determined. Several months
went by while the samples were studied, and several

EVERETT^VJ-CS^V
Figure 37. "Sunset Project" facility locations in the western portion of the state ofWashington.

facts finally became evident. According to Dr. Ross, thiswas obviously beach sand, and the presence of fossils
determined the northermost latitude along the Japaneseseacoast from which this could come. The Geological
Survey reported that the most likely source for both
samples was the area in the vicinity of Shiogama on theeast coast of Honshu, eight miles northeast of Sendai.
The next most likely rource was stated to be the beaches
just south of Ohara, about forty miles southeast ofTokyo—this was Ichinomiya, an actual launch site. The

samples showed slight variations such as would be
expected in two samples collected from different partsof one beach (see Figure 16).
The Canadians were equally concerned about theballoon bombs and were performing similar tests withsand ballasts. In the samples they studied, their mineralogists had detected slag content which indicated sandfrom an area near a blast furnace. Close communication
between the United States and Canada helped considerably to narrow down the launch sites.
35

the balloon offensive had already come to an end.
Further, there was no postwar evidence of balloon
launch sites having been located in this area near Sendai,
leaving the question as to what had actually been
photographed.
The balloon attacks had terminated by mid-April—
before any of the units in the "Sunset Project" went
into operation. The following statement of the results ofthe project is quoted from the report submitted to theWestern Defense Command by the Fourth Air Force inAugust 1945.
From the beginning of the project up to 8 June
1945, no radar detections or confirmed visualsighting had been observed or reported in the test
area. In view of this lack of activity and of the factthat critical personnel was being used in the
project, this Headquarters forwarded a letter to theContinental Air Force requesting manufacture or
procurement of not less than twenty-five (25)flyable balloons of the Japanese type for use in the
project, thus facilitating an early termination of
the test. It was proposed to release these balloons
at sea under favorable weather conditions which
would bring them in over the coast . . . CAF's reply
to the above proposal was that it was not practicalto provide these balloons. They further indicatedthat the project had decreased in importance inview of the Eleventh Air Force operational experience in balloon detection and destruction. In viewof the CAF policy, this Headquarters initiatedaction to terminate the p r o j e c t . . . .

On 11 July 1945 Continental Air Force Headquarters
granted authority to bring the project to an end, but it
was not finally terminated until 1 August because of thenecessity for obtaining similar approval from theWestern Defense Command.
The results of the "Sunset Project" were practicallyzero. The project did not get under way until theJapanese had stopped launching. There were, therefore,
no opportunities for the radar stations to detect any
balloons and no chance for planes to shoot them down.
Numerous reports of balloon sightings reached the
Seattle Control Group, but practically all were identified
as weather balloons, blimps, or the planet Venus, which
was often mistaken for a balloon. Sixty-eight interceptions were attempted, but none was successful; theevidence indicates that these interceptions failed because
the reports on the balloons were false alarms—there wereno verified balloon sightings over the United States after
the middle of April 1945. Thus, United States military
operations against the balloon bomb came to an end.

Figure 38. Fighter-aircraft gun-camera film catches aballoon in flight. At the lower altitudes, the gas
contracts which cavitates the lower portion of the spheregiving the impression of a parachute. (30771 AC)
Orders were dispatched for aerial reconnaissancecoverage over selected areas of the eastern coastal areas
where blast furnaces were known to have existed. A
study of the aerial photographs taken on 25 May 1945
revealed what appeared to be partially inflated balloons
in a barracks area and a possible release area near thebeach. Three assembly plants were being built, two of
which were connected by taxiways to an airfieldadjacent to the city of Sendai. A large plant of the typeusually found in a general arsenal were also seen, and it
appeared to be the only heavily defended area in thevicinity. These findings were of little value, however, for36Propaganda
period was over, "large-scale attacks with death-defying
Japanese manning the balloons" would be launched. It
was believed that the 32-foot balloon would beincapable of carrying a man from Japan to this continent
with the necessary survival equipment at 30,000 feet;however, a balloon 62 feet in diameter—believed to be
the largest practical size—could carry a useful load of
about 2,600 pounds at 30,000 feet. According to the
Army Air Forces' Material Division, such a balloon
would require 1,350 pounds of ballast for a four-day
trip. The minimum weight of a man with survival
equipment (pressurized gondola, oxygen equipment,
food, water, and clothing) was estimated to be 640
pounds. On the basis of this weight, it was believed
possible to transport an agent from Japan to thiscountry by a 62-foot balloon.
Japanese propagandists continued their efforts toinspire terror and divert forces in the United States. In
addition, they tried to convince their Japanese audiences
and others that the United States mainland had beensuccessfully attacked with a new and ingenious weapon.
As a follow-up to the propaganda, Rikuro Shimuzu,
a former press attache' of the Japanese Embassy inArgentina, and manager of the Domei News Agency inthat country, stated that the bombing attack by balloonson the United States had produced more damage thanthe Americans had admitted. He said that the balloons
were a "prelude to something big.'3
There was speculation as to what this "somethingbig" might be. In some Japanese propaganda reports,
there was the implication that this might be one-way
suicidal attacks by long-range Japanese bombers. The
Japanese were known to have types of planes which, if
loaded with only the necessary fuel and bombs andflying with favorable winds, could make such a flightfrom Misawa Air Base and other bases in northern
Honshu—to Seattle, or even to San Francisco.
A long-range bomber program was quite impractical,
and no evidence indicated enemy agents were beingtransported by balloons. Through western eyes, theentire balloon program seemed impractical from the very
start—yet, it was very much a fact. The content of any
propaganda program could not be overlooked.

With every new weapon system, the associatedpropaganda can often add to the overall effectiveness;
however, because of American silence concerning thisnew threat, the Japanese were kept off balance in theirpropaganda program.
The silence was finally broken by the Japanese on 17
February 1945, in a Domei News Agency broadcast
directed to the United States in English. The Japanese
claimed that 500—some news accounts claimed
10,000-casualties had been inflicted in the UnitedStates and that numerous fires had been started. The
broadcast also announced that the government authorities in the United States had found it necessary to
issue general warnings about the attacks by the Japaneseballoons and thus caused considerable alarm to thepeople. It was emphasized that these occurrences had
shattered the American feelings of security against
attacks by the Japanese.
This broadcast was the first of a series in a war of
nerves against the United States. Subsequent Japanese
broadcasts beamed to Europe, Southeast Asia, and China
repeated this theme and, in one instance, added thatseveral million airborne troops would be landed in the
United States in the future.
These propaganda attempts brought no worldwide
reaction. It was not until after the American broadcast
to the public about possible dangers in tampering withthese balloons and their apparatus, that the Japaneserenewed their propaganda efforts. Following the UnitedStates warning to the public on 22 May 1945, a Domei
radio broadcast from Lisbon, Portugal, on this same date
and the day following, issued a paraphrasing of theAmerican message.
A broadcast in English from Southern Domei News
Agency in Singapore was recorded 4 June 1945. The
broadcast was based on statements made at a press
conference by Lieutenant Colonel Shozo Nakajima, aspokesman for Imperial Forces in the southern area, who
had been associated with press and propaganda activities
since August 1943. He reported that the balloons werecausing havoc in the United States, even though thus far
they had only been released on an experimental scale.
Nakajima also predicted that when the experimental
37

Conclusion
The "something big" referred to in Japanese
propaganda messages, failed to materialize. The balloon
offensive was terminated as suddenly as it had begun.
Americans monitoring the program were puzzled by thecessation, for winds continued to be favorable forlaunchings, and the onslaught was absorbing UnitedStates military men and equipment in preparation forwhat might occur next.
The silence of the American public and selfcensorship by the American press left the Japanese withconsiderable doubt as to the effectiveness of the Fu-Go
Weapon. The attitude of the American people on thehome front, and their cooperation with government
officials for the good of the nation, was a major
contribution toward ending these attacks.
If a lesson is to be learned from this history, it might
be summarized best by an opening remark on the subject
in a news release following the war:

Canada. Although some American publications printed
statements that the Japanese army staff headquarters
had ordered the balloon missions to be stopped, they
were actually suspended because of the intensified
United States air raids against Japan. With no report oftheir effect upon the North American continent, little
effort was expended to make repairs after these raids.
It was based upon these circumstances that the program was terminated.
From 4 November 1944 to 8 August 1945, 285"incidents" were recorded, including 120 balloon
recoveries; 32 balloon recoveries including bombs; 20
balloons downed but not recovered; 28 independentbomb incidents; and 85 related incidents.
In addition to the six Americans who were the only
casualties in the United States as a result of foreign
enemy action, the only recorded property damage was
two small brush fires and the momentary loss ofelectrical power at the Hanford, Washington, atomic
energy plant. Few were aware that one of these Japaneseballoons caused a delay in the production of materials forthe atomic bomb that would later be used on Japan.
Elaborate safeguards were taken to prevent accidents in
the reactor piles and uninterrupted cooling was essential.
When the power was interrupted by the balloon,
somewhere between Bonneville and Grand Coulee, it
triggered the safety mechanism of the reactor. Since thesystem had never been tested, this incident gave everyone confidence in its safety although it necessitatedthree days of work to get the piles back to full capacity
again.
The effort and expense by the Japanese in theballoon offensive was great in comparison to the minor
results achieved. Balloons were reported over a very
wide area of the North American continent stretchingfrom the island of Attu to the state of Michigan, andfrom northern Alaska to northern Mexico.
The greatest weakness of the free balloon as amilitary weapon is that it cannot be controlled. The
balloon campaign was an interesting experiment, but it
was a military failure.

Japan was kept in the dark about the fateof the fantastic balloon bombs because
Americans proved during the war they
could keep their mouths shut. To theirsilence is credited the failure of the enemy's
campaign.

The Japanese had one thousand more balloons inreadiness, but further launches were suspended in theearly part of April 1945, primarily because the Showa
Denko Company and other hydrogen sources were being
disrupted by B-29 raids. Since the effectiveness of the
program was uncertain to the Japanese, resources forthese repairs were funneled to more urgent needs.
Obviously, the "Fu-Go Weapon" was not the anticipateddecisive weapon, but it was Japan's V-l weapon in aneffort to avenge Doolittle's April 1942 raid on Tokyo.
Hardly more was attained than a psychological effort
against the United States resulting in rumors anduncertainty, even though it was assumed that not morethan ten percent ever reached the United States and

10

The New York Times, 29 May 1947.

38

APPROX. VOLUME
19,000 CU. FT.

32.81-FT. DIAMETERENVELOPE

4 - P L Y PAPER ON
UPPER SPHERE
FLASH

BOMB

SUSPENSION CURTAIN

3 - PLY PAPER ON
LOWER SPHEREGAS

RELIEF

VALVE

19 SHROUD LINES
4 9 . 2 F T . LONG
64-FT. FUSE
BURNING TIMEAPPROX. I HR. 22 MIN.

BUNGEESHOCK

AUTOMATICCONTROL

CORD

ALTITUDE
DEVICESANDBAGTWO INCENDIARYBOMBSBALLAST

15-KG. ANTI-PERSONNEL BOMB©
Figure 39.

General arrangement of Japanese paper bombing balloon.

39

APPENDIXES

Detailed Description of A-Type Paper Balloon
Envelope
Nitrocellulose
Triphenyl phosphate
Dibutyl phthalate
BenzolButyl acetate
Ethyl acetate
Acetone
Butyl alcohol

The balloon was a true sphere about 100 feet (32meters) in circumference, 32.8 feet (10 meters) indiameter, and weighed about 152 pounds. When inflated, its volume approached 19,000 cubic feet.
The envelope was constructed from sections or goresof paper, varying from 38 to 64 in number. The paper
color varied from pale greenish blue to yellowish white,and the final texture resembled varnished paper. A relief
valve was attached to a circular opening at the bottom of
the bag. A scalloped catenary skirt or band which
encircled the envelope about 20 feet from the bottom,
was 22 inches wide midway between the points. The
points were four or five feet apart. The skirt was edged
or bound with a continuous piece of rope which
protruded at the point of each scallop, forming loops towhich the shrouds were attached.
The rhaterial of the envelope consisted of four layersof thin, long-fiber paper cemented together with ahydrocellulose adhesive made from konnyaku, acommon potato-like vegetable. When made into a paste
or prepared for eating it is called konnyaku-nori. It was
soluble in water and made up in proportions of one partadhesive stock and thirty-two parts water by weight. The
layers of paper were laminated either by hand or
machine. The machine method, although cheaper,
yielded an inferior product. The laminated sheets ofpaper were dried in approximately thirty minutes bypassing them through a dryer maintained at 70°C. The
material then was dipped in a cleaning solution ofsoda-ash, washed in water, dried, and dipped in glycerine
solution to increase pliability. This was necessary tokeep the skin from cracking and hardening in the severe
cold at high altitudes.
The cut patterns for each half of Hie spherical envelope
were seamed over a form. This was followed by assembling
the halves of the sphere and installing the remainder ofthe balloon parts.
The entire surface of the balloon was then coatedwith a waterproof lacquer, manufactured by the Nippon
Paint Company, the composition of which, by weight, is
as follows:

Percent
10
5
5
25
10
15
10
20
100

The envelope was inflated with hydrogen, a highly
inflammable gas. Assuming the balloon was filled tocapacity with hydrogen, the net lifting power (buoyancy
less weight of envelope) at various altitudes was asfollows:
AltitudeSea level
0.9 mi. (4,750 ft.)
5.0 mil (26,400 ft.)
6.8 mi. (35,900 ft.)

Lifting power1033 lbs.
876 lbs.
360 lbs.
210 lbs.

Japanese engineering documents obtained after the
war supported these findings, but the figures included
the weight of the envelope:
AltitudeSea level
10,000 m. (32,808 ft.)

Lifting power
360 kg. (794 lbs.)
184 kg. (406 lbs.)

Each balloon was pressure tested to seven inches ofwater for acceptance. About 10 percent of the handmade balloons failed to meet these requirements. The
percentage was even greater for the machine-made paper
since this was a new process from the standpoint of
fabrication and production. It was said that a rejectedballoon when gasfilled(1.97 inches water super pressure)
lost sufficient gas in twenty minutes to effect a pressure
reduction of 0.89 inches.

Findings from United States Tests
on Paper Used for Envelope
The long-fiber paper gave high strength and thehydrocellulose provided adequate gas impermeability.
40

USED FOR REPAIRSAND BALLAST BAGS

FOUR PLY
I. PATTERN LAYOUT FOR CUTTINGPANELS

THREE

PLY

2 . LAMINATING AND JOINING PANELSDOUBLE THICKNESS PAPER
JOINING TAPES

3. LAYOUT FOR JOINING SEGMENTS TO FORM SPHERE-WAISTBAND - 3

THICKNESSES

LOWER

APEX
PANEL

PANEL

GAS ORIFICE

5. LOWER HEMISPHERE ASSEMBLY

4.

UPPER HEMISPHERE ASSEMBLY

6.

UPPER AND LOWER HEMISPHERES ARE JOINED BY

7.

ASSEMBLYIS

COMPLETED BY

WAISTBAND

INNER

TAPE

REINFORCINGSEAM

Figure 40. Layout for cutting, pasting, and assembly of the balloon envelope.
41

The degradation of the cellulose to hydrocellulose wascarried to Hie point that 20 percent of the total weightof the balloon material was water soluble. When wet, thematerial increased 67 percent in weight.
The tensile strength of the material when dry was 68
pounds per linear inch, and 37 pounds per inch whenwet. The thickness ranged from .0075 to .009 inch. The
weight of each ply was approximately 0.38 ounces per
square yard. The balloon when inflated to a pressure of
one ounce per square inch would be under a skin tensionof six pounds per linear inch. A 1,000-pound weighthanging from the shroud lines would add an additional
pound-per-linear-inch tension along the junction of theskirt with the envelope. The balloon was therefore
amply strong enough to withstand an internal pressureof one ounce per square inch plus a load of 1,000
pounds.
The hydrogen permeability of the envelope material
was 0.98 liters per square meter per day. This was about
one tenth the permeability of the ordinary rubberizedballoon fabric in use at that time. The rate of loss for theballoon was roughly 10 cubic feet per day, so in a week
there was no significant decrease in lifting power owing
to diffusion. The hydrogen permeability was determinedon a 68-square-inch sample with hydrogen at one
atmosphere on one side and air at one atmosphere on theother. The air was drawn past the membrane and its
hydrogen content determined by analysis. A repetitionof the experiment using one ounce of excess pressure on
the hydrogen side gave the same permeability.

ReliefFigure 41. Gas relief valve glued in position at neck ofenvelope. This balloon was recovered near Holy Cross,
Alberta, Canada, on 21 January 1945. (U.S. Armyphotograph, SC 237084)

Valve

The relief valve seat was pressed, .041-inch, sheet
steel and consisted of a 19.5-inch-diameter cylindricalsection cemented to the bottom of the envelope. Below
the cylindrical section, the seat flanged inward and thendown to form a second cylindrical section 16 inches indiameter and one inch high. The valve was a pressed-steel
disc 17 inches in diameter covered with a thin rubber
gasket and was forced against the valve seat by acompressed coil spring under adjustment tension. The
coil spring was guided by an axial bolt through the valve
sliding into a sleeve which was supported on three steelarms extending to the flange section of the valve seat
where they were bolted.
This valve permitted gas to escape from the envelope
when the gas expanded to a value of 0.06 pounds (oneounce) per square inch in the low pressure of highaltitudes. Thus, the maximum altitude of the balloons
was able to be limited.
Each valve was marked with large painted numbers.

Figure 42. The gas relief valve, nineteen and one-half
inches in diameter, was spring-loaded against a oneounce-per-square-inch gas pressure. This valve, marked
with a chalk number " 9 3 , " was recovered at Marshall,
Alaska, 23 December 1944. U.S. Army photograph, SC
237090)42

SUSPENSIONAt least two kinds of valves of the same type but slightly
different in construction were used. Early valves werecrowned for rigidity, while later ones were simply
constructed of flat strap metal.

CURTAIN

Shrouds
The 49-foot shroud lines were three-strand manila
ropes, one inch in circumference. There were 19 suchlines gathered together at the lower end in a double
knot. A small pear-shape steel ring was tied into thelower knot. Each line branched by splicing into two lines
about five feet from the upper end. There was a steel
hook at each upper end for joining to the skirt of theballoon envelopes.

METAL HOOKSUSPENSIONBRIDLE LINE

Fuses
Activating Fuses
SHROUD LINES

Two fuses, 32& feet long, were employed to activate
the electrical circuits in the altitude-control apparatus
when the balloon was launched. Burning time wasapproximately 54 minutes. These fuses were woundaround the metal frame of the apparatus and terminatedin two plugs in the upper metal ring. Either one of thesefuses would complete the first electrical circuit action of
the altitude-control apparatus.
Flash-Bomb Fuse
A 64^-foot fuse ran from the bottom of the lower
metal ring of the apparatus to the ignition charge, or
flash bomb, on the side of the envelope. Burning timewas 82 minutes.

RUBBER BUNGEESHOCK CORDS

Demolition-Block Fuse
A 26-inch fuse ran from the bottom of the lower
metal ring of the apparatus to the demolition block on
top of the apparatus.

TO ALTITUDE
CONTROL DEVICE

Flash

Figure 43. Flight-control, stanchion shock absorber andstanchion to balloon connection.
43

Bomb

The flash bomb or ignition charge which destroyed
the envelope was attached to the envelope between its
horizontal great circle and the catenary skirt or band. It
consisted of 250 grams of magnesium flash powder in apaper container two inches wide by five inches long. It
was cemented to the balloon. Its purpose was to destroy
the balloon at the end of its mission. Later in theFigure 44. Timing fuses. (A72-872)

Figure 45. Fuse end connectors. (A72-872)

Figure 47. Demolition block, showing tin container and2-pound, paper-covered, picric-acid charge. Holes on side
and end are for blasting cap. (30777 AC)

absorber or bungee for the suspension of the apparatus
from the shrouds. Eight strands of 3/8-inch manila rope
were knotted to both eyelets to form a sister which
limited the elongation of the rubber rope. At the top
end, the sister formed a loop carrying two open steel
hoops which fastened through the pear-shape ring tied in
the lower end of the shroud lines. At the bottom end,
the sister was knotted about the lower end of thebungee, and then divided into four suspension cords of
two rope strands each. The suspension cords were
threaded through holes in each one of the four bolts atthe top of the metal framework of the apparatus, withthe cords passing back through the knots about thebungee to the top loops to give the sister its eight-strand
strength. Measured load tests indicated that the shock
absorber would be ineffective for loads in excess of 150
pounds. Some balloons did not have this bungee, but
this did not alter the rest of the suspension assembly.

Figure 46. Though damaged by its use, this control
frame was recovered near Marshall, Alaska, 23 December
1944. Note fuses circling frame. (U.S. Army photograph,
SC 237091)

operation, this flash charge was deleted from balloons.
The reason has not been positively determined, but
speculation dictates that by leaving the envelope intact
at the end of its flight, there was greater chance of press
reports of its arrival.

Shock

AbsorberA 22-inch rubber rope with cotton-covered eyelets
formed at each end was sometimes used as a shock44

Figure 48. Close-up of the ignition charge attached to the side of the envelope and fuseleading to it. At the top left is a shroud line attached to the catenary band. (30781 AC)

Automatic Altitude-Control

DeviceA four-post metal frame approximately a foot square
was suspended from the lower end of the bungee. In thecenter of the frame, there was a bakelite deck or panel
which supported a box containing four barometriccontractors. On top of this box, there was a wet-acidbattery and a standard Japanese demolition block.
Bolted to the bottom of the frame was a cast aluminum
four-spoke wheel approximately 24 inches in diameter
and Vh. inches thick, containing a system of fuses andblack-powder charges that were activated by thebarometric contractors or aneroids. These were designed
so that when blown out, they released sandbags or otherobjects hung to the periphery of the wheel.
Just above and parallel to this wheel was analuminum ring of smaller diameter containing holes forthe other ends of the fuses, as well as an equal numberof spring-tensioned switches.

Figure 49. Ballast release and control frame. (A72-868)

Functionsand payloads to be dropped, and self-destruction charges
to be set off.

The automatic altitude-control device had two functions: (a) to control the lower altitude limits, and (b) torelease an object or objects carried by the balloon andthen destroy the balloon and apparatus. These purposes
were to be accomplished by the operation of aneroidbarometer (altimeter) elements, preset for the desired
operational altitude, which caused ballasting increments

Operation
A gas-filled balloon of this type could rise to
maximum altitude during daylight hours when the gas
inside the bag was warmed by the sun. During night
hours, the gas cooled and contracted and the balloon
45lost altitude. In order to prolong the flight of theseballoons, a ballast-dropping mechanism was provided sothat whenever a balloon descended to a predetermined
minimum altitude, one or more "ballast objects" were
dropped, thereby allowing the balloon to rise again. The
ballast objects were sandbags hung around the peripheryof the large metal ring at the bottom of the apparatus. In
some cases incendiary and explosive bombs wereattached in the same manner, indicating that ballast
objects may have served a dual purpose.
The mechanism was initially activated after theballoon was high in the air, when the activating fuses,
ignited on release, burned up to the upper metal ring of
the apparatus causing two small plugs to blow out andrelease two spring-loaded contacts. This completed theelectrical circuit of the apparatus except for the makeor-break contacts located in the aneroid barometers.
Three of the four aneroids were wired in parallel witheach other. The fourth was a part of a separate electricalcircuit. The three connected in parallel were arranged sothat when a predetermined minimum altitude wasreached, any one of the three could make a contact
completing the electrical circuit. One of the aneroids wasmore carefully constructed than the others and was
believed to be the primary control element, with theother two provided in case the primary element failed.
When this electrical circuit was completed, two plugs
located on the circumference of the large metal ringwere blown out resulting in the dropping of the ballast
they supported.
This blowout process also ignited two 24-inch squib
fuses which served as a time delay of about two minutes

to allow the balloon to gain altitude before the next setof plugs fired. The firing of the next set of plugs—on the
opposite side of the upper metal contact ring—closed
spring-operated switches which again completed theelectrical circuit of the apparatus except for the contacts
at the aneroids. If the aneroid contacts were still closed
at this time—by failure of the balloon to ascend
sufficiently—another pair of blowout plugs located on
the large metal ring was blown out and the processrepeated. This process of dropping objects continued,
alternating from one side of the large metal ring toanother, until the balloon reached sufficient altitude tocause the aneroids' contacts to open and thus break thecircuit. When the balloon later dropped to the minimum
altitude, more ballast objects were caused to drop in thesame manner.
An additional electrical circuit, connected to thefourth aneroid, was activated when the ninth set ofblowout plugs on the upper contact ring had been fired.
This circuit thereafter was completed at any time thefourth aneroid contact was closed, blowing out a plugunder the large metal ring and igniting the fuse to thedemolition charge on the top of the apparatus.
It was noted that any object or objects suspended by
the two blowout plugs on the underside of the large ring
would be released at any time the fourth aneroid closed
its contact after the ninth set of plugs on the upper
contact ring had been fired. Also, the mechanicalapparatus would be destroyed at such time, before all of
the ballast objects on the circumference of the large
metal ring had been dropped, but the envelope could not
be destroyed until the entire process was completed. The
reason for this arrangement has not been determined.

\

9 \

I
Figure 50. Box cover containing aneroids is removed
for viewing into the control device. (U.S. Army photograph, SC 226133)

Figure 51. Aneroids contained in a wooden container
acted as the main control unit of the release mechanism.
(U.S. Army photograph, SC 237087)
46

series to permit greater accuracy of adjustment. It wasused as the primary control unit and wired in parallelwith two of the smaller aneroids.
Large Metal Ring

Figure 52. Bottom view of ballast-releasing control
device. The ballast sandbags were mounted on the outer
ring, while the main bomb was supported by the central
shackle. (SC 226138)

Description of Components
Smaller Aneroid Barometers. The pressure elementof the aneroids consisted of a small, flat, circular caseconstructed of thin, flexible metal—mostly brass—withconcentric corrugation in the top and bottom. Thispressure element collapsed gradually with increasing air
pressure and returned to original size with decreasingpressure. In order to make this control the firing of
blowout plugs, electric-circuit contacts were provided sothat contact was made as the case collapsed. One
electrical lead was fastened to a movable bar on which
the pressure element was mounted. The other lead was
attached to a straight wire which projected out over thepressure element. A small loop of wire attached to the
top of the pressure element encircled this straightcontact wire, and made contact with it, completing theelectrical circuit; at this point, increasing air pressure
made the case collapse. The element was adjustable byraising or lowering the movable bar by a thumb screw.
Central Aneroid Barometer
The operation of this aneroid was the same in generalprinciple as that of the smaller aneroids. In this
instrument, however, two pressure elements were used in
47

The purpose of the large metal ring was to suspend
the ballast objects on its periphery and another object
from the center of its underside. It had 72 equally
spaced horizontal holes around its periphery, into which
blowout plugs were fitted from the outside and from 70
of which, fuses extended on the inside. Fuses were notneeded from the last pair of holes in the series. Five steel
arming wires were attached to the ring; four on the
periphery and one centrally located. These were used inconnection with the bombs which frequently weresuspended from the ring as dual-purpose ballast.
Attached to the top of the large metal ring were
three fiber rings separated by two rows of electricaljacks with 72 jacks in each row. The lower row of jacks
was wired in common while the upper row was wired inpairs. This arrangement allowed for two plugs in thelarge metal ring to be blown at the same time.
A wire from the inside of each pair of jacks located in
the upper row was attached to the two corresponding
connections on the bakelite plate. One lead from thelower row of jacks wired in common connected to thethree aneroids wired in parallel, while another lead fromthis row of jacks connected to the plug centrally locatedunder the large metal ring.
A lead from the outside of each jack in the upper andlower rows entered a corresponding blowout plug in thelarge metal ring to complete that portion of theelectrical circuit.
The large metal ring was presumably made ofaluminum or a fight white-metal alloy. Four spokes at
90° angles, together with four metal suspension rods invertical positions form the basis for support of theadditional apparatus located above the ring.
Blowout Plug. The 70 blowout plugs located on thecircumference of the large metal ring were small metal
cylinders fitted tightly into the holes provided. The
plugs contained a black-powder charge. As the electricalcircuit to each plug was completed, the powder was
ignited and exploded, blowing out the plug and causing
the ballast object suspended by the plug to be released
and dropped. This explosion also pulled corresponding
small electrical plugs from jacks in the fiber rings andopened the circuits. The explosion additionally ignited
the fuse which was attached to the inside end of theblowout plug. This fuse led to another blowout plug on
the contactor ring above. The blowout plugs on theunderside of the large metal ring operated in a similar

Figure 53. Aneroid board showing covers removed.
These devices closed electrical circuits at pre-set minimum altitude for release of ballast. (A 37180E)

Figure 55. Fixed altitude aneroid for initial activationof the mechanism. (A72-869)

Figure 54. Aneroid board with covers in place.
Japanese marked cover with triangle contains the
aneroid that initially activated the electrical circuitry of
the mechanism. (A 37180E)

Figure 56. Master aneroid. Note thumb adjustment
screw. (A72-869)

manner, but were wired separately and not as a pair; one
ignited a fuse to the demolition block on the apparatus,
while the other ignited a fuse to the flash bomb on theside of the envelope.
Both steel and aluminum die-stamped blowout plugs
were used. Earlier varieties had been machined.
Switches on Upper Metal Contactor Ring. The
switches which connected succeeding charges werelocated in the upper metal contactor ring and wereoperated by the explosion of a small blowout plug
ignited by the fuse leading from the inside of theblowout plug on the periphery of the large metal ring
below. The blowing out of this upper plug released aspring-actuated switch which made contact with clips on(Continued on page 54)

Figure 57. This aneroid marked with a triangle on its
cap rendered the altitude-control device inoperative until
the balloon initially ascended through 6,000 to 16,000
feet. This served as a safety against inadvertent release of
explosives. (72-870)
48

.tIr;.'lFigure 60. Blowout plugs, sectionalized. (A72-873)

Figure 58.. Igniter squibs. (A72-874)

Figure 61. Powder charge. (A72-873)

Figure 59. Blowout plugs and connecting fuses.
(72-876)

Vvi« -ji\J\t

Figure 62. Main bomb-release shackle. When electrical
power ignited blowout plugs (shown installed), fuses
were also ignited—one for an explosive to destroy theapparatus, and another charge to explode the balloon.
(72-875)

Figure 63. Main power supply was a single-cell, sevenplate, 2.3 volt, lead-acid storage battery. (72-871)

Figure 66. Thirty-two sandbags made up the ballast
load for balloon altitude control. Individual weights
were approximately seven pounds. (U.S. Army photograph, SC 237089)

Figure 64. Three parts of the double-walled, celluloid,
battery box. Non-freeze liquid between walls helped
control minimum temperature for continual battery
output. (72-871)

Figure 67. The bomb load and full ballast attached to a
Japanese balloon gondola. Exploding blowout plugreleases a sandbag shown in this movie still. The cycles
continue, finally releasing the two incendiaries at left
and the 33-pound, anti-personnel bomb which hangs
nose down in the center. (29910 AC)

Figure 65. Battery box was constructed of clear celluloid to make full use of solar radiation to help sustain
battery life. (U.S. Army photograph, SC 237096)
50

1:''..t\Balloon and apparatus as foundcaught on a fence

Incendiary bomb found 75 feetfrom balloon

Apparatus, showing number of fuses
not yet blown out

Apparatus caught on fence

Close-up of gondola withsandbags attachedTop of device showing aneroid
control board

Figure 68. On-scene, balloon-recovery pictures taken 13 March 1945. (30772 AC)
51

-•*•*

Figure 69. Minutely detailed, exploded-view drawing prepared in 1945 shows theworkings of the ballast and ordnance-dropping mechanism. (A 37180D)
52|£ V. W E T - C E L L

BATTERY
DEMOLITION

CHARGESUSPENSION BRIDLE^METALPOSTS-BAKELITE

PLATE

ALUMINUM

RING

ANEROIDS IN BOX

TWO 32-FT. FUSES
FOR

EACH

DROP

ACTION.

BURNING

TIME:

MIN.

94

ALUMINUMRING

DIRECTION OF BURN
2 MIN., 4 9 SEC.

WIRED TO NO. 9 CLIP
ON BAKELITE PLATEWIRED TO COMMON
ON LOWER RINGWIRED TO NO. 36 CLIP
ON BAKELITE PLATESINGLEONE " T " BAR.

RELEASETWO

CENTER MAIN
BOMB RELEASEUNIT

BLOWOUT-WIRED TO MASTER
ANEROID

PLUGS

Figure 70. Automatic altitude-control device

53

(Continued from page 48)
the bakelite panel. The contact clips were wired in pairs
which would operate even if one circuit failed.
Bakelite Panel Contacts. Immediately above thisring of switches was a circular bakelite panel carrying acontact for each switch. Each single lead from thebakelite panel led down, one of the adjacent verticalframe rods and connected to a pair of jacks wired inparallel in the fiber rings directly above the large metal
ring. The bottom of each switch was wired in common
to the battery. The other lead from the battery went
through the aneroid control and via a common wire backto the dropping plugs in the large metal ring below.
Thus, each switch or pair of switches armed one
dropping circuit which would fire a pair of droppingplugs when the aneroid contacts closed.
Battery. The battery that supplied the current tofire the various blowout plugs was located in a largetransparent container mounted on top of the control
mechanism. The container was made of clear plastic
material and double-walled with about an inch of air
space between the inner and outer walls, to insulate thebattery from the cold of high altitudes and obtain more
effect from the heating provided by sunlight during thedav.
The battery was a small, wet-cell type having fiveplates and measured Vh by 3 by VA inches. It was filledwith a 10 percent solution of calcium chloride. Thissolution would tend to hold the battery between 0° and-20°C until the solution would freeze solid at extreme
altitudes.
This description from United States technical reports

varies to some degree in the solution to antifreeze
battery development in Japanese reports. They describe
the final result as a liquid cell with sulphuric acid. Eachcell was protected from cooling by covering it with alayer of nonfreezing liquid on all sides and placed in aheat-insulating, double case made of celluloid.
BallastOn the average the ballast for the balloon consisted of
32 sand-filled paper bags, together with some bombs.
The sandbags were made of the same material as theenvelope and were usually bound with twine. The filledbags varied in weight from three to seven pounds and thetotal ballast weight was about 155 pounds. Both thebags and the bombs were suspended by "T" lugs inserted
into slots in the bottom of the large metal ring, witheach wing of the lug resting upon one of the blowout
plugs in the ring. When either of the plugs was blown
out, the lug fell by gravity from the slot.

Demolition

ChargeThe demolition charge carried for the purpose ofdestroying the mechanism was a two-pound block of
picric acid wrapped with waxed paper and sealed in atinned box 2& by 3 by 6 inches. Connected to themechanism was a short length of safety fuse to which
was fastened a non-electric blasting cap inserted in oneof the demolition charges.

B-Type Rubberized-silk Balloon
The navy-originated balloon consisted of gum-coated,habutae-sHk,1 laminated panels. Four layers formed the
top half of the sphere while three layers formed thebottom half. Geometry of design was similar to the
A-Type balloon, but was one meter less in diameter. Eachconnecting part was sewed together with a 40 millimeterseam which was sealed with cotton tape. After theballoon was inflated and tested, leaks were sealed with abenzol-gum concentrate.2 These coatings on the silkgave the balloon a dark grey, rubber-like appearance.
This balloon also carried an automatic ballast-release

Both military establishments and industry manufactured the A-Type balloon, while the B-Type rubberizedsilk balloons were made only by private industry.
Apparently no serious production problems were encountered with this more durably constructed balloon.

Rated tensile strength of 67 pounds per square inch.
United States test results made upon a retrieved B-Typeballoon indicated that gas loss through the envelope wasapproximately 350 cubic feet per day.

54

system to compensate for inherent gas leakage, although
it was not as complicated as the A-Type balloon system.
The unit carried 14 ballast sandbags that were normallyexpended after four descending cycles that weredetected by four aneroids and a simple release system.

Physical and Performance Characteristics of the Two Types of Balloons

Volume, cubic feet (maximum)
Diameter of envelope (feet)
Length of foot ropes (feet)Gas valve, diameter (inches)
valve setting (in H2O)
Weights, balloon without equipment (pounds) . . . .
equipment (pounds) (flight control)
ballast (pounds)
bombs (pounds)
Total weight (pounds)
Gas volume for flight (cubic feet)
Unit lift of gas (pound/cubic feet)
Gross lift (approx. pounds)
Free lift (approx. pounds)
Rate of ascent with 65-pound free lift (feet/minute) .
Gas volume/total volume
Computed altitude to height of fullness (approx. feet)

A-Type paper

B-Type silk

18,600
32.81
49.20
15.76
1.97
132 to 176
44
198
77
451 to 495
7580
0.0687520
24 to 65
780
0.407
27,60013,45029.53
No Data
9.85
21.50
355
18
97
60
*530
8000
0.0687550*20No Data
0.595
16,700•EstimatedFigure 71. Though complicated in appearance, the operating principle of the altitudecontrol system was quite simple. Time burning fuses encircle the aneroid-containing box
which supports the battery box above. (U.S. Army photograph, SC 226136)
55

Figure 72. Numbered holes containing blowout plugs
for releasing sand ballast and b o m b s were designed tooperate in pairs. The failure of any one did not hamper
the sequence of the release or timing mechanism. (A37180A)

Figure 73.

Schematic diagram of altitude-control apparatus for a paper bombing balloon.

la. Trigger switch. When closed it sets up circuit for first bag ofballast.
lb,lc, etc. Trigger switches. When closed, they set up circuit foreach preceding bag of ballast.
2. Trigger-switch plug. When blown from frame by charge of
powder it closed trigger switch la, lb, etc.
3. Long fuse. This fuse was ignited when balloon was launched.
The fuse ignited trigger-switch plug (2).
4. Battery. To furnish current to trigger-switch plug (2) andblowout plugs (10) to release bags of ballast.
5 and 6. Barometric switches.
7. Barometric switch closed circuit for discharging ballast bags
whenever balloon descended a distance below the pressureheight of the balloon to a pressure increase of 700 mm.

56

8. Time switch set to close circuit for blowout plug (11), 60 to
70 hours after the balloon was launched.
9. Fuses to ignite trigger-switch plug (2) and cause trigger
switch to close.
10. Connection containing blowout plugs to release ballast bag(11) and ignite fuse (9).
11. Ballast bag. Weight approximately 6.6 pounds.
12. Charge located on envelope to ignite and destroy balloon.
13. Charge to destroy flight-control apparatus.
14 and 15. Long fuse.
16. Connection containing blowout plug to release bombs andignite fuses (14) and (15).
17. Bombs.

Hopper-Type Flight-control Apparatus
ballast and a metering devise to release ballast in 5.5 to
6.5-pound increments. When the balloon descended a
distance equivalent to a 700-millimeter increase inbarometric pressure, a barometric switch closed and anelectric circuit thus started the ballast-metering device.
This, in turn, released the ballast increments at two to
three-minute intervals until the balloon again ascended
sufficiently to open the electric circuit.

An additional ballast-dropping device was developedby the Japanese for altitude control. This was the
Hopper Type, but used only on A-Type balloons, and invery small quantities. This system was equally as uniqueas the first and therefore worth recording.
It consisted of two main parts; a hopper-bottom
storage bin capable of carrying 265 pounds of sand

SECTION

Figure 74.

A-A

Schematic diagram of ballast-dispensing apparatus for Hopper-Type flight-control unit.

1. Sand storage bin
la. Funnel
2. Bracket to support (3)3. Housing
4. Disc, attached to gear (7)5. Ballast dispensing container
6. Gear attached to (5) and in mesh with (7)7. Gear. See 4 and 6
8. Cam, an integral part of (6)9. Rocker, hinged at (30) which is hinged to (3)10. Lever connecting (13) and (9)11. Diaphragm dividing (5) into two compartments
12. Stop attached to (4)13. Trip lever
14. Spring to keep (13) against stop (12)15. Electric magnet

16. Counterweight
17. Two barometric switches
18 and 19. Contact points of circuit switch
20. Bracket for (21)21. Shaft about which (3) rotates
22. Shaft about which (5) rotates
23. Support for (2)24. The angle of housing (3) can take when (18) and (19) havemade contact
25,26, and 28. Conductors of the electric circuit
27. Battery
29. Hinge pin for (13)30. Time switch, set to close the circuit 60 to 70 hours after theballoon was launched
31. Fuse plugs to release bombs and ignite long fuses to charges
for destroying balloon and equipment

57

Ballast Metering

Devicewhich the ballast was dropped. When it closed, it
remained locked in this position for the duration of theflight. The other switch (17b) closed the circuit whenever the balloon descended a distance below the pressureheight of the balloon or the height of stable flight,
equivalent to a 700-millimeter increase in barometricpressure.
Let it be assumed that the balloon was descending
and switch (17b) closed the circuit. At this instant, themagnet (15), energized by the battery (27), forced thetrip lever (13) to the position indicated. The disc (4),connected to gear (7) in mesh with gear (6), was free torotate allowing container (5) to revolve 180° dumping
its contents as ballast. During this operation the discrotated 360°, the housing (3) tilted back to a neutral
position, opening the circuit at switch points (18) and(19) and trip lever (13) returned to normal position
locking the container in position with stop (12) and cam(8). Two to three minutes were required to refill thecontainer. As soon as this occurred, the housing (3)tilted to angle (24), closing the switch points (18 and19).
If the switch (17b) was still closed, the second
increment of ballast was dumped. This operation
continued until the balloon ascended to an altitude
sufficient to open the barometric switch (17b). A timeswitch (31), closed the circuit to the fuse plugs (32) 60
to 70 hours after launching, igniting the long fuses
leading to the explosive charges to destroy the apparatus
and burn the balloon.

A schematic diagram of the ballast metering device isshown on page 57. The rotating container (5) wasused to dispense small increments of ballast wheneverrequired. A partition (11) divided the container into two
compartments, each holding 5.5 to 6.5 pounds of sand.
Gear (6), cam (8), and shaft (22) were integral parts ofthe container, and the entire sub-assembly rotatedclockwise in the housing (3). The container (5) being
empty, the housing (3) and component parts assumed
the position shown in the diagram. This was accomplished by a counterweight (16) and a stop between
the housing (3) and the frame (2). The center of gravityof the unit was located slightly to the left of the shaft(21); however, as the container (5) was filled with sandfrom the hopper, the center of gravity of the parts
referred to above moved to a position to the right of the
shaft (21) causing the housing (3) and parts attachedthereto to tip and assume an angle (24) and, in turn, closethe contacts between switch points (18 and 19). These
switch points also acted as a stop, limiting the angle (24).
The center of gravity of the container (5) full of sand was
located to Hie right of the shaft (22). The container wasprevented from rotating by the engagement of stop (12)against trip lever (13), the former having positive
engagement with the disc (4) and gears (7) and (6). The
container of sand now was in readiness to be dumped.
The element (17) consisted of two switches in series,
one (17a) of which kept the electric circuit open until
the balloon attained an altitude above the height at

Payload OrdnanceTwo types of incendiary bombs and one type ofhigh-explosive bomb were reported to have been carriedas balloon payloads. Data concerning these bombs are
extracted from the postwar-issued United States Air
Force T/O 39B-1A-11, Japanese Explosive Ordnance,
GPO 1953. This varies in some minor degree withinformation published in balloon-bomb reports while theoperation was in progress.

5-kg. Thermite Incendiary

Thickness of wall: Vs inch
Material of wall: Welded steel tube
Type of suspension: Horizontal
Suspension lug: 3/4-inch steel band secured around the
body by a nut and bolt, s /i 6-inch hole drilled in theextension of the band to accept metal hook
Color and marking: Bomb body, black or olive drab; tailunpainted tin color
Length of tail: 9 inches
Width of tail: 3 l Vi 6 inches
Width of tail fins: None
Dimensions of tail struts: None
Material of tail: Tin-plated sheet steel
Type of filling: Incendiary, consisting of a first firecharge and a main charge
Total weight of bomb: 11 pounds

Bomb

Fuses: Mechanical impact tail fuse
Overall length: 153/4 inches
Length of body: 63/4 inches
Diameter of body: 3 1 Vi6 inches
58Construction of Body
The bomb body consists of a Vg-inch-thick steel tube
welded longitudinally and closed at the forward end by a
3.4-inch-thick nose plug which is welded in place. A
cylindrical wooden block is fitted part way into the aftend of the body and secured by six countersunk woodenscrews. The block contains the simple impact fuse andspring-loaded safety pin and also acts as the connecting
element between the body and the tail. Two 3/8-inch
vent holes are drilled longitudinally through the block,
180° apart. The fuse is 27/s inches long and has al 3 /! 6-inch diameter. A tubular aluminum body contains
a striker and a creep spring. A solid threaded plug closes
the aft end and a plug containing the primer screws into
the forward end. A spring-loaded safety pin holds thestriker in position. The incendiary filling in the bomb
body consists of a first fire charge which is adjacent to
the primer and a main charge below the first fire charge.
The first fire charge is a compressed black powder
composed of magnesium, barium peroxide, andpotassium nitrate. The main charge is thermite.

Figure 75. Eleven-pound incendiary bombs were often
used in the final ballast-dropping positions on the
periphery of the mechanism. (U.S. Army photograph,
SC 226134)

TAIL SECTION(UNPAINTED TIN COLOR)

Construction of Tail
The tail, consisting of a tinned sheet-steel tube closed
at the after end, is secured to the wooden block by fivewooden screws. The tail and body sections rest flush
against one another, completely concealing the wooden
block to which they are attached. A slot in the tailreceives the brass safety pin housing which is containedin the wooden block.

AFT CLOSING PLUGSTRIKER— VENTSCYLINDRICAL WOOD PLUGCREEP SPRING— SAFETY PIN - 90°
1
POSITION
BOMB BODY (BLACK OR
OLIVE DRAB)

FIRST FIRE CHARGEFORWARD CLOSING PLUG

OperationSUSPENSION BAND

Q
THERMITE FILLING

When the bomb is released the arming wire iswithdrawn, allowing the spring-loaded safety pin to fly
out, arming the fuse. On impact, the striker compresses
the creep spring and hits the primer. The explosion of
the primer ignites the first fire charge and the thermite.

Type 97 12-kg. Thermite
Incendiary Bomb
Fuses: A-2 (a) (fitted with a magazine)
Overall length: 25% inches
Length of body: 14% inches
Diameter of body: 4 inches
Thickness of wall: 3 /i 6 inch
Material of wall: SteelType of suspension: Horizontal
Suspension lug: Normal army suspension lug on barrel,
plus an improvised suspension device described below

1

I

Figure 76. 5-kg., thermite incendiary bomb.
Figure 77. Exploded view of a 26-pound incendiarybomb found near Hayfork, California, 1 February 1945.

Color and markings: Black overall with a 9 /i 6-inch white
stripe just forward of the suspension lug
Length of tail: 11 inches
Width of tail: 5 7 / 1 6 inches
Width of tail fins: 23/i 6 inches
Dimensions of tail struts: Length, 37/8 inches; width,% inch; thickness, Vi 6 inch
Material of tail: Vi 6 -inch rolled steel
Type of filling: Three thermite-filled magnesium firepots; two black-powder charges
Weight of filling: Fire pots, 10 pounds; black-powdercharges, 11 ounces
Total weight of bomb: 26 pounds
Charge/weight ratio: 38 percent
Construction of Body

Construction of Tail

MAGNESIUM FIRE POT

SUSPENSION YOKE

WHITE BANDCARDBOARD TUBE
FLASH CHANNELMETAL WASHERALUMINUM DISCBLACK POWDER

Figure 78. Type 97, 12-kg., thermite incendiary bomb.

Four steel fins are welded to the tail cone and arebraced by a single row of box-type stmts.
Operation
The fuse is armed in flight and on impact themagazine is fired which, in turn, ignites the blackpowder charge. The flash from this charge travels down acentral flash channel igniting the incendiary compositionin the fire pots and firing the black-powder charge in thetail. The explosive force of the two black-powdei
charges is sufficient to shear the four rivets at the aft endof the bomb body and thus expel the fire pots.
Remarks
The suspension yoke will be found on this bomb only
when it is suspended from a balloon.

Fuses: A-2 (b), A-2 (d)Overall length: 25% inches
Length of body: 14% inches

ALUMINUM DISCCARDBOARD DISCS

A cast-steel nosepiece is screwed into a tubular-steel
body. A normal, hinged, army suspension lug and an
additional suspension device are fitted to the body. The
suspension device consists of two steel bands, l Vi 6 inch
wide, each secured around the body by a bolt and nut.
The bands are joined by a %-inch-wide steel strip which
is welded to them. A &-inch steel rod formed into asuspension yoke is welded to the steel strip. A tail cone
is welded to a collar which fits into the aft end of the
body and is held in place by four rivets.

Type 92 15-kg. High-explosive

BLACK POWDER

BombFigure 79. This 33-pound anti-personnel bomb wasusually the main weapon carried on the central shackleof the release mechanism. (U.S. Army photograph, SC
226137)\•

Diameter of body: 3 7 / 8 inches
Thickness of wall: % inch
Material of wall: Steel rings (26).
Type of suspension: Vertical and horizontal
Suspension lug: Normal army suspension lug. Rectangular, hinged, steel lug on a plate riveted to the bodywith four rivets. A similar steel-hinged lug is fastened
to end of tail fins
Color and markings: Black overall with red band aroundthe nose and a white band and yellow band forwardof the suspension lug. (White band may be missing)
Length of tail: 11 inches
Width of tail: 5% inches
Width of tail fins: 23/4 inches
Dimensions of tail stmts: Length, 33/4 inches; width,5/i s inch; thickness, !/i 6 inch
Material of tail: Vi 6-inch sheet steel
Type of filling: 3 precast blocks of picric acid. An
alternative filling is cast TNT
Weight of filling: 9 pounds 9 ounces
Total weight of bomb: 33 pounds
Charge/weight ratio: 30 percent

VERTICAL SUSPENSION LUGTAIL ASSEMBLYSET SCREW
BODY (INNERCASING)SHRAPNEL RINGS

Construction of Body
A cast-steel nose is threaded onto a tubular steel
body. Twenty-six steel rings 3/8-inch wide and 3/8-inch
thick are fitted around the body. One ring to which thesuspension lug is attached is l3/8-inch wide and 3/8-inch
thick. A tail cone is screwed onto the aft end of thetubular body.

SET SCREWNOSE PIECESET SCREW

Construction of tail: Four angular fins are welded tothe tail cone and braced by a single set of box-type
struts. A suspension lug is secured to the aft end of the
fins.

Figure 80. Type 92, 15-kg., high-explosive bomb.

Balloon Production
trained and under the control of the Army Arsenal andwere ordered to begin making the paper balloons on arigid production schedule. This continued for fivemonths that ended in February 1945. The production of
10,000 balloons was a vast undertaking, requiring
millions of people.
As one example of production, the Iwahana factoryof the arsenal completed about 700 balloons for theperiod of five months with 400 employees of the factory

Pertinent data regarding the production of both typesof balloons are tabulated below. The cost indicated does
not include the flight-control apparatus.
The study of mass producing the paper skin, that
otherwise was handmade, began in May 1944. Afterestablishing a provisional production process by the endof July, army personnel gave first-hand instruction in theworkshops on a rotation basis. Some did not receive thistraining until August. By October, all workshops were61

Production

Paper balloons:
Chugai Kako K.K.
Kokusan Kagaku Kogyo
Sagami Arsenal )StartedStopped1944
1 April
September

1945
15 February
March

Numberprocured

Cost eachin yen*

3,000
3,693

10,0005,500

50 to 60 b
36 c3,350 d- - no data
Kudura Arsenal)
Rubberized-silk balloons:
Fugikwia Kogyo Corp.
Kokka Kogyo K.K.

September
October 1943

April
15 Marcha
The prewar exchange rate was five yen to the dollar. The post-hostilities rate was stabilized at
fifteen to the dollar.
"Twenty to thirty of these balloons built between September 1944 and February 1945 wereexperimental and were said to have been flown. The twenty to thirty production models weredestroyed by bombing.
cEight to ten of these balloons were experimental, built between October 1943 and October 1945.
No data are available as to whether they were flown.
^This cost did not include the silk cloth, used in the envelope fabric, which was furnished by thearmy.

and the students from nine girls' high schools in Gunma
Prefecture participating in the work. The cutting andpasting of the thin sheets of paper were more skillfully
done by females than by males.

Hydrogenpressure of 150 atm. and put into 6,000 1. cylinders tor
transportation. Although the amount required to inflate
one balloon was 300 m.3, about 52 cylinders on
the average were used per balloon. This amount included
what was lost by balloon leakage during the inflation
operation. Since the weight of one container was a little
more than 133 pounds, transportation of 3.2 tons ofmetal containers were required for each balloon.
In March 1945, when about 3,000 balloons werereleased, more than 80 tons of hydrogen wereconsumed. Thousands of tons of metal containers wereneeded for transporting the hydrogen.
The following table is an indication of the vastness of
this requirement for the balloon operation.

SupplyAlthough the amount of hydrogen required to fill one
balloon was only 27 kg., the transportation of thisessential gas to the launch sites was a major undertaking.
Because of these inherent difficulties, this was responsible for the slow beginning of the balloon offensive.
Hydrogen was compressed at the generating plant to aFrequency*
1 balloon
1 release point (per day)1 battalion (per day).
3 battalions (per day)Monthly requirement
Total balloons released
Total balloons planned to be released

Balloons
released

Hydrogenrequired in(N.T.P.)m

Numberofcylinders

Cylinderweights
in tons

1
6
30
100
2,000
9,300
10,000

300
1,800
9,000
30,000600,000
2,790,000
3,000,000

52
312
1,560
3,120
37,440295,600
312,000

3.2
19.2
96
187
2,226
17,76018,720*Days during a month favorable for the release of balloons were about 20. Hydrogen for 3
battalions and cylinders for 2 battalions were available.

62

Of the 80 tons of hydrogen programmed, 50 tons
were to be compressed into 97,500 cylinders andtransported to Nakoso and Ichinomiya, while theremaining 30 tons were piped directly to the launch pads
at Otsu. Considering the refueling of the gas cylinders,
20,000 would be needed; however, by late
December—well into the launch program—only 8,000
cylinders were on hand. Consequently, the number ofballoons released in November and December fell
considerably short of what had been programmed.
Though release of 150 balloons a day was the combinedschedule for the three launch sites, about 30 was theactual figure.
A rapid shuttle system of empty and filled hydrogentanks could have met the demand, but the frequent air
raids against the rail lines immensely hampered thetransportation of the gas.
The 1st Battalion at Otsu utilized hydrogen that was
generated from caustic soda and ferrosilicon in thefollowing formula.

2NaOH + Si + H 2 0 = Na2Si03 + 2H2
This required more than 2,000 tons of caustic soda tolaunch 4,000 balloons. The requirement of ferrosilicon
was in the same proportion required by the formula—nosmall amount.
Fire was an ever-present danger and not an uncommon occurrence at the launch site. Hydrogen mixed
with oxygen became highly inflammable, and was evenmore dangerous when heated during the transfer operation while filling the balloon. Attached to the base of
the balloon was a paper-made, 50-centimeter-radiushose-20 to 30 meters in length—connected to therubber hose which led to the gas-supply chamber. Thisrubber hose could be crimped off quickly at the firstsign of fire. Men with buckets of sand were always
poised to extinguish the first flicker of fire, while others
would quickly turn off all of the gas valves. Stock pilesof incendiary and high-explosive bombs, paper balloon
envelopes', and hydrogen tanks provided a constantthreat of fire and destruction at the launch sites.

Inflating and Launching
The methods used by the Japanese to inflate andlaunch the A-Type and B-Type bombing balloons were,
for all practical purposes, similar. The discussion which
follows applies particularly to the A-Type (paper)
balloon.
An inflation bed was prepared by sinking 19 screw
anchors into the ground as shown in Figure 81. This wasfollowed by laying out the balloon within the screwanchor circle, connecting the inflation tube to the
inflation appendix, and securing the suspension bridles
to the open eye of the screw anchors. The inflationequipment—including inflation tubing and manifold withhigh-pressure hose—were the same as those used forbarrage balloons. Two cylinders were emptied at a time.
Approximately 8,100 cubic feet of hydrogen wererequired for inflation and launching. The method used
to determine the amount of gas supplied to the balloon
is shown in Figure 81. Approximately 860 pounds ofbuoyancy was attained before release.
After removing the inflation tubing from the balloon,
the gas valve was installed. Long ropes with an eye werereeved through each loop provided in the suspension
curtain and hooked to the eye in the screw anchor. The
suspension bridle was then removed. During this operation, one crewman alongside held the balloon in theposition shown in Figure 81. Following this, theequipment was installed and the balloon allowed to rise
until the equipment cleared the ground. The instruments
and other equipment were checked and half of the longropes were removed from the balloon. The long fuses
were ignited, followed by unhooking the long ropes
from the screw anchors and the balloon was released.
The crewmen held onto one end of the long ropes. If therope moved easily through the loop in the suspension
band, it was recovered; if it became entangled, it was
released and allowed to ascend with the balloon. Thismethod of launching was used only when the surface
wind was mild.
When the wind exceeded two and one-half miles perhour another method of launching was employed. The
balloon was inflated in the same manner as previously
described. Instead of using long ropes to raise theballoon in order to suspend the equipment, the balloon
was held in position close to the ground until it was
launched. A launching sandbag arrangement, as illustrated in Figure 82, was secured to alternate suspension points on the balloon and corresponding screw
anchors on the ground. The equipment was suspended
from a tilting arm on a wooden stand as shown in Figure82.
At a given signal, the balloon was released from thescrew anchors. It ascended, carrying with it the paper
63

SUSPENSION

19 SCREWANCHORSEQUALLYSPACEDSCREWINFLATIONGASLAYOUTFOROF

CURTAIN.

TUBINGAPPROX.

ANCHOR
3 ' - 0 " LONG

CYl

BALLOON

INFLATION•AMOUNT OF GAS PUT INBALLOON WAS DETERMINEDBY THIS HEIGHTPOSITION
WHEN

OFBALLOON

INFLATED

WITH GASP O S I T I O N OF B A L L O O N
PRIOR TOLAUNCHING
Figure 81.

Layout for anchoring and inflating bombing balloons for launching.
64

©

r

^

SUSPENSION

HEAVY

PAPER

THIN

PAPER

CURTAIN

RIP-BANDCONSTRUCTIONLAUNCHINGOF

SANDBAGSSANDBAGS

SAND

FIXED
TO

LENGTH CORDSCREWANCHOR-SECTION

SEPARATIONOF LAUNCHING

SCREW

Figure 82.

ANCHORS

Method used for launching bombing balloons in winds above two
and one-half miles per hour.
65

SANDBAGS

V

=

WIND

SPEED

lOOrA-TYPE
ASCENT

PAPER
I
SPEED

BALLOONS/
APPROX.
4M/S.

</)

cr

u
ru

Z50
B-TYPE/RUBBERIZED-SILK BALLOON/SPEED APPROX. I M / S .

r-

X

o
u
I

50
DISTANCE

IN

100
METERS

150

Figure 83. Balloon ascent angle in relation to wind speed.

equipment load from the slot in the rocker arm of thewooden stand, and continued its ascent. The ascent was
swift. Speed of about 200 m. (656 ft.) to 300 m. (984ft.) per minute were attained, reaching the 10,000 m.
(32,800 ft.) level in about 40 minutes.

launching bags. Just before the foot ropes picked up theequipment load, the ropes between the launching sandbags and crew anchors were taut. The shock load on thepaper bags was sufficient to separate the sections ofpaper and release the sand. The balloon lifted theDegree of Development
Balloon development continued until April 1945 withspecial emphasis placed on improving flight-control
apparatus and method of production. The Japanese had
not completed development of a satisfactory, low-cost,machine-made, raw, and laminated paper for the massproduced balloon which would be comparable to thesame materials made by hand. The balloon proper, of

both types, presented no real problems, and development therefore would have been limited to refinements.
Laboratory tests and data obtained from flight tests
indicated that further development and refinement was
required in the flight-control apparatus to reduce thepercentage of flight failures.

66

War Casualties on United States Soilof Japanese balloons. Almost simultaneously one of thebombs detonated, killing Mrs. Mitchell and the children.
The explosion produced a crater 12 inches deep, 15
inches wide, and 36 inches long. The incendiaries anddemolition block were badly damaged by the blast, but
did not explode.
Those killed were: Mrs. Elsie Mitchell; Jay Gifford,
12, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.N. Gifford; Eddie Engen, 13,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Einar Engen; Sherman Shoemaker,
12, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Shoemaker; and Joan
Patzke, 11, and Dick Patzke, 13, daughter and son of
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Patzke.
Forestry men who quickly gathered after the incident
said the victims appeared to have been clustered aroundthe balloon and someone must have tugged it enough todetonate a bomb.
Due to censorship, the only publicity permitted
about the incident was that an unidentified object had
exploded, killing six persons.
The six deaths were the only known fatalities on the
United States mainland from enemy attack during World

Strict censorship in the newspapers and on radio
concerning the paper bombing balloons prevented thisvital intelligence information from reaching theJapanese. It also kept many Americans uniformed of thepossible hazards associated with this unusual weapon.
The area over which the bombs landed was so vast,considering their relatively small number, that theprobability of personal contact was quite small. The lawof averages did run out, however, on 5 May 1945 when abomb from a balloon exploded and killed six peoplefour weeks after the Japanese had ended the balloon
offensive.
The tragedy occurred in the Gearhart Mountain area
just inside Lake County about sixty-five miles eastnortheast of Klamath Falls, Oregon. The Reverend andMrs. Archie Mitchell of Bly, Oregon, on that day took
five children with them on an outing. While theReverend Mr. Mitchell was moving the car, Mrs. Mitchelland the children found a strange object lying in thewoods. They called to Mitchell, now a mere 40 feetaway, and he shouted a warning, for he had heard rumors

Figure 84. Near Bly, Oregon, is the Mitchell Recreation Area, dedicated by the
Weyerhaeuser Company to commemorate the six Americans that died there due to the
explosion of a Japanese bomb balloon. The tragedy occurred 5 May 1945, nearly one
month after the last balloon had been set adrift. Accidential triggering of thebomb-entangled balloon caused the mishap.

67

Figure 85. The Mitchell Recreation Area was established on 20 August 1950, one year
after reparations were paid by our government to the next of kin of the casualties.

Figure 86. The bronze plaque inscription reads:"Dedicated/ to those/ who died here/ May 5, 1945/ by/Japanese/ bomb explosion." Following the list of six
names, it continues: "The only place/ on the/ American
continent/ where death resulted/ from enemy action/
during World War II.'"War II. In May 1949, the Senate Judiciary Committee
approved a House-passed bill to pay $20,000 to thebereaved families. The bill, first introduced by Representative William Lemke, Republican, North Dakota,
granted $5,000 to the widower of Mrs. Mitchell, and$3,000 to the parents of each of the children.
Senator Guy Gordon, Republican, Oregon, and otherproponents of the measure said that the public had notbeen warned of the danger from the airborne bombs,
although the armed services knew that several had
reached this country.
The Weyerhaeuser Company, of Klamath Falls,
Oregon, established the historic spot as a patriotic
shrine, to be known as the Mitchell Recreation area. The
dedication centered around a native-stone monument
bearing a bronze plaque with the names of the victims.
Other developments included outdoor fireplaces, appropriate signs for the memorial, and a protective ironfence around the site of the tragedy and monument.
Thus, the United States paid another lasting tribute toits war dead.
68

Other American Observations
A paper tag with Japanese characters was also foundwith the balloon, recovered at Hay River, Northwest
Territory, Canada, on 12 June 1945 (the landing date is
unknown). A translation of this tag revealed that "No.
11 balloon was manufactured on 23 January 1945 at
Takaki factory." There are two cities named Takaki inJapan; one is in Miyagi Prefecture, approximately 25
miles northwest of Sendai, undoubtedly the factory
location.
Another paper tag was found with the balloon
fragment recovered near Mahogany, Oregon, on 9 June
1945 (date of landing unknown). A translation reads:
No. 168 Balloon/ 31 January 1945/ 7 hours 50 minutes/
No. 10 Squadron.
A Japanese postcard was found in a sandbag ballast
recovered near Bethel, Alaska, on 15 April 1945. The
card was translated and appeared to be from a schoolboy
to his father. It was addressed: Mr. Kazuo Shinada/
Hidano Butai, Toni Tai,/ c/o Ichinomiya Post Office,/
Chosei County, Chiba Prefecture. The card was from:
Yoshiharu Shinada/ 4th Grade, Yawata Tai, Sakaiya
Inn,/ Akayu Town, Kigashi County,/ Yamagata Prefecture.
Ichinomiya is about 40 miles southeast of Tokyo, andAkayu about 10 miles south of Sendai. Both locations
were near possible sources of the ballast sand. Since
there was no postmark visible on the card, it was
impossible to say whether the card was mailed. The
Hidano "Detachment" as used in the father's address,
possibly carried the same name as Captain Monomichi
Hidano, who commanded a material depot of a balloon
regiment in March 1940. No further information is
known about Captain Hidano.

That only a small percentage of bombs reached North
America can be attributed to malfunctioning of theballast-control mechanism. A considerable number ofthe bomb-dropping devices recovered in the UnitedStates and Canada reportedly had a high percentage ofthe blowout plugs still in place in the periphery of thelower ring. This, apparently, was accountable to thefailure of either the battery or fuse. Recoveries clearly
indicated that the balloons could survive serious malfunctions of the ballast-dropping device and still arrive
over the target. Such balloons, however, usually showedindications that some of the ballast sandbags and cargo
had been pulled off by contact with the ground or
water. Balloons on which the sequence of ballast
dropping had stopped before the payload was released
were not found to be a menace. Since the arming of thebomb would not take place until it was released fromthe carrying device, these bombs were usually inactive
unless they were handled incautiously.
Much was learned from translations of inspection tags
found on some of the balloons. Typical was the one
found 13 March 1945 at Chimacum, Washington. The
balloon was manufactured at the Sagami Army Arsenal,
Factory No. 2 (about 15 miles northwest of Yokohama); the balloon number was 262; it had the classification "No. 102 Balloon"; the inscription was "passedwith first-class rating"; the date of manufacture was
February 1945, and it had been accepted 1 March 1945.
The 13-day period between acceptance and recovery
date of the Chimacum balloon was almost the same as
the period between the acceptance date of the Kalispell,
Montana, balloon 31 October and its estimated landing
date of 15 November 1944. They bore different tags.

Chronology of Balloon-bomb Incidents(Information taken from G-2 Periodic Report No. 188, 4 August 1945)

Place

Remarks

Recovery date1944
1. Lat. 33:20 N, Long. 119.20 W

4 Nov.

2. Kailua, Hawaii

14 Nov.

Rubber balloon recorded at sea 66 miles southwest of San Pedro,
California, at 1555 PWT by United States naval vessel. Envelope,rigging, and some apparatus recovered.
Paper balloon including envelope, rigging, and some apparatus
recovered at sea 5 miles west of Kailua at 1000 HWT by theUnited States Coast Guard.

69

Recovery date

Remarks

3. Thermopolis, Wyoming

6 Dec.

4. Kalispell, Montana

11 Dec.

5. Manderson, Wyoming
6. Marshall, Alaska

19 Dec.
23 Dec.

7. Holy Cross, Alaska
8. Estacada, Oregon

24 Dec.
31 Dec.

Fragments of a 15-kg. Japanese anti-personnel, high-explosive recovered as a result of this incident which occurred at 1800 MWT 6
December. An explosion occurred at this time followed by thesighting of what appeared to be a parachute descending to earth. A
bright red flame was also seen by observers of the explosion.
Bomb fragments were recovered from the scene of the incident
about 15 miles northwest of Thermopolis on 7 December.
Paper balloon including envelope, rigging, and some apparatus wererecovered. This balloon was estimated to have landed between 11
and 25 November.
Piece of Japanese balloon paper measuring 3 x 4 feet.
Paper balloon including 2 sandbags recovered 15 miles north of
Marshall.
Paper balloon found with most usual equipment.
Paper balloon, including envelope, rigging, and small portion of theapparatus, was recovered. Balloon was estimated to have landed
between 27 and 31 December.

Place

1945
9. Stony Rapids,
Saskatchewan, Canada
10. Medford, Oregon

1 Jan.
4 Jan.

11. Sebastopol, California

4 Jan.

12 At sea: 52:5 N, 106:00 W

5 Jan.

13. Napa, California

5 Jan.

14. Medford. Oregon
15. Alturas, California

7 Jan.
10 Jan.

16. Adin, California
17. Minton, Saskatchewan, Canada

10 Jan.
12 Jan.

18. Lame Deer, Montana
19. Ventura, California

13 Jan.
15 Jan.

20. Moorpark, California

15 Jan.

21. Moorpark, California

17 Jan.

22. Fort Simpson,
Northwest Territories, Canada

19 Jan.

Several fragments of balloon envelope found.
Fragments of what was identified as an incendiary-type bomb
exploded in a field one mile south of Medford at 1740 PWT. A
whistling sound as if a bomb was falling was heard prior to the
explosion.
Paper balloon, including envelope fragments, rigging, and apparatus,
landed at 1815 PWT.
Merchant-vessel crew shot down white balloon of 30-foot diameter.
Nothing recovered.
Fragments of balloon fabric found (30 miles SE of Sebastopol). May
have been part of incident No. 11.
Thermite bomb recovered.
|Paper balloon, including envelope, rigging, and apparatus was forced
down by a United States Navy airplane at 1750 PWT about 30
miles west of Alturas. Later inflated at Moffett Field, California.
Presumably, this is the balloon shipped to the Naval Air Station
Lakehurst, New Jersey, which finally came to the National Air andSpace Museum for its collection (NASM 2436).
Complete balloon with associated parts was found.
Balloon descended 6 miles north of United States-Canadian border,
released a 15-kg. bomb and two flares of incendiaries. One flare or
incendiary exploded; the other and the bomb did not. Balloon
then rose and disappeared. The incident occurred at 1630 MWT.
Paper balloon, including envelope and rigging, landed at 1600 MWT.
Fragments of a 15-kg., Japanese, anti-personnel, high-explosive bombwere recovered as a result of this incident. The bomb was observed
to explode at 1800 PWT on 15 January at Saticoy, 8 miles east of
Ventura. This bomb may have been dropped from the balloon
recovered at Moorpark, 13 miles east of Saticoy.
Paper balloon found about 15 miles east of the Ventura bomb
explosion. Balloon was similar to others.
Paper balloon, including envelope and rigging, was estimated to havelanded between 15 January and 1230 PWT 17 January, when it
was recovered. It was believed that this balloon possibly dropped
the bomb that fell at Saticoy, California, 13 miles west of
Moorpark on 15 January.
Paper balloon, including envelope, rigging, and some apparatus,
recovered. This balloon landed on 18 January.

70Recovery date

Remarks

23. Holy Cross, Alaska

21 Jan.

24. Shemya, Aleutian Islands

25 Jan.

25. Kashunuk, Alaska
26. Nogales, Arizona
27. Julian, California

30Jaa*
31 Jan.*31 Jan.

28. Red Bluff, CalifornialFeb.

29. Hayfork, California

lFeb.

30. Laurence, Iowa

2 Feb.

31. Schuyler, Nebraska
32. Provost, Alberta, Canada
33. Newcastle, Wyoming

2 Feb.
7 Feb.
8 Feb.

34. Camp Beale, California

8 Feb.

Paper balloon, including envelope, rigging part of the apparatus, andone sandbag, recovered 8 miles southwest of Holy Cross. It isbelieved this balloon landed 24 December 1944.
Paper balloon with apparatus attached was shot down into the ocean
approximately 40 miles southwest of Shemya Island by a fighter
plane. This balloon, encountered at 28,000 feet, was not recovered.
Balloon-envelope fragment found.
Small fragment of balloon envelope found.
Paper balloon, including envelope, rigging, and apparatus, recovered.
The balloon landed at 1600 PWT.
Paper balloon, including a portion of the envelope and rigging, wasrecovered about 20 miles west of Red Bluff. This balloon landed
between 1830 PWT 31 January and 1300 PWT 1 February.
Paper balloon, including rigging, apparatus, seven sandbags, and four
unexploded 10-pound incendiary bombs, recovered near Hayfork.
This balloon landed about 1825 PWT. The envelope of thisballoon was destroyed.
Paper balloon, including envelope, rigging, and apparatus, wasrecovered.
Piece of balloon paper, 5 x 6 feet in size, found.
Paper balloon, including envelope, rigging, and apparatus, recovered.
Paper balloon, including envelope and rigging, recovered 25 miles westof Newcastle. This balloon landed at 1800 MWT.
Paper balloon, including apparatus, recovered 5 miles northwest of
Marysville. The envelope and most of the rigging of this balloon,
which landed at 1600 PWT, were destroyed.

35. Moose Jaw,
Saskatchewan, Canada
36. Lodge Grass, Montana

9 Feb.
9 Feb.

37. Hardin, Montana
38. Riverdale, Montana

12 Feb.
12 Feb.

39. Burwell, Nebraska
40. Nowlin, South Dakota
41. Cascade, Montana
42. Spokane, Washington

12 Feb.
12 Feb.
12 Feb.
12 Feb.

43. Calistoga, California

23 Feb.

44. Eden, Montana
45. American Falls, Idaho
46. Hardin, Montana
47. Marie River, Districtof McKenzie, Canada
48. Prosser, Washington
49. Flathead Lake, Montana
50. Deer Lodge, Montana
51. Takla Lake, British
Columbia, Canada
52. Asotin, Washington

13 Feb.
13 Feb.
13 Feb.

Paper balloon, including only the envelope and rigging, recovered.
Paper balloon, including only the top third of the envelope,recovered. This balloon landed on the night of 8-9 February.
Bomb explosion followed by a ground fire occurred.
Three bombs landed and exploded. Fragments indicated the bombs
were incendiary.
Badly torn balloon envelope found with two incendiary bombs.
Unexplained incendiary-bomb explosion occurred.
Bomb fragments smelling strongly of ammonia found.
Two unexploded bombs found 7 miles north of Spokane. These were
believed to have been dropped only a short distance, as their paint
was unmarred.
Balloon shot down by aircraft. Paper fragment found at Elmira,
California, about 35 miles away. [Out of sequence.]
Paper balloon found, similar to others.
Envelope only of a Japanese balloon found.
Balloon valve and shroud lines recovered.

13 Feb.
15 Feb.
17 Feb.
18 Feb.*Paper fragment found.
Paper balloon found with some of the usual apparatus.
Long strip of paper found, believed to be part of a balloon envelope.
Two fragments of balloon envelope found.

19 Feb.
20 Feb.

53. Ephrata, Washington

21 Feb.

54. Spokane, Washington
55. Sumas, Washington

21 Feb.
21 Feb.

Partially inflated balloon found.
Two-thirds of a balloon envelope and portions of shroud lines
recovered.
Balloon hit the ground, dropping pieces of altitude-control equipment. Balloon then rose and disappeared.
Two bombs (1 anti-personnel and 1 incendiary).
Balloon shot down by Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft. Recovered
by Canadians.

Placeindicates the estimated landing date.
71

PlaceRecovery date

Remarks

56. Ashley, North Dakota
57. Ekwok, Alaska

22 Feb.
22 Feb.

58. Ephrata, Washington
59. Manyberries, Alberta, Canada
60. Hays, Montana
61. North Bend, Oregon
62. Kirby, Wyoming
63. Porcupine Plains,
Saskatchewan, Canada
64. Powell, Wyoming
65. Glendo, Wyoming
66. Chase, British
Columbia, Canada
67. Ellsworth, Nebraska
68. Tremonton, Utah
69. Rigby,Idaho
70. Bigelow, Kansas
71. Grand Rapids, Michigan
72. Burns, Oregon
73. Deer Island, Oregon
74. Boyd, Montana
75. Boise, Idaho
76. Eugene, Oregon
77. Goldendale, Washington
78. Bethel, Alaska
79. Deer Island, Oregon(near St. Helens)
80. Lakebay, Washington
81. Vaughn, Washington(Gig Harbor)
82. Holstein, Iowa
83. Nanaimo, Vancouver Island,
British Columbia, Canada
84. Puyalup, Washington
85. Big Creek, British
Columbia, Canada

22 Feb.
22 Feb.
22 Feb.
22 Feb.
22 Feb.

Envelope and shroud lines found.
A balloon hit the ground, dropping a battery. Paper fragments foundnear Ekwok on 13 March.
Parts of balloon were recovered.
Balloon found.
Balloon with control apparatus found.
Balloon shot down at 12,000 feet. Parts found later.
Balloon in good condition found.

22 Feb.
22 Feb.
22 Feb.

Balloon with ballast-dropping equipment found.
Damaged balloon found.
Damaged balloon with ballast-dropping apparatus found.

22 Feb.
22 Feb.
23 Feb.
23 Feb.
23 Feb.
23 Feb.
23 Feb.
23 Feb.
23 Feb.
25 Feb.
26 Feb.
27 Feb.
27 Feb.

Ballast-dropping apparatus and paper fragments recovered.
Valve and several pieces of shroud lines recovered.
Balloon with damaged ballast-dropping apparatus found.
Damaged balloon and ballast-dropping apparatus found.
Damaged balloon and ballast-dropping apparatus found.
Balloon envelope and shroud lines found.
Balloon with usual apparatus found.
Pieces of balloon envelope found following explosion.
Balloon envelope and ballast-dropping apparatus recovered.
Balloon envelope and ballast-dropping apparatus recovered.
Damaged balloon envelope and control apparatus found.
Pieces of balloon envelope and shroud lines found.
Burned balloon envelope found 70 miles from Bethel.

27 Feb.
28 Feb.

Pieces of balloon found.
Damaged envelope and ballast-dropping apparatus found.

28 Feb.
28 Feb.

Pieces of balloon and parts.
Fragments of a 5-kg., candle-type, incendiary recovered.

3 Mar.
3 Mar.

Envelope, ballast-dropping apparatus, and bombs found.
Paper fragments found.

4 Mar.*

Envelope, shroud lines, ballast-dropping device, and one unexploded
12-kg. (fin-type) incendiary.

5 Mar.
6 Mar.
10 Mar.

Paper fragments found.
Shroud lines and several fragments of balloon envelope.
Balloon envelope and undercarriage.

10 Mar.
10 Mar.

Bomb fragments found.
Bomb fragment found.

10 Mar.
10 Mar.
10 Mar.
10 Mar.

Balloon shot down; a second escaped.
Balloon and ballast-dropping apparatus.
Balloon and ballast-dropping equipment.
Burned envelope, shroud lines, and ballast-dropping equipment

10 Mar.
10 Mar.

Balloon landed.
Envelope and shroud lines; believed to have landed at the time of an
explosion sometime in January.
Balloon, complete, and parts.
Envelope and shroud lines.
Paper fragments found following balloon sighting and explosion.
Balloon and usual equipment.
Balloon landed.

86. Stuart Lake, British
Columbia, Canada
87. Buffalo, South Dakota
88. Bernice, Montana
89. Nelson House,
Manitoba, Canada
90. Wolf Creek, Oregon
91. Galiano Island, British
Columbia, Canada
92. Ephrata, Washington
93. Satus Pass, Washington
94. Toppenish, Washington
95. Nicola, British
Columbia, Canada
96. Vale, Oregon
97. Cold Creek, Washington
98. Hammond, Montana
99. Meridian, California
100. Cold Creek, Washington
101. Ed son, Alberta, Canada

10 Mar.
11 Mar.
11 Mar.
11 Mar.
11 Mar.

"Indicates the estimated landing date.

72

Remarks

Place

Recovery date

02. Kunghit Island, Canada
03. West Cloverdale, California
04. Coal Harbor, Vancouver Island,
British Columbia, Canada
05. At sea: 30o18'N, 132°52'W
06. Oxford House, Manitoba, Canada
07. Whitehall, Montana
08. Baril Lake, Alberta, Canada
09. Port Hardy, Vancouver Island,
British Columbia, Canada
10. Gambell, St. Lawrence
Island, Alaska
11. Legg, Montana
12. Divide, Montana
13. Farmington, Washington
14. Echo, Oregon
15. Paine Field, Everett, Washington
16. Bechland, Montana
L17. American Falls, Idaho

11 Mar.
12 Mar.

Balloon shot down.
Paper fragments found.

12 Mar.
12 Mar.
12 Mar.
12 Mar.
13 Mar.

Balloon found.
Balloon recovered by surface vessel.
Balloon envelope, shroud lines, and ballast-dropping apparatus.
Envelope and ballast-dropping equipment.
Balloon recovered.

13 Mar.

Balloon shot down; a second escaped.

13 Mar.
13 Mar.
13 Mar.
13 Mar.
13 Mar.
13 Mar.
13 Mar.
13 Mar.

18. Malheur Lake, Oregon
19. Chimacum, Washington
20. Phillips, Alaska
21. Delta, Colorado
22. Harlowton, Montana

13 Mar.
13 Mar.
13 Mar.
13 Mar.
13 Mar.

23. Ontario, Oregon
24. Gambier Island, British Columbia
25. Yamhill, Oregon
26. Pocahontas, Iowa
27. Grimes, California

13 Mar.
14 Mar.
14 Mar.
14 Mar.
14 Mar.

28. Hay Lake, Alberta, Canada
29. Big Bend, California
30. Mumtrak, Alaska
31. Williams Lake, British Columbia,
Canada
32. Chase, British Columbia, Canada
33. Baker Creek, British
Columbia, Canada
34. Coquille, Oregon
35. Coram, Montana
36. Fort Babine, British
Columbia, Canada
37. Sula, Montana
38. Kinak, Alaska
39. Alexis Creek, British
Columbia, Canada
40. Guerneville, California
41. Glen, Montana
42. The Dalles, Oregon
43. Garrison, Utah
44. Laurel, Montana
45. Marie Lake, Manitoba, Canada
46. Cedarvale, British
Columbia, Canada
47. Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico
48. Timnath, Colorado
49. Chadron, Nebraska

14 Mar.
14 Mar.
15 Mar.

Paper fragment.
Badly damaged balloon and other usual equipment.
Balloon and ballast-dropping equipment.
Balloon.
Balloon; now in the National Air and Space Museum (NASM 617).
A badly damaged balloon and ballast-dropping apparatus.
Balloon envelope and shroud lines.
Shroud lines and fragments of a balloon were found following thereport that a balloon was seen exploding in the air.
Damaged balloon and ballast-dropping equipment.
Balloon, ballast-dropping equipment, and a bomb.
Damaged envelope and shroud lines.
Envelope fragments and shroud lines found following an explosion.
Bomb found; preliminary reports indicated it was of the candle-type
incendiary.
Pieces of balloon and parts.
Paper fragments found.
Paper fragments found following explosion.
Damaged envelope and shroud lines.
Balloon, with complete equipment recovered. Also recovered were
one fin-type and one candle-type incendiary.
Pieces of bakelite and empty sandbag.
Part of envelope, shroud lines, and valve.
Balloon envelope and valve assembly.

15 Mar.*
15 Mar.

Balloon envelope.
Damaged envelope, valve, and ballast-dropping device.

15 Mar.
15 Mar.
16 Mar.

Two small fragments of balloon envelope.
Pieces of balloon found.
Paper fragments found.

17 Mar.
17 Mar.
18 Mar.

Shroud lines and envelope.
Bomb fragments found.
Two explosions heard; paper fragments found.

18 Mar *18 Mar.
18 Mar.
18 Mar.
18 Mar.
18 Mar.
19 Mar.

Large fragment of balloon envelope reported found.
Paper fragment found.
Bomb fragments found.
Bomb fragments found.
Balloon and ballast-dropping equipment found.
Balloon envelope and most of the other usual equipment.
Balloon found.

19 Mar.
19 Mar.
20 Mar.
20 Mar.

Balloon found.
Balloon found.
Fragments of two bombs found.
Envelope and ballast-dropping equipment.

indicates the estimated landing date.

73

PlaceRecovery date150. Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, Canada
151. William Lake,
Manitoba, Canada
152. Denman Island, British
Columbia, Canada
153. Olds, Alberta, Canada
154. Wimbome, Alberta, Canada
155. Foremost, Alberta, Canada
156. The Dalles, Oregon
157. Delburne, Alberta, Canada
158. Gillette, Wyoming
159. Murphy, Oregon
160. Dillingham, Alaska
161. Camsell Portage,
Saskatchewan, Canada
162. Glen, Montana163. Reno, Nevada

20 Mar.

Balloon found.

20 Mar.

Envelope and ballast-dropping equipment.

20 Mar.
20 Mar.*
20 Mar.
20 Mar.
20 Mar.
20 Mar.
21 Mar.
21 Mar.
21 Mar.

Balloon and candle-type incendiary bomb.
Fragments of a 5-kg (candle-type) incendiary.
Bomb fragments found.
Balloon envelope and parts of ballast-dropping apparatus.
Incendiary bomb found.
Bomb fragments found.
Part of balloon enveloped recovered.
Balloon found.
Balloon found.

21 Mar.
21 Mar.
22 Mar.

164. Rogerson, Idaho
165. Ashcroft, British
Columbia, Canada
166. Volcano, California
167. Basin, Wyoming
168. Rome, Oregon
169. Ree Heights, South Dakota
170. Barrier Lake, British
Columbia, Canada
171. Desdemona, Texas
172. Bethel, Alaska
173. Athabasca, Alberta, Canada
174. Delburne, Alberta, Canada
175. Desdemona, Texas
176. Britain River, British
Columbia, Canada
177. Osceola, Nebraska
178. Woodson, Texas179. Hanson Island, British
Columbia, Canada
180. Farmington, Michigan
181. Kadoka, South Dakota
182. Strathmore, Alberta, Canada
183. Laguna Salada, Baja California,
Mexico184. Whitewater, British
Columbia, Canada
185. Canol Rd., Yukon
Territory, Canada
186. Adrian, Oregon
187. Nyssa, Oregon
188. Pyramid Lake, Nevada

22 Mar.

Balloon found.
Bomb seen falling and explosion heard.
Balloon shot down. Explosion on landing. Two incendiary bombs ofcandle type were recovered intact nearby.
Envelope and ballast-dropping equipment found.

22 Mar.
22 Mar.
22 Mar.
22 Mar.
22 Mar.

Balloon found.
Envelope and ballast-dropping equipment.
Paper fragment found.
Envelope, ballast-dropping apparatus, battery, valve, and other parts.
Balloon found.

23 Mar.
23 Mar.
23 Mar.
23 Mar.
23 Mar.
23 Mar.

Balloon found.
Balloon found.
Envelope valve found.
Balloon reported found.
Portion of balloon envelope and shroud lines.
Bomb fragments found.

24 Mar.
24 Mar.
24 Mar.

Portion of balloon envelope.
Balloon found.
Portion of balloon envelope and shroud lines.

25 Mar.*
25 Mar.*
26 Mar.
28 Mar.

Fragment of balloon envelope reported recovered.
Fragments of a 5-kg, candle-type incendiary bomb found.
Numerous small pieces of balloon envelope found.
Pieces of balloon envelope, valve, and shroud lines.

28 Mar.

Balloon shot down.

28 Mar.

Balloon reported recovered.

29 Mar.
29 Mar.
29 Mar.
29 Mar.
30 Mar.
30 Mar.
30 Mar.
30 Mar.

Fragments of an exploded, 15-kg, high-explosive bomb.
Anti-personnel bomb found.
Bomb recovered.
Envelope, shroud lines, ballast-dropping apparatus, valve, and otherparts recovered.
Balloon envelope and shroud lines recovered.
Envelope, shroud lines, valve, and other parts.
Envelope, valve, ballast-dropping apparatus, and sandbags.
Ballast-dropping apparatus and bomb fragments.

30 Mar.
30 Mar.
31 Mar.

Balloon envelope and valve.
Balloon envelope and ballast-dropping apparatus.
Bomb fragment found.

189. Duchesne, Utah
190. Grafton, North Dakota
191. Bozeman, Montana
192. Consul, Saskatchewan, Canada
193. Waterhen Lake,
Manitoba, Canada
194. Red Elm, South Dakota
195. Marcus, South Dakota

Remarks•Indicates the estimated landing date74

PlaceRecovery date

Remarks

196. Ituna, Saskatchewan, Canada
197. Dillon, Montana
198. Tampico, Washington

31 Mar.
1 Apr.*
1 Apr.*

Envelope, shroud lines, and demolition charge.
Parts of balloon envelope, shroud lines, and valve.
Fragments of balloon envelope, ballast-dropping device, and one 5-kg,
candle-type incendiary.

199. Hoopa Indian
Reservoir, California

1 Apr.*

Badly damaged envelope, shroud lines, valve, ballast-dropping device,
battery, aneroids, and demolition block.

200. Hay River, Districtof McKenzie, Canada

1 Apr.*

201. Colville, Washington
202. Harper, Oregon

1 Apr.
3 Apr.

203. Walla Walla, Washington
204. Massacre Lake, Nevada

3 Apr.
5 Apr.

205. Turner, Montana
206. Provolt, Oregon
207. Merritt, British
Columbia, Canada
208. Southern Indian Lake,
Manitoba, Canada
209. Plane, Idaho
210. Bald Mountain, Oregon

6 Apr.
7 Apr.

Fragment of balloon envelope, ballast-dropping device, 7 sandbags,
and two, unexploded, 5-kg, candle-type incendiaries.
Balloon envelope recovered.
Portions of balloon envelope, shroud lines, valve, and suspension skirt
band.
Balloon envelope and ballast-dropping apparatus, valve, and other parts.
Envelope, shroud lines, ballast-dropping apparatus, valve, and otherparts.
Balloon with undercarriage recovered.
Pieces of balloon found.

8 Apr.

Balloon envelope, shroud lines, and valve recovered.

10 Apr.
10 Apr.
10 Apr.*211. Attu, Aleutian Islands, Alaska
212. Rome, Oregon
213. Attu, Aleutian Islands, Alaska
214. Litde Sitkin, AleutianIslands, Alaska
215. Wolsey, South Dakota
216. Midas Creek, Alaska
217. At sea: 52°46'N, 178a30'W
218. Bethel, Alaska
219. Amchitka, Aleutian Islands,
Alaska12 Apr.
12 Apr.
13 Apr.

Balloon envelope and other parts.
Sand ballast bag and iron hook reported found.
Envelope, ballast-dropping device, two sandbags, one 12-kg (fin-type)and four 5-kg, candle-type incendiaries all unexploded.
Balloon shot down.
Complete balloon and parts.
Nine balloons shot down; one recovered.

13 Apr.
13 Apr.
15 Apr.
15 Apr.
15 Apr.

Balloon shot down.
Large paper fragment.
Shroud lines and ballast-dropping apparatus reported.
Balloon shot down.
Two boxes (possibly aneroid containers) found.

15 Apr.
15 Apr.
16 Apr.
16 Apr.

Envelope, ballast-dropping apparatus, valve, shroud lines, and otherparts.
Pieces of balloon.
Large paper fragment found.
Balloon reported shot down.

220. Tyee, Oregon
221. Snowville, Utah
222. Platinum, Alaska
223. Boundary Bay, British
Columbia, Canada
224. Morica Lake, British
Columbia, Canada

17 Apr.

Balloon reported grounded.

17 Apr.

225. Wapato, Washington
226. Tikchik Lake, Alaska

19 Apr.
20 Apr.

Balloon envelope, ballast-dropping device, 22 sandbags, shroud lines,
valve, and two, unexploded, 5-kg, candle-type incendiaries.
Pieces of balloon recovered.
Balloon envelope, damaged valve, ballast-dropping device, aneroid
box, demolition block, and other parts.

227. Vedder Mt, British
Columbia, Canada
228. Watson Lake, Yukon
Territory, Canada
229. Chilliwack, British
Columbia, Canada
230. Hko, Nevada
231. Phillipsburg, Montana232. At sea: 53°3'N, 135°52'W
233. Lake of the Woods, Oregon

20 Apr.

Balloon reported grounded.

20 Apr.

Parts of balloon reported found.

20 Apr.
21 Apr.
21 Apr.
23 Apr.
23 Apr.

Envelope and shroud lines.
Balloon reported recovered.
Balloon reported found.
Balloon of rubberized fabric found.
Envelope, shroud lines, ballast-dropping apparatus, battery, and otherparts recovered.

•Indicates the estimated landing date.

75

Place234. Kitchener, British
Columbia, Canada
235. Paragonah, Utah
236. Beatty, Oregon
237. Akiak, Alaska
238. Moxee City, Washington
239. Huntington, Oregon
240. Bly, Oregon

Recovery date

Remarks

24 Apr.
25 Apr.
26 Apr.
28 Apr.
30 Apr.
2 May
5 May

241. Stertler, Alberta, Canada
242. Enterprise, Oregon
243. Kelvington, Saskatchewan,
Canada244. Chilliwack, British
Columbia, Canada

5 May
12 MayEnvelope and shroud lines recovered.
Paper fragment found.
Paper fragment found.
Balloon reported recovered.
Balloon parts recovered.
Pieces of balloon recovered.
Balloon, complete with parts, (Incident involving bomb explosion,
killing five children and one woman.)
Fragments of balloon envelope found.
Incendiary bomb recovered.

15 MayGas-release valve and ballast-dropping device.

20 May245. Enterprise, Oregon
246. Milo, Alberta, Canada
247. Asotin, Washington
248. Harper, Oregon
249. Madison, South Dakota
250. Summer Lake, Oregon

21 May23 May25 May25 May26 May26 MayBalloon envelope, shroud lines, valve, ballast-dropping device, 2
sandbags, one unexploded, 12-kg, tin-type, and two unexploded,
5-kg, candle-type incendiaries.
Pieces of balloon.
Several fragments of balloon envelope.
Pieces of balloon and parts.
Pieces of balloon and parts.
Unexploded, 5-kg, candle-type incendiary bomb.
Small fragments of balloon envelope, shroud lines, and suspension
skirt band.

251. Vanderhoof, British
Columbia, Canada
252. Soldier Mt., California
253. High River, Alberta, Canada
254. Chilanko River, British
Columbia, Canada
255. Pry or, Montana256. Jordan Valley, Oregon
257. Mahogany, Oregon
258. Mahogany, Oregon
259. Collbran, Colorado
260. Egegik, Alaska
261. Skukuma Creek, British
Columbia, Canada
262. Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada
263. Mayo, Yukon Territory, Canada
264. Anchorage, Alaska

265. Mahood Lake, British
Columbia, Canada
266. Tampico, Montana267. Yank, British Columbia, Canada
268. Gilmore, Idaho
269. Hailey, Idaho
270. Old Crow River, Yukon
Territory, Canada
271. Dease Lake, British
Columbia, Canada
272. Ajo, Arizona273. Boulder, Montana274. Lake Hyatt, Oregon

26 May26 May28 MaySeveral balloon-envelope fragments found.
Fragments of balloon envelope found.
Damaged envelope and ballast-dropping device.

29 MayPortions of balloon envelope, two, 5-kg, candle-type incendiaries, andother parts.
Fragment of balloon envelope found.
Several small fragments of balloon envelope.
Pieces of balloon and parts found.
Fragment of balloon envelope reported found.
Small fragment of balloon envelope found.
Balloon reported grounded.

1 Jun.
7 Jun.
8 Jun.
9 Jun.
12 Jun.
14 Jun.
15 Jun.
15 Jun.
16 Jun.
18 Jun.

Fragment of balloon envelope found.
Two fragments of balloon envelope found.
Several fragments of envelope found.
Balloon envelope, valve, ballast-dropping device, three sandbags, one
unexploded high-explosive bomb, and two unexploded, 5-kg,
candle-type incendiaries.

18 Jun.
21 Jun.
23 Jun.
24 Jun.
24 Jun.

Fragments of balloon envelope found.
Balloon, complete with parts.
Fragments of a balloon envelope found.
Balloon envelope and shroud lines recovered.
Balloon envelope, shroud lines, and ballast-dropping device.

24 Jun.

Portions of balloon envelope reported found.

27 Jun.

Balloon and three 5-kg, candle-type incendiaries, two exploded and
one unexploded.
Damaged envelope, shroud lines, and valve.
About one-fourth of balloon envelope found.
Balloon and parts found.

2 Jul.
4 Jul.
5 Jul.

76

PlaceRecovery date

Remarks275. Alberni, Vancouver Island,
British Columbia, Canada

Balloon envelope, valve, ballast-dropping device, one unexploded
15-kg, high-explosive bomb, and one unexploded incendiary.
Damage envelope, valve ballast-dropping device, one unexploded 5-kg
(candle-type) incendiary, and other parts.
Balloon envelope and shroud lines.

5 Jul.

276. Lake Hyatt, Oregon

5 Jul.

277. Monida, Montana278. Aishihik, Yukon Territory,
Canada279. Jiggs, Nevada
280. Salmo, British Columbia, Canada
281. Mount Pitt, Oregon
282. Lillooet, British
Columbia, Canada
283. At sea (430 ml ESE of Tokyo)
284. Mount Pitt, Oregon
285. Indian Springs, Nevada

6 Jul.
11 Jul.
12 Jul.
16 Jul.
18 Jul.

Balloon envelope, valve, ballast-dropping device, and shroud lines.
Balloon envelope, shroud lines, aneroids, and ballast-dropping device.
Shroud lines and fragments of balloon envelope reported found.
Incendiary bomb. (Possibly related to Lake of the Woods incident of
23 April 1945.)

19 Jul.
19 Jul.
20 Jul.
20 Jul.

Balloon envelope and shroud lines reported found.
A balloon was shot down by a navy aircraft; it sank before recovery.
Unexploded 5-kg (candle-type) incendiary found.
Balloon envelope, shroud lines, and valve.

Summary of Positive Incidents Reported*( 4 November 1944 to 28 July 1945)

Location
ALASKA (including
Aleutian Islands)
CANADA
Alberta
British Columbia
District of McKenzie
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Yukon Territory
UNITED STATES
Arizona
California
Colorado
Idaho
Iowa
KansasMichiganMontana
Nebraska
NevadaNorth Dakota
OregonSouth Dakota
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
MEXICOHAWAIIOTHERS (at sea)
Total

....

Nov. -Dec.
Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

5

2

6

9(+8)

1

2
2
1

2

2

11
20
1
5
3
1

1
10

2

3

6
1
1
1

May

June

July

2
3
3

1

1
4

3

2

1
1

4

6
2
2
1

3
2
1
1
10
3

1
13
2
2
1
13
5
3
2
9
2
2

1
4
1

2

1
10
4

1
1
28

54

1
114

1

1

1

1
2

3

2

2
7
1

2
2

6
1

3

4

17

1
14

2
5
1
2
42

16
*When possible, the known or estimated landing date is used. Where neither is available, therecovery date is used.

77

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Epilogue
While the bold experiment with the balloon bomb is
now history, the dangers of the balloon bomb still may
exist. Hundreds of these bombs were never found andmay still be detonated with the slightest contact.
On 1 January 1955, the Department of Defense
released word that such a bomb, "still highly explosiveand dangerous even after exposure . . . for nearly adecade," had been found in Alaska. This news release isfurther quoted in part:ligence technician with the 504th Air Intelligence
Squadron, dropped to the ground. He too thought
it was a parachute but after discovering the"chute" was made of paper and that the gondola
was most unusual, he was reasonably sure it was ofJapanese origin. He stuffed the balloon under atree so it- would not be reported again as anunidentified object, and loaded the remaining 120
pounds of the strange object into the hovering
helicopter. The device was sent to Wright-Patterson
AFB, for closer inspection, and it was discoveredthat the explosives were still quite potent evenafter the many years of exposure on the ground in
the northwest woods.

Flying low between Barter Island and Fort
Yukon, Don Hulshizer, Chief Bush Pilot for Wien
Alaska Airlines, Fairbanks, Alaska, spotted a dull
white object on the ground near the Scheenjek
River. He decreased altitude in an attempt at
identification, but because of the rough terrain he
was unable to distinguish the object clearly.
Surmising that the find was either a parachuteor part of a downed aircraft, Hulshizer contacted
Air Intelligence officers at Ladd Air Force Basenear Fairbanks, Alaska. Attempts by L-20 and
SA-16 search craft to relocate the strange object atfirst proved unavailing due to the thick carpet andtundra-brush and undergrowth. Finally sighted andpinpointed, Air Force officers determined that thebest chance for its recovery lay in a helicopter
operation. The 74th Air Rescue Squadron at Ladd
supplied a H-5 helicopter as well as a SA-16 aircraft
to fly protective cover on the 230-mile trip.
The helicopter was unable to land, but L tHarold L. Hale, of Pueblo, Colorado, an intel-

A brief examination of maps showing downedballoon locations reveals that the more populated andtraveled areas show the largest number discovered. It
would be safe to assume that the same intensity would
prevail over the adjacent wilderness and therefore
hundreds of balloons and their bombs have yet to bediscovered. Experts say there is no way of knowing how
long these uncovered bombs will continue to be highly
explosive. Hunters, hikers, and fishermen are especiallywarned to report the location of any bombs found to
the nearest military installation without delay.
It would be the surpreme irony if any more American
lives were lost to the "Fu-Go Weapon" revenge bomb of
a war the world wants to forget.

82

Bibliography
Arakawa, H. Basic Principles of the Balloon Bomb. Meteorological Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan, January 1956. 5
pp.
"Balloon Bomb in Alaska." New York Herald-Tribune, 2January 1945.
"Balloons . . . But Japan Never Knew Outcome." New YorkTimes, 29 May 1947.
"Blast Kills 6." Herald and News (Klamath Falls, Oregon), 7 May
1945.
"Bomb-Laden Balloons Fizzle." New York Times, 16 August
1945.
Conley, Cornelius W. "The Great Japanese Balloon Offensive."
Air University Review, February-March 1968, pp. 68-83.
Davis, Jack. "Japanese History Relived." The Afterburner(Yokota Air Base, Japan), 18 October 1963.
Groueff, Stephane. Manhattan Project: The Untold Story of theMaking of the Atomic Bomb. Pp. 353-355. New York:
Bantam Books, 1968.
Hirata, Tatsu, [Paper-made ICBMs.] Koku Fan Magazine,
September 1964, pp. 67-73. [In Japanese.]"Japanese Balloons." Chapter 10. Fourth Air Force Historical
Study No. III-2, pp. 501-516. [n.d.]"Japanese Balloons Sighted-First Complete Story." Herald andNews (Klamath Falls, Oregon), 17 August 1945.
"Japanese Free Balloons." Army Service Forces, Hq. 4th Service
Command, (10 July 1945), 14 pp. [Unpublished manuscript.]"Japanese Free Balloons." Western Defense Command Intelligence Study, No. 1 (10 February 1945). 55 pp. [Unpublished manuscript.]"Japanese Free Balloons and Related Incidents." Military Intelligence Division, War Department. Reports 1 through 8.
[Unpublished manuscript.]"Japanese Paper Balloon" Guggenheim Aeronautics Laboratory,
Report for Western Sea Frontier (4 April 1945). 44 pp. [Unpublished manuscript, n.d.]
LaPaz, Lincoln. "Japan's Balloon Invasion of America." Colliers,
17 January 1953, pp. 9-11.
McKay, H.W. "Japanese Paper Balloons." The Engineering
Journal, September 1945, pp. 563-567.
Mineralogy and Some of Its Applications, pp. 17-18. Cambridge,
Mass.: Mineralogjcal Society of America, Harvard University[n.d.; pamphlet].
"9000 Balloon Bombs Against U.S." Washington Post, 16
January 1946.
"Piccard Flies Japanese Paper Balloon." New York Times, 17
February 1947.
"Raids by Japanese Balloons." New York Times, 9 February
1946.
"A Report on Japanese Free Balloons." Coast Artillery Journal,
March-April 1946. 4 pp.
[A Report on the Research of the Bombing Balloon.] Ninth
Military Laboratory, Weapon Administration Bureau,
October 1945. [In Japanese.]
Takada, Teiji. [Balloon Bomb, I.] Shizen, vol. 6, no. 1 (January
1951), pp. 24-33. [In Japanese.]. [Balloon Bomb, II.] Shizen, vol. 6, no. 2 (February1951), pp. 44-54. [In Japanese.][Balloon Bomb, III.] Shizen, vol. 6, no. 3 (March 1951),
pp. 70-77. [In Japanese.]
Weidner, George E. "Japanese Bombing Balloons." Technicaland Technological Survey (United States Army), PB Report
28880, (2 January 1946). 32 pp.
Wilbur, H.W. "Those Japanese Balloons." Readers Digest, vol.
57, no. 8 (August 1950), pp. 23-26.

83IndexAeronautical Research Institute, 11
Air Fields, United States:
Moffett Field, 34
Paine Field, 34, 35 (Figure 37)
Quillayute Naval Auxiliary Air Field, 34, 35 (Figure 37)
Santa Rosa Army Air Field, 29
Shelton Naval Auxiliary Air Field, 34, 35 (Figure 37)
Walla Walla Army Air Field, 28, 29
Air force units, United States:
Continental Air Force Headquarters, 36
Eleventh Air Force, 36504th Air Intelligence Squadron, 82
Fourth Air Force, 28, 29, 32, 34
Airplanes, United States:
B-25 (Mitchell bomber), 1
B-29 (Super fortress), 7, 23, 38
C-47, 29
E14Y1 ("Glen"), 6
F4U (Vought Corsair), 29, 31
F6F (Grumman Hellcat) 29, 31
L-5 (Stinson), 29
L-20 (De Havilland U-6 Beaver), 82
P-38 (Lockhead "Lightening"), 29, 30, 34
P-61 (Northrup "Black Widow"), 34
P-63 (Bell King Cobra), 28-30
Akayu,Japan, 69
Akita Prefecture, 16
Altitude control device, automatic, 45
Aneroid, 45, 46
Arakawa, H., 7
Army units, Japanese;
Arsenal, 11
5th Army Technical Research Institute, 9
9th Military Research Institute, 5, 7, 10. See also Noborito
Research Institute.
Scientific Laboratory, 5Special Balloon Regiment, 16, 24
Weather Bureau, 9, 16
Asakusa, Tokyo, 15

Chesapeake Bay Annex, 32, 33
Chiba Prefecture, 9Ballast, 54
Balloons:
interception of, 29
paper, Japanese manufacturers of, 62
rubberized-silk, Japanese manufacturers of, 62
ZMK barrage, 33
Battery, 50 (Figures 63-65), 54
Blowout plug, 47, 48

Kamchatka, region, U.S.S.R., 16
Kamikaze, 21
Kichisaboro, Rear Admiral Naneko, 10
Kokugi-Kan Wrestling Hall, 15
Kokuha Rubber Company, 11
Konnyaku-nori (adhesive), 13,39
Kozo (Broussonetia Kazinoki) bush, 13
Kusaba, Major General Sueyoshi, 10, 11, 22
Kure Naval Base, Japan, 6Camp Evans Signal Laboratory, 32, 33
Captive-balloon experiments, 32
Casualties, 67
Central Meteorological Observatory, Tokyo, 7,11

Lakehurst, Naval Air Station, New Jersey, 34
Launch sites, 16
Launching operations, 17, 63
Lemke, Representative William, 68

Demolition charge, 54
Direction finding, 17, 24. See also Flight-following.
Domei News Agency, 37
Doolittle (James) Raiders, 1, 6, 38
Engen, Eddie, 67
Firefly Project, 29
Flash bomb, 43
Flight-control apparatus. See Hopper-Type.
Flight-following, 17 (Figure 16)
Fugiwhara, Dr. Sakuhei, 11"Fu-Go-Weapon, 3, 7, 11, 13n, 21
Fujikura Industries Company, Tokyo, 11
Fukuoka, Japan. 7, 8 (Figure 6)
Fuses, 43
Geological Survey, United States, 34, 35
Gifford, Jay, 67
Gordon, Senator Guy, 68
Guadalcanal operation, 6
Hakodate, Japan, 16Hale, Lieutenant Harold L-, 82Headlight tracer, 29
Hidano, Captain Monomichi, 69
Hopper-Type flight-control apparatus, 57
Hulshizer, Don, 82
Hydrogen, 8, 13, 16, 17,42,62
Ichinomiya, Japan, 5n, 11, 16, 17 (Figure 16), 20 (Figure 21),
24,69
"I-Go-Weapon," 3, 4
Imperial University, Nagoya, Japan, 10
Inoue, Colonel, 16
Itabashi Research Institute, 11Ito, Lieutenant, 13
Iwahana, Japan, 61
Iwanuma, Japan, 17 (Figure 16), 24

84

Lightening Project, 29

Radar, 32-34
Radiosonde, 9, 11, 24; plotting stations, 8 (Figure 6)
Relief valve, 42"Ro-Go Weapon," 3, 4
Ross, Dr. Clarence S., 34, 35

Majima, Dr. Masaichi, 11Mausumata (Edgewortis Papyrifera) tree, 13n
Matsumoti, Yusasa, 9Meiji, Emperor, 21Meteorology, 7
Mimura, General, 11
Mitchell, the Reverend Archie, 67
Mitchell, Mrs. Elsie, 67
Mitsubishi Saishi (paper factory), 11
Mt. Emily, Oregon, 6

Sabishiro, Japan, 17 (Figure 16), 24
Sakhalin Island, 24
Saski, Dr. Tatsujiro, 11
Sendai, Japan, 7, 8 (Figure 6)
Shimuzu, Rikuro, 37
Shinoda, Lieutenant General, 11
Shiogama, Japan, 17 (Figure 16), 35
Shio-no-Misaka, 7, 8 (Figure 6)
Shoemaker, Sherman, 67
Showa Denko Company, 16, 38
Shrouds, 43Sunset Project, 34, 35 (Figure 37), 36

Nakajima, Lieutenant Colonel Shozo, 37
Nakamura, Captain, 11
Nakamura, Tatsusuke, 10
Nakoso, Japan, 16, 17 (Figure 16)
National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, 34
Naval Airship Training and Experiment Command, 32
Navy balloon, 9
Nichigeki Music Hall, 13, 15
Niigata, Japan, 7, (Figure 6)
Nippon Kakokin Company, 11
Nippon Paint Company, 39
Noborito Research Institute, 5n, 9, 11,13

Tada, Lieutenant General Reikichi, 3
Takada, Technical Major Teiji, 10,13
Takungpao (Chinese newspaper), 25
Tanaka, Technical Lieutenant Commander Kiyoshi, 10
Toho Theater, 15
Uchatius, Lieutenant, 3

Ogawa, Captain, 10
Ohara, Japan, 35
Oshima Island, 7, (Figure 6)
Otsu, Japan, 16, 17, 63
Otsuki, Technical Major, 9Wajima, Japan, 7, 8 (Figure 6)
Western Defense Command (United States), 29, 32, 34, 36
Weyerhaeuser Company, 68
Yagi, Dr. Hidetsugu, 11
Yonago, Japan, 7, 8 (Figure 6)

Patzke, Dick, 67
Patzke, Joan, 67

AU.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1973 O—469-627

85