| Flak (FLieger Abwehr Kanone) is
exploding shells fired from large caliper antiaircraft guns. It could reach
altitudes of 32,000 ft and contained 10 kg explosives that hurled 1500 fragments
of shrapnel in all directions. Flak was often directed to the planes by
radar and the planes would drop chaff as an attempt to trick the radar.
Heavy flak was encountered on many of the 187 missions flown by the 464th
Bombardment Group--especially as they neared their target. The planes often
flew through a barrage of hundreds of rounds. The puffs of smoke below are
exploding flak. (for more
on Flak) |
