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)
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