The Boat Balloon is a specific tactic, known to be used by the Black Hats pirate gang, which combines the anti-aircraft power of the Battle Balloon with the naval might of the patrol boat.
Typically dropped in large numbers from zeppelins, Boat Balloons consist of a standard Battle Balloon with its anti-aircraft turret switched to a dorsal deployment and a patrol boat slung beneath. The weight of the boat overcomes the buoyancy of the balloon, gently lowering the boat into the water. On touchdown, the boat's crew cuts themselves loose, and the balloon rises to an altitude where it can provide anti-aircraft cover.
Boat Balloons are an effective way of deploying a large patrol boat force without the need for a nearby base. However, the difficulty of recovering the boats by balloon has meant that it has not become a popular tactic.
Strategy[]
- Boat Balloons are weak to most weapons, though explosive Ammunition works well to destroying them easily due to their explosive effects.
- Conversely, Dum Dum or Armor Piercing ammunition will tend to pass right through the balloon, requiring a lot of shots to be destroyed.
- Flak rockets are an excellent way to destroy balloons quickly.
- High Explosive rockets are also able to one shot balloons if you get a direct hit.
- Due to their small size and ability to be popped by regular ammunition, Aerial torpedoes are not required to take them down.
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