| French Aerostatic Corps | |
|---|---|
 Aerostatic Corps balloon during the Battle of Fleurus | |
| Active | 1794–1799 |
| Country | France |
| Type | Balloon engineers |
| Role | Reconnaissance |
| Size | Two companies of 26 soldiers |
| Colors | Blue with a black trim |
| Engagements | Battle of Fleurus, Battle of Mainz, Battle of Würzburg, Battle of the Nile |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Jean-Marie-Joseph Coutelle, Nicolas Lhomond |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Reconnaissance | L'Entreprenant, Hercule, L'Intrépide |
The French Aerostatic Corps or Company of Aeronauts (French: compagnie d'aérostiers) was the world's first balloon unit,[1] founded in 1794 to use balloons, primarily for reconnaissance.
- ^ Jeremy Beadle and Ian Harrison, First, Lasts & Onlys: Military, p. 42