section of the wall. Escalade was, in essence, an attempt to overwhelm defenders in a direct assault rather than sit through a protracted siege. Attackers would generally attempt escalade if they had reasons for wanting a swift conclusion, or if they had an overwhelming superiority in numbers. Otherwise, less costly siege tactics were often preferred. Modern warfare Escalade is no longer common in modern warfare, as new technologies and tactics have essentially made escalade obsolete; for example, most fortified walls that would have required attackers to use escalade may now simply be destroyed by explosives or nullified by military aircraft. However, escalade still exists as a viable (albeit niche) combat tactic, and is occasionally used by police tactical units, counterterrorists, and special forces units to raid a structure through its upper levels, either to avoid a barricaded entrance or line of sight, or to breach the structure from multiple points. Mechanical assault ladders, typically installed on the roof of vehicles and featuring ramps that can extend or angle themselves to reach an entry point such as a window sill or balcony, are often used in this capacity. References See also Siege tower L'Escalade, the commemoration of the failed attack on Geneva by Savoy in 1602, conducted by escalade Escalade Assault tactics Ladders Siege equipment Siege engines Medieval siege engines