The Hot Air Balloon diagram below shows the main components of a typical hot air balloon. Some manufacturers install rapid deflation systems into their balloons which are generally variations to the rigging of the parachute vent panel shown in this example.
How hot air balloons fly: because the hot air inside the balloon is less dense than the air outside of the balloon. The principle is really very simple; hot air rises and cold air sinks.
A hot air balloon is a relatively simple craft. To help ensure the safety of pilot and passengers, a hot air balloon may carry several pieces of safety equipment.
The first pure solar balloon flight was made on the 1st May 1973 in the ‘Barnes Solar Firefly Tetrahedron’. This balloon was built from a spiral tube of fabric which was formed into a tetrahedron shape.
Balloon Terminology All of those words and terms used by the ballooning community which might seem a little odd to an outsider.
Most hot air balloons are designed using a shape which minimises the stress on the fabric. We provide a balloon design spreadsheet which allows you to design a pattern for a natural shaped balloon of a given volume.