Making Hot Air Balloons
Making hot air balloons originated in the late 1700s, when the first ones were created by Pilatre De Rozier, and the Montgolfier brothers, of France. The very first hot air balloon flight was taken by a chicken, a duck and a sheep. When all survived the flight, the Montgolfier brothers knew they had a winner on their hands! Two months later, they launched the first two people who took a manned hot air balloon flight over Paris.
Actually, the components of hot air balloons, and what goes into making a hot air balloon, have not changed a great deal since the 1700s, except for changes in the materials that are used. They are still made up of three basic component parts: the basket, the burner, and the envelope. Examining these three components will help you to quickly understand how a hot air balloon is made.
The Basket is generally made from wicker, the same material often used for patio furniture. Most people think that wicker is a material, but in fact it is the name for the process of weaving willow branches together to create a basket or pattern. Wicker is extremely stable, durable, flexible. It is ideal for balloon baskets, since it is able to withstand the impact of landing, and also absorb some of the shock, keeping the balloon passengers more comfortable.
The burner supplies a balloon with hot air, which it needs to rise and gain altitude. The original burners were little more than an open fire pit in the basket. Most modern burners utilize propane gas, which is stored in the basket in cylinders. A thin pipe carries the propane to the pilot light, and a thick one takes propane to a special high-pressure valve. When the pilot opens this valve, a stream of propane gas is ignited by the pilot flame, heating the air inside the balloon and causing the balloon to ascend.
The envelope is what most people think of when they think of a hot air balloon. It's the large, colorful, inflated nylon container that is usually decorated in bright rainbow colors and patterns. The rip-stop nylon that the envelope is made from is durable and fireproof, so there's little chance of the the wind tearing it open, nor of the burner flame setting the envelope on fire, unlike early balloons, which were actually quite fragile.
Hot air balloons come in many different sizes and designs, and can hold anywhere from two passengers to as many as twenty, depending on the size of the basket and the envelope. Most are designed only for short trips, but some very exotic models are actually designed and outfitted for long-distance travel. These, however, are usually operated by professionals, or wealthy hobbyists looking for a special thrill.
In recent years, hobbyists have experimented with "cloudhoppers", which are single-person contraptions consisting of a harness to hold the pilot and the burner suspended beneath a small envelope. Another innovation is "cluster" balloons, which are just what they sound like - a cluster of helium balloons with the pilot suspended below in a harness that looks and functions much like a chair.
If you're interested in building hot air balloons, the first step is to find a qualified hot air balloon parts provider. With ballooning a quite popular hobby these days, that shouldn't be difficult! Providers can be found in most states, and of course they are always to be found at the many hot air balloon festivals around the country.
Check your local Yellow Pages or do a quick internet search to find companies in your area that offer hot air balloons and components to suit a variety of tastes and needs. You'll also find links to quite a few providers here at HotAirBalloonStop.com, either in our ads, or in our directory. Just make sure that the company you choose has been in business awhile, has all the necessary credentials, and follows good balloon safety procedures, and you'll be set for a safe and exciting hobby building hot air balloons!
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