History, Technology and Modern Use of Balloons

A hot air balloon is a flying machine that uses a lighter-than-air gas for flight. The device allows almost anyone to take to the sky and experience amazing emotions. The popularity of balloons is also due to their versatility, environmental friendliness and beautiful appearance.

History of the origin of the balloon
The working prototype of the first hot air balloon was built by the Montgolfier brothers in 1782. The volume of the dome of the apparatus was 1 cubic meter and it did not rise to a height of more than 30 meters above the surface. The next model of the inventors was significantly larger – with a dome volume of 600 cubic meters its diameter was 11 meters. This big balloon was equipped with a roaster and silk wrapped in paper was used to make the dome. The apparatus was launched on June 5, 1783. The device rose to an altitude of about 2,000 meters.

Montgolfier’s balloon became a catalyst for new ideas. Inventor Jacques Alexandre Charles developed a hydrogen-powered apparatus. Together with Robert’s mechanics, the designer made a unit with a dome made of silk impregnated with rubber. The diameter of the ball was 3.6 meters. Hydrogen was supplied inside the product by means of a hose with a valve. A special installation made it possible to produce the necessary gas from metal chips, water and sulfuric acid. The hydrogen balloon took off in the sky on the Champ de Mars on August 27, 1783. At an altitude of 1 km, hydrogen began to expand and ruptured the shell, and the flying machine fell to the ground on the outskirts of Paris.

The first experiments in lifting balloons into the sky marked the beginning of the rapid development of a new field called ballooning.

Technology of ballooning
Most modern balloons, like the Montgolfier apparatus, are filled with heated air. Ballooning technology has not changed much either:

-Thermal balloon domes are made of a durable polyester or polyamide-based nylon fabric. On the inside, the shell is coated with polyurethane or silicone. The holes of inlet and outlet of warm air as well as sections of the dome are covered with protective and loading tapes. The shells of modern balloons are classified according to their volume and carrying capacity.
-Balloon burners ensure that the shell is inflated with hot air. These are fairly complex and expensive devices that function on liquid propane. Hot air balloon burners are provided with protective elements and are made of rugged stainless steel. The power of this equipment reaches 4.5-6 mW.
-Baskets in balloons are traditionally made of vine, the lower part is made of moisture-resistant plywood. The structural frame is strengthened with 5-6 mm steel cables. The basket is also fastened to the dome with ropes. The frame is supplemented with reinforcing elements in leather covers. In the corners of the basket placed gas cylinders, cases, fire extinguishers and other accessories.

How are balloons used nowadays?
Despite the emergence of more efficient and faster modern aircraft balloons are widely used in different areas of human activity. Ballooning in our day is still in demand and is becoming more and more mass industry. Balloons are used in the following areas:

-Entertainment and recreation. Hot air balloon rides do not lose popularity. Anyone can go on an unforgettable trip for a relatively affordable price. Temporary barrier to the adventure may be only the weather conditions. Each year in the world there are several hundred festivals of ballooning, where you can not only fly in a balloon, but also to watch the enchanting spectacle of flying machines.
-Tourism. Today hot air balloon flights are also carried out for sightseeing purposes. Flying passengers have a unique opportunity to observe famous architectural constructions or natural sceneries from the height of the bird’s flight.
-Aeronautics. Developed branch of aviation sport, where balloons are used in competitions. Among a large variety of sports competitions, the most prestigious are the Gordon Bennett Cup, the world championships in hot air balloons and gas balloons. The first World Air Games took place in 1997.
-Military use. In the army, balloons are mainly used to survey and photograph the location of the enemy, correcting artillery fire. Modern aircraft can be equipped with communications and reconnaissance equipment, such as cameras.
-Meteorology. Small weather balloons made of varnished paper and filled with gas are used to observe the weather. The devices make it possible to determine wind direction, pressure, humidity and speed of air masses at different altitudes.
Photo and video shooting. Balloons allow for geodetic and cartographic photography from height. However, with the advent of remotely piloted aerocopters, they are gradually losing ground in this field.

Conclusion
The invention of the balloon by the Montgolfier brothers in 1782 initiated the active development of a new field called aeronautics. Most modern balloons are filled with heated air, less common are hydrogen-powered devices. Despite the emergence of efficient and fast modern aircraft balloons are widely used in the fields of entertainment, tourism, sports, military and meteorology. The popularity of balloons is due to their environmental friendliness, beautiful appearance, the opportunity to take to the skies and experience inexpressible emotions.