The Basket

This is still manufactured in wicker. There have been countless efforts to find a modern-day substitute to no avail. There appears to be no suitable material that offers the same level of strength, resilience and durability! Baskets are manufactured in a number of different sizes, ranging from a small basket that carries one person up to a double-decker (yes!) basket that could carry up to 50 passengers. Typically, the baskets used for passenger carrying would hold 12 to 15 passenges in small compartments, perhaps 2 to 4 per compartment. These compartments contain rope handles and are normally padded for maximum comfort. The pilot, together with the fuel tanks, would be contained in a further compartment.

The Burner

The burner draws fuel from the on-board propane tanks as liquid (the propane tanks contain liquid propane under pressure). This liquid then passes through a vapourising coil that is heated up in the burner flame. The resulting vapour is then ignited and used to heat the balloon. A single balloon burner would typically be rated at 25 million BTU's. Most passenger balloons would have between 2 to 4 separate burners on board. Each 60 litre propane tank normally lasts for about 30 minutes flying. The burners also have a vapouring bypass, typically called a whisper burner, that burns liquid rather than vapour. This burner is less efficient but is much quieter in operation. This burner, therefore, is more suitable when there is any livestock in the area. It also burns with a much more yellow flame and is therefore used for the spectacular 'night glows' that can be seen at a number of ballooning events.

The Envelope

The envelope is probably the most important and noticeable element of the balloon. The envelope is manufactured from coated rip-stop nylon. This coating helps preserve the fabric as the internal temperature of the envelope is 100 degrees Centigrade during flight! The passenger and basket load is supported by a number of vertical and horizontal load tapes that run up and across the balloon. These tapes are connected to the basket by wires. The fabric between the vertical load tapes is referred to as the 'gores'. Again, envelopes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. A typical sporting balloon would be of a volume of around 3000 m³ and would carry up to 4 people. Most passenger balloons are between 5000 and 8000 m³. The height of the balloon is controlled by raising or lowering the temperature of the envelope. Anticipation is always the pilots keenest sense as the application of the burner does nothing for between 15 to 20 seconds! The top of the envelope has a 'parachute' fitted that fits across a large opening. This parachute is pulled down after landing to let the hot air escape. Some envelopes also have 'rotation vents' in the side that can be opened to rotate the balloon clockwise or counter-clockwise along their vertical axis.

Bell's

Immatriculation: OO-BKR
Volume: 6000 m³
Year of Construction : 1995
Number of passengers: 10

Sint-Niklaas