Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Ballooning is the oldest flight technology known for carrying human passengers. Hot air ballooning was invented in France in 1783 by the Montgolfier brothers.

The construction of a hot air balloon is literally a large bag which is called an envelope this contains the heated air. The suspended wicker basket below (gondola) carries the heat source and passengers. The hot air contained in the envelope has a lower density than the air outside meaning that the balloon can take flight. Gas balloons differ from hot air balloons because they need to be sealed, in a hot air balloon there is no need for this as the hot air which is rising puts pressure on the upper part of the balloon and provides the lift.

Most hot air balloons now are made from nylon fabric with the area near the burner being made from a flame resistant material.