Hot Air Balloons: How Do They Work?
All aircrafts have a sense of mystery around them, with most people wondering 'how do they fly?' Especially when they are carrying passengers or weigh huge amounts. Hot air balloons are a mysterious aircraft as they look very lightweight, but can carry up to 10 people at a time. So, how do they work?
The Balloon
There are three main compartments to every balloon: the envelope, the burner and the basket. There are hundreds of other little elements that enable the balloon to work, but these three are the bones of the balloon. Without them, there wouldn't be a balloon! Read on to find out more and discover how they enable a hot air balloon to work.
The Envelope
This is the fabric of the balloon. It is usually made from lightweight and extremely strong material, so that it is durable during strong winds. Panels of material are sewn together to make the envelope. A parachute valve is placed at the top to allow hot air to escape to control the ascent or descent of the balloon.
The Burner
Depending on the size of the balloon, one to four burners can be used. The fuel is usually a mixture of liquid propane with air and once ignited into the bottom of the envelope the balloon starts to rise. The more hot air blasted into the envelope, the higher the balloon will rise.
The Basket
The basket of the balloon holds everything together. When the balloon is being assembled, all the ropes and tapes from the envelope must be attached to the basket otherwise everything will collapse. The basket needs to be big enough to hold the burners - either inside or outside of the basket - the pilot and the passengers.
Balloon Take Off To move the balloon upwards, hot air has to be blasted into the envelope, which opens the material out as far as possible, and allows more air in. The more the propane valve is opened, the more hot air is blasted into the envelope.
Balloon Landing
To allow the balloon to descend, the hot air in the envelope must escape which will start to deflate the balloon. The parachute valve at the top of the envelope is how the descent is controlled. As the pilot opens the valve, hot air escapes, cooling the inner balloon temperature. Slowly the balloon will start to descend to the ground.
About the Author
British School Of Ballooning provides Hot Air Balloon Flights throughout the south of England. Hot Air Ballooning is the perfect way to enjoy the scenery in the Home Counties. Find out more about hot air ballooning rides at http://www.hotair.co.uk/
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