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They may have never taken off (ha, I kill me!) as a common form of air travel the way airplanes eventually would, but hot air balloons were an important development in air travel, and the physics behind them is fascinating-- one of the main reasons hot air balloons remain a recreational hobby to this day.
So how do they work? First, the balloon is filled with hot air, which is less dense than the cold air that surrounds the balloon. This causes it to rise until the density (the number of molecules in a given area) is equalized. The hot air balloon can only operate when there is a density difference; therefore, it can never go beyond the atmosphere and into outer space-- because outer space has practically no density. The parts of a hot air balloon differ between the types of balloons and their purposes. However, most balloons contain similar components: the balloon (also called an envelope) holds the heated air, and contains vents, which allow the operators to let the hot air escape in order to lower their ascent and land; the basket, or carrier, is where the person or persons riding and operating the balloon are located; the burner, which includes a fuel tank, is where the hot air is generated to ensure the flight of the balloon; finally, the instrumentation allows the travelers to track the flight of the balloon. A hot air balloon can’t actually be steered unless it’s a hybrid with engines that will allow it to generate thrust (such as a dirigible). Most hot air balloons are simple balloons that will move in the direction of the wind once they’re in the air. The balloon can, however, be steered to a certain extent for landing. The first hot air balloon was demonstrated in France by the Montgolfier brothers in September 1783-- a legacy felt in the fact that the Montgolfier name is used to describe hot air balloons of similar design even to this day. The brothers took a short ten-minute flight over Paris to demonstrate its mechanics and to show that ballooning could be done. The demonstration was a huge success, and hot air ballooning became the rage across Europe and America. There have been many records set by many individuals in hot air balloons-- including the first trip around the world in one-- which was accomplished by Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones in March 1999. There are still numerous hot air balloon hubs around the world, with many locations having hot air balloon races or demonstrations on holidays. Many tourist destinations such as the Smoky Mountains have hot air balloon rides where guests can pay a trained pilot for a ride above the grandeur of the landscape. At some festivals, complimentary rides are given to the public, often in the form of a drawing, to encourage attendance at the festival. Want to be a hot air enthusiast? Unfortunately, you’ll probably need deep pockets. The costs vary greatly, of course, but the typical cost for a standard model hot air balloon with the minimum equipment for a safe and comfortable ride is $40,000 - $50,000. There is also a cost to become a pilot which requires training and flight time. While not for everyone, the sport is nothing if not beautiful, with its multicolored balloons floating lazily across the sky, harking back to a much simpler time. |
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GLOSSARY
Ascent rising through the air.
Density how much space an object or substance takes up.
Dirigible an airship.
Instrumentation instruments used for measurement, especially on a boat or aircraft.
Thrust the propulsive force of an aircraft that allows it to move forward in the air.
Density how much space an object or substance takes up.
Dirigible an airship.
Instrumentation instruments used for measurement, especially on a boat or aircraft.
Thrust the propulsive force of an aircraft that allows it to move forward in the air.
