What are the components of a hot air balloon?
The two main components of a balloon system are of the envelope, or brightly colored inflatable sphere, and the gondola, or basket. The envelope is usually made of rip-stop nylon fabric (the same fabric as a parachute) and can range anywhere from 60 to 80 feet high (and even taller on some special shaped balloons!). The diameter of balloons range from 30 to 40 feet. The gondola is made of wicker and is framed by aluminum or stainless steel. It carries the propane gas tanks, an instrument panel, as well as the pilot and passengers. The instrument panel contains an altimeter, which measures altitude; a pyrometer, which measures the heat at the top of the envelope; and a variometer, which measures rate of ascent and descent. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us at 301-814-3297!
