Ballooning > Balloon Systems > Experimental

Balloon Systems:Light Sport Balloons@ (3)

• Raven Industries' Final Report to the U.S. Navy - This is the exact report Ed Yost presented to the Office of Naval Research in 1963, at the conclusion of a program that resulted in the invention of the modern hot-air balloon. Describes early research on fabrics, temperature distribution, details of early flights, much more.
  
   
• SULLOON - Project to design a free-flying solar powered balloon. Several protoypes have been flown tethered.
  
   
• Solo Balloons - Page dealing with small balloons and solo systems, particularly experimental and ultralight.
  
   
• The Balloon Builders' Journal - A technical newsletter dedicated to the exchange of ideas between builders and pilots of experimental sport balloons.
  
   
• Ted's Homebuilt Balloon Project - Documents Ted Gauthier's project to build an experimental balloon and basket. Detailed photo gallery of the construction of the full-sized wicker basket.
  
   
• Homebuilding Cloudhoppers - Details projects for building your own one-man balloon systems. Several examples shown, one with detailed photos.
  
   
• UK Hopper & Production Lists - Lists registrations and production for 8 manufacturers of cloudhoppers and other solo balloons, mostly in England.
  
   
• FAR Part 103 - Ultralight Balloons - Official FAA rules for building, flying, and certifying an ultralight aircraft. These lightweight, one person balloons may be homebuilt or constructed by an established manufacturer. You do not need a pilot license to fly an ultralight.
  
   
• Empty_Pockets Balloon Pattern Software - The program actually designs the panel templates to build a balloon of various sizes.