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Balloons, airships and kites – lighter than air: past, present and future

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

J. Folkes
J. Folkes*
Affiliation:
School of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Abstract

One hundred years on from the advent of aeronautics at Queen Mary, University of London, developments in lighter than air technology have progressed at a somewhat slower pace than the technology for heavier than air. Innovations afforded by the ‘discovery’ of helium, the development of the modern day hot air balloon and the application of new materials have all contributed to today’s technical innovations. A review is given of the past history of lighter than air, a note is made of the current state of the art and a brief overview of future applications is discussed. The author’s personal experience in long distance gas balloon flights is mentioned.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 112 , Issue 1133 , July 2008 , pp. 421 - 429
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2008 

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