Wed, Jan 08, 2003
AApex Sunrides Announces A New "Special Shape" Balloon
Aapex Sunrides, the company that owns and operates
the US Flag Balloon, has announced the newest special shape
hot air balloon in the United States. Commissioned by Barry and
Teri DiLibero in July of 2002, the decision was cemented to honor
100 years of powered flight, or Heavier than Air flight for
2003.
'What to build' turned out to be a difficult process.
Trying to express the magic of flying with wings, while not flying
with wings... In the past century, human flight has evolved
from basically an aerodynamic wooden birdcage with a 4 cylinder
engine that produced less horsepower than many of today’s
garden tractors to rockets. Speed has changed the way we look at
flight.
In commissioning this project, the big question remained, "All
of the advancements, achievements and milestones in one century of
flight, how is it possible to demonstrate this history in
conjunction with the world’s oldest, simplest form of human
flight?"
The decision was a difficult one. It was finally decided that it
would have to follow the actions of the fathers of powered flight.
By taking the oldest form of winged flight, the glider, just as the
Wright brothers did, and adding the most powerful form of
propulsion, the rocket engine; the history of flight can be brought
together from beginning to present day.
So... at the end of January, 2003, the Space Shuttle PATRIOT hot
air balloon is scheduled for completion. At present, Aapex believes
it will be the tallest Special Shape balloon registered in the
United States. Towering over all other aircraft, PATRIOT will be
available for balloon events, airshows and special events starting
in May, 2003.
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