Time Period: Post-WW2
Country of Origin: Switzerland, United Kingdom
Type: Hot Air Balloons
Manufacturer: Cameron Balloons
The Breitling Orbiter 3
The Breitling Orbiter 3 was a Rozière-type balloon, combining the principles of both hot air and helium balloons. This hybrid design allowed for extended flight duration and control, crucial for a journey of such magnitude. It launched on March 1, 1999, from Château-d’Oex, Switzerland, and completed its voyage 19 days, 21 hours, and 55 minutes later, landing in the Egyptian desert. The flight covered a total distance of 40,814 kilometers (25,361 miles), setting multiple world records.
The mission required meticulous planning and the integration of advanced technology to overcome challenges such as extreme weather, fuel management, and navigation. The gondola, which served as the pilots’ home for nearly three weeks, was a sophisticated capsule equipped to sustain life in harsh conditions and enable precise control of the balloon.
The Pilots
Bertrand Piccard 🔗 and Brian Jones 🔗 became global icons for their achievement, receiving the Harmon Trophy 🔗 and recognition from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) for setting numerous ballooning records. The success of the Breitling Orbiter 3 also underscored the importance of addressing environmental challenges, themes that Piccard would continue to champion in later projects, such as the Solar Impulse solar-powered aircraft.
Technical Details
- Type: Rozière balloon (hot air and helium hybrid).
- Height: Approximately 55 meters (180 feet).
- Volume: The envelope held about 22,000 cubic meters (777,000 cubic feet) of gas.
- Gondola: A pressurized capsule made of aluminum and Kevlar, designed for two occupants. It was equipped with oxygen systems, navigation tools, and communication devices.
- Journey Duration: 19 days, 21 hours, and 55 minutes.
- Distance Covered: 40,814 kilometers (25,361 miles).
- Average Speed: 85 km/h (53 mph).
- Launch Location: Château-d’Oex, Switzerland.
- Landing Location: Near Mut, Egypt.
Its Legacy
The Breitling Orbiter 3 is a milestone in the history of aviation and human exploration. It was the culmination of years of effort by Piccard, Jones, and their team, following the unsuccessful attempts of the Breitling Orbiter 1 and Breitling Orbiter 2. This achievement not only demonstrated the feasibility of global circumnavigation in a balloon but also highlighted the potential for international collaboration and innovation.
