Time Period: Post-WW2
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Type: Hot Air Balloons
Manufacturer: Thunder and Colt
The Virgin Atlantic Flyer
The Virgin Atlantic Flyer hot balloon gained fame for its record-setting transatlantic flight in 1987, marking a significant achievement in the world of aviation and adventure. At the time, it was the largest hot air balloon ever built and was designed specifically to handle the extreme conditions of long-distance, high-altitude flight over the ocean.
The Virgin Atlantic Flyer’s transatlantic crossing was a pioneering achievement that cemented Richard Branson and Per Lindstrand as visionary adventurers. The balloon set world records for the fastest and highest flight of a hot air balloon and was recognized as the first successful transatlantic crossing in a hot air balloon.
The Pilots
The Virgin Atlantic Flyer was piloted by Richard Branson and Per Lindstrand, two individuals with complementary skills and a shared passion for adventure.
Richard Branson 🔗 is a world-renowned entrepreneur and the founder of the Virgin Group, which encompasses a diverse range of businesses, including Virgin Atlantic Airways. Known for his daring personality and adventurous spirit, Branson was no stranger to high-profile challenges and records. The Virgin Atlantic Flyer was a key part of his efforts to bring attention to his brand while pushing the limits of human achievement.
Per Lindstrand 🔗 is a highly skilled aeronautical engineer, pilot, and hot air balloon pioneer. At the time of the Virgin Atlantic Flyer flight, he was already well-known in the ballooning community for his expertise in designing and piloting record-breaking balloons. Lindstrand’s technical knowledge and experience were critical to the success of the transatlantic journey, especially in navigating the complexities of high-altitude and long-distance balloon flight.
Technical Details
- Type: Hot air balloon, with a dual-layered design for added safety.
- Height: Approximately 180 feet, making it the largest hot air balloon ever constructed at the time.
- Capacity: Enclosed a volume of about 2.3 million cubic feet of hot air.
- Gondola: Made of lightweight carbon fiber and Kevlar for strength and buoyancy. It included an enclosed cockpit to protect the pilots from harsh weather.
- Speed: Achieved a maximum speed of approximately 130 mph (209 km/h).
- Altitude: Reached a maximum height of around 30,000 feet (9,144 meters).
- Journey Duration: The transatlantic flight lasted about 31 hours.
Its Legacy
The Virgin Atlantic Flyer’s feat demonstrated the potential for innovation in balloon design, pushing the boundaries of what was possible at the time. It also contributed to the growing popularity of extreme adventures and public fascination with hot air ballooning. The Virgin Atlantic Flyer remains an iconic symbol of Branso
