Breitling Orbiter 3 Rocks!

So far out of about 40 attempts that I know of since 1984 the farthest anyone has got is about halfway around the world. Each time they have problems with the heaters burners and the cramped quarters ( eighths?) of the cabin.

aerodesic has a standing offer since 1984 to build and flight test a balloon that will do this. It has a roomier cabin and you don't have to work with any tricky burners in the cold. The envelope is designed to operate at 100 bellow and not crack.

the crew stays at STP ( shirtsleeve environment) and it can stay up for 6 to 8 weeks.

Jim

Aerodesic Research

So why have they not done it? Are they going to build it for someone else? Or do they want someone to build it for them?

Statistically, somebody is going to make it. It's just a matter of time. If it is due to skill, they will be able to repeat it several times!

Hi,

We now have a pretty good idea on how the balloon and gondola must be built. If Breitling doesn't make it this time it is due 1) bad weather conditions or 2) political problems. Since they allready passed Irak and China, they have only the pacific to be affraid off.

Curious why you didn't find anyone yet to sponsor you. If your formula is as good as you say...

Koen Franckaert

Hi bob,

I agree with you that BO3 should make it this time. Like Bertrand said to me a few weeks ago 'I can feel this is the right concept at the right time'. Only the weather over the pacific can be tricky... I called with the control-center last night and the meteorologist (Luc Trullemans) said that at this moment that had a dream-route towards the US.

About Aerodesic, I also want to see the design !! It can still be built for further attempts. If they make it, there will be another team that wants to break the speed/duration records... Maybe the could make an International competition out of it. Don't they have something like that for sailboats ???

Perhaps I've been approaching the wrong people. It isn't easy to sell a new design concept. All the would be backers and venture capitalists so far want one or all of three things:

1) enough collateral to cover their capital. If you have that you can usually get a bank to put up the cash 2) a track record of successes with the same or a vary similar project. In which case it wouldn't be new, would it? and the kicker 3) a known name in the field either associated with the project or willing to state that it'll work. These are the competition.

So all the new design has left is the physics and material properties references from suppliers et al. I am keeping the details of the Donus design proprietary as long as there is a chance we'll get funded. the various backers DO get the details though. Of about 140 letters only 10 asked for any design details before rejecting the whole idea. Virgin, Southwest, hilton and remax just rejected the idea and tried it themselves.

for instance we use compressed air as ballast.

New Design concepts won't help anybody get around the world. The teams are all so good now, that it's simply a matter of who gets the best weather. Incidentally, i'm Virgin all the way. way-hay!!!