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Early balloon design
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Early balloon design
Early balloon design, described as an aerostatic globe, with equipment to travel in the air by wind. A) The Vessel. B) Sails that are used according to the wind. C) Another sail that can be used as a forward rudder. D) Rudder at the back. E) An anchor to stop the balloon in case of storm or when the passengers wish to disembark.
4 December 1783
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Media ID 7475429
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1780s 1783 Aerostatic Anchor Ballooning Disembark Forward Globe Passengers Rudder Sail Sails Storm Wind December
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: Early Balloon Design: A Voyage Through the Sky in the 1780s 2. Description: This engraving showcases an early design of a hot air balloon, an aerostatic globe, which revolutionized human transportation in the late 18th century. The intricate details of this 1783 invention reveal various components essential for traveling through the air by wind. A. The Vessel: The primary focus of the image is the balloon itself, a large, spherical vessel filled with hot air. The envelope is made of lightweight, heat-resistant material, allowing it to ascend and maintain altitude. B. Sails that are used according to the wind: Two sails are attached to the balloon, one at the top and another at the bottom. These sails, known as "envelope sails," could be adjusted to catch the wind, providing direction and control during the flight. C. Another sail that can be used as a forward rudder: A forward-mounted sail, or "goose wing," is depicted at the front of the balloon. This sail could be angled to catch the wind and steer the balloon in the desired direction. D. Rudder at the back: A large rudder is located at the back of the balloon. This steering mechanism allowed the passengers to control the balloon's direction by adjusting its angle relative to the wind. E. An anchor to stop the balloon in case of storm or when the passengers wish to disembark: An anchor and a rope are attached to the balloon's bottom. In case of a storm or when the passengers wished to disembark, they could use the anchor to secure the balloon to the ground. This early balloon design, a testament to human ingenuity, paved the way for further advancements in ballooning and air travel. The image, dated 4 December 1783, is a valuable piece of history from The Royal Aeronautical Society's National Aerospace Library, showcasing the spirit of exploration and innovation that characterized the 1780s.
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