Components

The envelope is the fabric canopy that gives the balloon its lift and iconic shape. Just like in full-size ballooning, the envelope is made from lightweight, heat-resistant material.

The envelope is usually patterned with bright colors or distinctive designs to enhance visibility and replicate the look of traditional balloons.

During setup, it is first filled with cold air using a fan to give it structure, then heated with burners to generate lift.

The basket shown here is a central component designed to replicate the structure and function of a full-scale ballooning basket.

Constructed with a woven wicker-style exterior it mirrors traditional balloon baskets while being scaled appropriately.

This miniature basket also houses the fuel system and electronics for operating the burner system.

The fuel cylinder is a key component of the fuel system. Compact yet robust, it features a precision valve assembly with a pressure regulator and connector nozzle, allowing for controlled release of fuel to the burner units.

In practice, fuel systems often incorporate multiple cylinders like this one to extend flight duration.

By distributing fuel across two or more tanks, operators can maintain consistent burner output over longer periods and allows for staged fuel use switching between cylinders mid-flight or using them in parallel for higher output when needed.

This burner is a precision-engineered component used to manage the heat source. Its compact cylindrical body houses the combustion chamber, while the coiled tubing at the top serves as part of the fuel delivery system.

The brass fitting at the base connects to a pressurised gas cylinder, allowing controlled fuel flow into the burner for ignition.

In typical setups, multiple burners like this may be mounted as seen in the basket image, providing redundancy and increased output. This is especially useful for larger model envelopes or extended flight durations, where consistent heat is needed to maintain lift.

This compact hand held burner is often used for smaller models. It mimics the function of fuel system traditionally housed in the basket but can be hand held without the need for an electronic control system.

The coiled metal heating element produces a controlled flame, heating the air inside the balloon envelope to generate the lift the same as the traditional fuel system.

These can often used during the initial inflation of the envelope before reverting to the fuel system which is housed in the basket.

Large fuel cylinders store the main supply of gas and unlike the smaller onboard cylinders mounted in the basket, this type of cylinder is designed for ground based use during setup and refueling.

They are commonly used for extended flying sessions or event use, where multiple launches or long duration flights are planned and there is a need to refuel.

Mini Fans are used for partially inflating the envelope and is often referred to as cold inflating. This enables the balloon to stand upright and receive heat from the burners.

Its portability and power make it ideal for field use, especially at events or launch sites without access to mains electricity.

Like its full-scale counterpart, this fan is a vital part of the ground crew’s toolkit, ensuring safe and efficient inflation of the model balloon.

The handheld controller sends signals to the receiver installed in the basket, allowing the pilot to operate burners and other functions remotely.

In simple terms, it’s the link between the pilot and the balloon, giving precise control during flight.