Working in partnership Gefa Flug, the Cameron Balloons hot-air airship costs less than 5% of the price of a modern helium-filled craft to operate. The hot-air airship requires no large hanger, no portable mooring mast, no expensive ancillary equipment and only a small operating crew.
Maintenance of the Gefa Flug hot-air airship is simple and inexpensive.
Like hot air balloons, thermal airships are first inflated partially with cold (ambient temperature) air. Once the envelopes are sufficiently full, a propane burner is ignited, and the inflation is completed using heated air.
A Hot Air Ship generates buoyancy by heating air in the large envelope, overhead a Gondola. The lower density of interior hot air compared to cool ambient air causes an upward force on the envelope. This is very similar to a hot air balloon, with the notable exception that an airship has a powered means of propulsion, whilst a hot air balloon relies on winds for navigation.
These Hot Air Ships are routinely deflated after each flight and can be readily packed for storage and/or transport.
The first public flight of a hot air airship was made by Don Cameron in a Cameron D-96 at the Icicle Meet in January 1973.
“After 7 years of worldwide performances, not a single problem during the annual inspections of our equipment built by Cameron Balloons. #quality”
Lenny Cant, Mister Bup Balloon Team, Belgium
“Yes Baby You is a dream. Not an easy project and it would not have been possible without your calmness, professionalism and positive attitude. Thanks for putting your shoulders to the wheel and showing the way.”
Bart Van Peel
“...the balloon was shipped on time. I received the paperwork and authorisation to fly on the Friday. On Saturday and Sunday the balloon was inflated in front of 16,000 people in a special event.”
Pierre Galley, Switzerland
“These are the best you can buy. Cameron are my favourite balloons to fly.”
Nik Duffield, Pilot
“Without a doubt the best balloons to fly. Magnificent aircraft.”
Judy Fillmore, AirVentures Hot Air Ballooning
“It was a great asset to be able to rely on you to put together a good product at short notice. Thanks again for helping out, you and the team were all great!”
Matt Nicholson, British Airways