A hot air balloon is a lighter-than-air aircraft that consists of a balloon full of heated air with a basket underneath. The air is heated in most cases using an open flame.
A hot balloon is an aircraft that uses heated air as buoyancy. Hot air is trapped in a large bag known as an envelope. The first hot air balloons were used in China as a method for signalling between soldiers during wars.
The largest part of the balloon is the envelope. This is a large bag that is most often made of nylon which is filled with heated air. The envelope normally looks like an inverted teardrop, but they can be made in a variety of shapes and are often used by companies for advertising and marketing. The basket hangs underneath the envelop and carries the passengers along with any fuel needed for the burner above. The burner burns fuel, normally propane and butane, to heat the air in the envelope. The pilot can use the burner to gain altitude. To lose altitude, some balloons have large vents at the top which can be opened to allow some of the hot air to escape. Hot air balloons are different to other lighter-than-air aircraft, like blimps, as they are not sealed at the bottom and use heated air for buoyancy.
The Montgolfier brothers became interested in balloon flight after seeing clothes billowing over an open flame. They first demonstrated balloon flight in the summer of 1783. The flight wasn’t manned but instead had a sheep, a duck, and a rooster as passengers. The first untethered and manned flight was later in 1783. The flight lasted 25 minutes and the passengers traveled about five miles. News quickly spread about the Montgolfier brothers and many people around the world became interested.
Montgolfier style balloons only use the buoyancy of heated air, but there are hybrid balloons. These hybrid balloons get buoyancy from hot air and also from lighter-than-air gases such as hydrogen or helium. With the discovery of helium and hydrogen, hot air ballooning became less popular. These new balloons could stay in the air indefinitely and could reach incredibly high altitudes. They are named Rozière balloons after their inventor Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier.
Ed Yost designed and created a balloon that could carry its own heat source and fuel. This would allow the balloon to fly for longer and further than before. Yost had his first successful flight in 1960. These are the most common type of hot air balloon now used all over the world.
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Try it for Free!How Tos about Invention of the Hot Air Balloon
Plan a classroom hot air balloon model project for hands-on learning
Engage students by organizing a simple hot air balloon model-building activity. Hands-on projects help students visualize science concepts and spark curiosity about flight.
Gather safe, easy-to-find materials
Use lightweight tissue paper, glue, string, straws, and a small fan (instead of heat) to create model balloons. These materials are affordable and safe for most classroom environments.
Guide students through step-by-step construction
Demonstrate how to assemble panels, shape the balloon, and attach the basket. Let students follow along to build confidence and teamwork skills.
Explain the science of hot air rising
Discuss how warm air becomes lighter than cool air, making the balloon rise. Use the model to show this in action, helping students connect theory with real-world examples.
Encourage observation and discussion
Let students observe their models and ask questions about what works and what could be improved. This fosters critical thinking and reinforces the lesson.
Frequently Asked Questions about Invention of the Hot Air Balloon
What is a hot air balloon?
A hot air balloon is a lighter-than-air aircraft that uses heated air to rise and float. The hot air inside the balloon is less dense than the cooler air outside, making the balloon lift off the ground.
How does a hot air balloon work?
A hot air balloon works by using a burner to heat the air inside the balloon, causing it to become lighter than the surrounding air. As the air inside gets hotter, the balloon rises; cooling the air makes it descend.
Who invented the hot air balloon?
The hot air balloon was invented by the Montgolfier brothers, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne, in France in 1783. They created the first successful manned flight using a hot air balloon.
What are the main parts of a hot air balloon?
The main parts of a hot air balloon are the envelope (the large balloon), the basket (where people stand), and the burner (which heats the air).
Is riding in a hot air balloon safe for students?
Riding in a hot air balloon is generally safe when operated by trained pilots who follow safety rules. Passengers should always listen to instructions and wear appropriate gear.
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