Covered Wagon Balloon Launcher Development and Test Results.
Abstract
A covered wagon launcher was built as a solution to the problem of inflating and launching large Moby Dick plastic balloons in adverse weather conditions. The unit employs a 40-ft. flat bed as a base with a headboard and side framewoek constructed of pipe and angle iron covered with canvas. An airplane cloth cover forms the top piece. The gas bubble is inflated inside the covered wagon and released by removing one side and the headboard connections of the top cover. Thirty-two test flights and 20 operational flights were made. The covered wagon proved to be highly satisfactory. Balloons can be launched in winds about 3 times as strong (20 to 25 knots) compared to launching with the previous launch-platform technique. (HADC abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 17, 1952
- Accession Number
- AD0001124
Entities
People
- Bernard D. Gildenberg