World's largest Superbike takes to the skies (with picture)
4/9/2010 9:55 AM EST
Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of hot air balloons and airships, carried out the first flight today of the world’s first flying Superbike, a hot air balloon commissioned by George White Ltd.
The bike will be flown by Lindstrands on behalf of George White who are using it to promote their support and involvement in the British Superbike Championships.
Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons, based in Oswestry, Shropshire, have a reputation for innovative projects. They worked with Top Gear to create a “flying caravan” airship, and also designed and built the “Churchill dog” balloon, a house shaped balloon for Stroud & Swindon building society, and a flying Babybel cheese.
The George White Superbike balloon is one of the largest hot air balloons ever made. It is 37 metres high and 46 metres wide. It will fly at British Superbike events around the UK, subject to weather conditions.
Simon Forse, Managing Director of Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons, is delighted to be working in partnership with George White. “We were very excited when the team at George White approached us to create the Superbike balloon. We love a challenge, and the engineering, design and construction of the balloon has been one of our most interesting projects yet.”
About the George White Superbike Balloon
Top Speed:
British Superbike 185 MPH
George White Balloon 12 MPH
Fuelled up weight:
British Superbike 206 KG
George White balloon Maximum take of weight 1700kg Fabric weight 562kg
Passengers:
British Superbike 1
George White Balloon 4 + 1 pilot
Engine:
British Superbike 1000cc
George White Balloon 23,000cc
Balloon burner 50,000 BTU. MK2 Jet stream double
Fuel tank:
British Superbike 20litre capacity
George White balloon 406 litre capacity
240 litres of propane
Helmet:
British Superbike Large
George White balloon X*23L
Boot size:
British Superbike average rider 11.5
George White ballon 212
Average rider height:
British Superbike 5’ 11
George White balloon 138’
Back wheel diameter:
British Superbike 65cm
George White balloon 15.5 meters
If the fabric used in the balloon were laid out on the floor, in a 1m wide strip, it would go round the brands hatch racetrack 4.7 times (a total of 9.064 KM)
The balloon is constructed from 5500 individual fabric panels, over a period of 3 months using 8 specialist seamstresses, 2 design engineers, and over 50 miles of thread.
http://www.georgewhite.co.ukhttp://lindstrand.co.uk