A proven system Paris, France Aeronest, Lake Neuchatel, Switzerland Paris, France November 2002
Safety At Aerophile safety is a continuing obsession. Everything is designed to guarantee the highest possible levels of safety, no matter how unlikely the occurrence. The Aero30 is the only system in the world actually designed and certified as a flying aircraft. THE BALLOON - Flight Controls: Although considered impossible, should the tether cable ever break, the Aero 30 will not burst, its flight can be controlled by the pilot, who will be able to land it with a rate of descent that should not prove life threatening. THE WINCH - Hydroelectric winch: Our hydraulic winch system has proven itself to be very tough and reliable. It uses technology that is understood worldwide for easy maintenance, and is not prone to sudden failure. Prior to delivery the winch is tested continuously through its full cycle for one week. - Rip Panel: At some stage it is inevitable that you will take a risk on the forecast and opt to weather out a severe storm, rather than release your valuable helium. Should you get it wrong the ability to deflate quickly is absolutely essential to prevent the envelope from being destroyed. Opening the rip panel deflates the balloon in a few moments and protects the envelope from serious damage. - The winch house has three independent systems for retrieving the balloon: Primary system: an electric motor powering the main pump and hydraulic circuit. Auxiliary system: a diesel engine powering a secondary pump and independent hydraulic circuit. - Landing platform (patented): The conical structure in the centre of the platform acts in conjunction with the gondola wheels to allow totally safe, yet fast take off and landings, so reducing turn around to a minimum. On landing the gondola automatically centres itself, safely allowing the balloon its full range of oscillation every time. The cone also stops anyone inadvertently stepping into the pulley housing. - Resistance of the fabric and net: Aerophile is a registered aircraft manufacturer. All the components used in our design are manufactured with a safety factor of more than 10. The construction is in compliance with Aeronautical Certification (JAR21) Regulations. Airworthiness tests are performed annually. The fabric does not deteriorate from man handling or folding, which is essential should the balloon be deflated for either seasonal storage or repair. Emergency descent system: an electric motor that can be engaged directly onto the cable drum. This can work on the mains supply, the auxiliary diesel generator or an external power supply such as a car battery. - Control console: The control panel is sited remotely from the winch house, allowing the recovery systems to be continuously monitored during flying. There are at least two security/stop checks on each function, and the operator is informed of any possible problem with both warning lights and an alarm.
Innovation - AEROPHILE S.A. was the only company in the world to create the modern tethered balloon, the Aero30 in Chantilly commissioned on April 18th, 1994. - AEROPHILE S.A. was the only company in the world to develop the LMS (patented) Low Mooring System in 1996 to allow the system to resist up to 110 km/h. - AEROPHILE S.A. is the first company in the world who can fly to 300 metres introduced in 1998. - AEROPHILE S.A. is the first company in the world to develop a mobile tethered system,the Aero2, in 2000. - AEROPHILE S.A. is the first company in the world to install a balloon over water in Neuchatel, in 2002 The Aero-nest is designed to allow the Aero30 to operate from locations with little available space. Durability - Although originally designed for a life span of 5-years the first Aero 30 envelope at Chantilly has demonstrated beyond doubt that the durability of the system is better than expected. It did in fact work for eight seasons and two winters. In other words 68 months of operation without any major component being replaced. - After eight years service in Chantilly, only the envelope and net needed to be changed. The other components such as winch, gondola and LMS continued to function well. - The proven longevity of the envelope promotes commercial confidence. For example at three years old, the Balloon of Paris has been totally repainted rather than replaced for a new three year advertising campaign. - Minimum helium loss: even up to its eighth year the helium loss for the Aero 30 in Chantilly was still averaging under 70 cubic metres/month.
Profitability The only way to be profitable is to have: - a safe reliable system (insurance costs should be very low) ; - a durable system (depreciation costs and helium loss are minimal) ; - an innovative system (unique communication and advertising) ; - a system that delivers high performance for the long term. HIGH LINE SPEED OF WINCH The high line speed enables six 150 m flight cycles every hour. ULTRA LIGHT GONDOLA An attractive circular design, made in polyester and aluminium, the gondola is made to maximise floor area and minimise weight. It can comfortably carry 30 people. SIMPLIFIED MOORING SYSTEM Because of the design of the system, the LMS is only used infrequently when the winds are forecasted to exceed 40 knots (20m/s). The normal high mooring procedures take two people less than 15 minutes, enabling flying operations to start and stop very quickly. HIGH QUALITY OF ARTWORK DESIGN Superb graphics create a stunning visual image, and the design can totally cover the entire surface of the Aero30 to satisfy even the most demanding corporate client or sponsor. Paris, 2002 Berlin, 2000 Bordeaux, 2001 Huis Ten Bosch, 2001
Services AEROPHILE S.A. is a registered aircraft manufacturer. The Aero 30 has consistently used the same materials and specialist suppliers of components since 1993 without any need for change. The balloon and net are made in Germany. The gondola, winch and LMS are made in France. Experience AEROPHILE S.A. is most experienced operator of tethered balloons, having managed 3 Aero 30 s in France since 1994. We understand the issues first hand and will help you to get the most out of our tethered balloons, and so ensure that any Aero 30 is brought to maximum performance and profitability. AEROPHILE S.A. employs over 20 people, including 8 pilots, engineers and technicians who are all able to assemble, install and train clients in the operation of our balloons. We always have staff available to respond quickly, should a client request assistance. Chantilly, 1994 Cheverny, 1995 Paris, 1999
References Since 1994 well over one million passengers have flown in Aero 30 s on four continents around the world. Japan Switzerland Fuji Yama, 1998 Lake Neuchatel, 2002 China Niigata, 1998 Shaoxing, 1996 USA Australia Huis Ten Bosch, 2001 Birch Run, Michigan, 1997 Goldcoast, 1996
France Cheverny, 1995 Chantilly, 1994 Samara, 1999 Paris, 1999-2001 Paris, 2002 Austria Beaune, 1997 Bordeaux, 1999-2000 Bordeaux, 2001 Vienna, 2000 Italia Germany Bolonia, 2001 Berlin, 2000 Cargo lifter, 2000 Mylau, 2000 Bad Fussing, 1996
More than 1 million passengers flown worlwide so far AEROPHILE AMERICA 13800 Coppermine Road HERNDON VA, 20171 Tel: 703.234.7802 Fax: 703.234.1201 email: geoffludlow@aerophile.com AEROPHILE S.A. 19, rue du Connétable F 60500 CHANTILLY FRANCE Tel: +33.3.44.57.29.14 Fax: +33.3.44.57.28.62 email: aero30@aerophile.com public web site : www.aerophile.com - professional web site : www.captiveballoon.com