Breitling Orbiter 3 Wallpapers

Orbiter 3 breitling Aircraft - photo wallpapers: Breitling Orbiter 3 was
the first balloon to fly around the world non-stop, piloted by Bertrand
Piccard and Brian Jones. Designed and built by Cameron Balloons, of
Bristol, England, Breitling Orbiter 3 stood 55 m (180 ft) tall when
fully inflated. The propane gas that fueled the six burners was
contained in 28 titanium cylinders mounted in two rows along the sides
of the gondola. Concerned about fuel consumption, the team added four
additional propane containers prior to take-off; these additional four
tanks would be needed to complete the trip. The Breitling Orbiter 3 is
a Rozier balloon, which combines the features of a hot-air balloon and
a gas balloon, with a helium cell within the hot-air envelope.
Initially, the helium cell is filled to approximately 47% of its
maximum capacity. During ascent, the drop in atmospheric pressure and
the expansion of gas due to the effect of the sun make the helium
increase in volume and the balloon thus gains altitude. The Breitling
Orbiter 3 gondola was constructed of a weave of Kevlar and carbon fiber
material. After take-off the cabin was sealed at 1,800 m (6,000 ft) to
trap the air within it. During the flight the cabin atmosphere was
supplemented by nitrogen and oxygen; the carbon dioxide was removed by
lithium hydroxide filters. Cabin pressure was maintained at around 3.5
psi by adding oxygen and nitrogen to the cabin air, as necessary. At
10,000 m (33,000 ft), the cabin pressure equaled the atmospheric
pressure at 3,000 m (10,000 ft). Solar panels suspended beneath the
gondola recharged the onboard lead-acid batteries that provided
electrical power. Satellite-based systems enabled the crew to navigate
via GPS as well as communicate.