How high will a balloon go?

[cynic]

I made a video so you can see.
Oh.... and I did follow all the FAR 101 rules so we can skip that conversation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6WKOdrS_6Q&feature=channel_page

 

[CA1900]

That's some balloon! :laugh:

 

[cynic]

It went to 110,000 feet and took some really cool pictures. Now I just need to figure out how to get up the extra 200,000 feet to space.

http://icbnn.wordpress.com/2009/01/02/launch/

 

[340drvr]

Nice video and pix!
IIRC, those rubber balloons do a bit better if "seasoned" prior to inflation, warming them in an "oven", can't remember exactly, but maybe like 80-100deg. for several hours?
I think the highest soundings are made with the plastic envelopes. (Raven Industries, and here: http://www.aerostar.com/aerospace.htm, are examples) The limiting factor for the balloon's max. altitude is whenever it bursts; we used to cut a small vent in one of the seams of the plastic balloons, (wouldn't work with the rubber ones) the idea being as the envelope expands to full radius, the small vent slot would prevent a burst. (You probably knew all this stuff anyway.) Good luck, looks like a lot of fun!

 

[cynic]

I think the highest soundings are made with the plastic envelopes. (Raven Industries, and here: http://www.aerostar.com/aerospace.htm, are examples)

I would like to get one of those but...

Balloons will not be sold to amateur radio clubs
or similar organizations.

Sigh.... Not to mention the insurance "Balloon flights must be conducted under the protection of a minimum
of US $10 million liability policy."

 

[ualdriver]

But how high would it go if it were somehow connected to a treadmill.....

 

[Lead Sled]

It went to 110,000 feet and took some really cool pictures. Now I just need to figure out how to get up the extra 200,000 feet to space.

http://icbnn.wordpress.com/2009/01/02/launch/

http://icbnn.wordpress.com/2009/01/02/launch/[/quote]Have Have you considered getting a few more balloons and a lawn chair?

 

[say again]

Nice!!

 

[BEfly]

very cool. I'd imagine that balloon is the size of a Voltswagon towards the end?

 

[cynic]

I believe at burst it is about 35 feet in diameter

The performance data is here:
http://kaymont.com/pages/sounding-balloons.cfm

Does a balloon outperform your airplane