Trans-Atlantic Balloons
Global
Western has extensive experience in developing, fabricating and
delivering long endurance small balloons for Jet-Stream Floating.
We have supplied balloons to the Arizona Near Space Research
(ANSR), University of Tennessee Amateur Radio Club (UTARC) Spirit of
Knoxville (SNOX), Bill Brown (WB8ELK), and the UKHAS groups, all of
which are conducting long endurance, long range balloon flights.
The UTARC SNOX effort has fielded a record-setting flight, SNOX 4,
which flew for over 3300 miles from Knoxville, TN to almost Ireland.
ANSR has flown a Global Western TA balloon for over 1000 miles from Phoenix, AZ to Eagle Pass, TX.
Availability
of Global Western TA balloons is dependant on our work load. The
2009 price for the standard TA balloon (<12 pounds payload to 39,000
feet MSL, USA FAA Part 101-exempt) is $300 per envelope, minimum order
is ten envelopes. The TA balloon is about 1000 cubic feet,
weight is <4 pounds and is intended for 6-11.5 pounds payload and
helium inflation. A higher performance hydrogen-rated version is
available.
ANSR 33 before its notable long endurance flight
ANSR 33 ground track, last position report recieved near Eagle Pass, TX, but the balloon was still flying well at this point.
A valve-less TA balloon, prepared for flight.
Flight path of another Global Western TA balloon. Over 3300 miles great circle covered!
TA Balloon undergoing a 108 hour staked endurance test.