Abstract
There is a certain irony in that a technology which was first developed in 18th century France has now become inextricably linked with leading edge computer based systems and technologies. Hot air balloons and other lighter than air flying machines have come an awful long way in every sense since the Montgolfier brothers' flimsy paper craft first took to the skies in 1783. A quantum leap in burner technology in the 1950s led to a resurgence of interest in ballooning, but today's `special shape' promotional craft and recreational balloons are made possible through the application of the very latest materials and computer related design technologies. Described as the ultimate challenge in aviation, the attempt to circumnavigate the world by balloon relies on computer power at every single stage, from design concept to final touchdown.
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