Posts : 7125 Join date : 2009-11-13 Age : 60 Location : Tampa, Florida
Subject: Breitling at the Smithsonian... Mon Jan 04, 2010 10:09 pm
Some pics I took and the back story...
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 were needed to complete the trip.
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AtomicTom Senior Consigliere
Posts : 19939 Join date : 2009-08-25 Age : 53 Location : New Jersey
Subject: Re: Breitling at the Smithsonian... Mon Jan 04, 2010 10:33 pm
Alan, that's more than COOL ? What a great piece of history to know. Talk about dangerous and ahead of it's time. This is really some piece of engineering and those men were definitely pioneers ! Thanks..Looks like you had a great time !!!..BTW is that.."The" Breitling ?
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Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Breitling at the Smithsonian... Mon Jan 04, 2010 11:08 pm
Cool.
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Breitling at the Smithsonian... Mon Jan 04, 2010 11:12 pm
I don't see a watch.
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Breitling at the Smithsonian... Tue Jan 05, 2010 1:40 am
Such a fashion ballon!!
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Breitling at the Smithsonian... Tue Jan 05, 2010 1:49 am
Very cool, I'm petrified of heights. You would have to hold a gun to my head to get me on that thing!
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Breitling at the Smithsonian... Tue Jan 05, 2010 12:30 pm
Did they steal that design from the Big I's secret Swiss factory? Hmm, that's about the size of the newest Sea Feces!!!! I'm just sayin....your mileage may vary.....
PoliMalaka Senior Associate
Posts : 1985 Join date : 2009-06-15 Age : 50 Location : Tek-shsish
Subject: Re: Breitling at the Smithsonian... Tue Jan 05, 2010 12:44 pm
Very cool! Wouldn't it be nice if they had a watch on display that was worn on the journey?!
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Breitling at the Smithsonian... Tue Jan 05, 2010 3:47 pm
Subject: Breitling at the Smithsonian... 
Mon Jan 04, 2010 10:09 pm
What a great piece of history
