Rotation-resistant crane rope has been supplied for use on a hot air balloon to prevent the gondola spinning.
Certex (UK) supplied 22mm diameter Endurance Dyform 34LR cables, made by Bridon, to David Brown Special Products which designed a winch system for Lindstrand Balloons’ ‘HiFlyer’. HiFlyer is a passenger balloon offering rides to heights of 120m for up to 30 passengers.
The electric winch tethers, releases and reclaims the balloon. It has a three-phase supply PLC, a 1.5m diameter single wrap drum, gimballed sheave and fairlead to align the rope to the flight of the gondola in any wind.
“We recommended that a low rotation crane rope coupled with a higher than normal breaking load be used to stop the gondola spinning and to ensure maximum safety,” said Certex technical sales representative Alistair Challoner.
