History of Air Force Balloon

Past

Balloon envelopes only last a few years before they deteriorate and weaken. Once the material fails periodic strength tests, they must be replaced or overhauled. Because the Air Force Balloons feature complex artwork, it is normally more economical to replace them. Each Air Force Balloon has lasted for approximately 500 flying hours - which means a new envelope every three to four years.

The Air Force's first hot-air balloon began operating in 1990 and was registered VH-LDB. This balloon had an envelope capacity of 77,000 cubic feet. It was dark and light blue in four vertical sections with the RAAF Roundel on one side and the RAAF Crest on the other.

The second Air Force Balloon, registered VH-AME, looked the same as the first but was larger – 90,000 cubic feet.

The third balloon was VH-AQS which featured special artwork to help the Air Force celebrate it's 75th Anniversary in 1996.

The next balloon was a tri-Service balloon divided into three sections - one for each Service (Navy, Army, Air Force). This balloon, appropriately registered VH-TRI, had a capacity of 105,000 cubic feet.

Present

All the Air Force Balloons mentioned above are no longer airworthy and have therefore been de-registered and removed from service. The RAAF now operates the following two balloons:

VH-DEF was introduced to service in September 2006 and is now the main display balloon for the RAAF. DEF is a Kavanagh B-105 model balloon - which is the same as the previous tri-Service balloon, VH-TRI. However, this balloon features entirely new artwork promoting the Air Force with images of an F/A-18 Hornet, an Air Force member and the RAAF Roundel - and look for the special artwork in the parachute vent at the top of the balloon!

VH-FAN has virtually the same artwork and is the same size as the second balloon (VH-AME). VH-FAN began operating in 2005 and is currently used for training and as a back-up to the main display balloon.

Future

Given the recent introduction of VH-DEF, the Air Force will not need another balloon for a few years now. However, the next balloon may involve an entirely new approach to ballooning in the Air Force. It may well represent the shape of things to come.