How it works

How does the Generali Balloon of Paris work?

According to the Archimedes principle, one cubic meter of helium can lift one kilogram. This means that6,000 cubic meters can lift six metric tons. 

The balloon with its basket, envelope and net weighs around two metric tons.
The largest tethered balloon in the world, it can lift up to 30 passengers (about 2.5 metric tons) while keeping 1.5 metric tons of lift in the tether cable to counter the force of the wind. The stronger the wind, the more lift must be maintained and therefore the fewer passengers can be taken up. The cable has a tensile strength of 44 metric tons.

The balloon is 115 feet (35 meters) tall with a 74-foot (22.5-meter) diameter and can go up to 492 feet (150 meters) high. In flight, it is visible from 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) away and is seen by 400,000 people every day. It is the least polluting aircraft in the world because it is hoisted by an electric winch!