Jon Radowski's Hopper Project
This is just a sneak peek of a hopper I plan to build someday.
For now, the project is simply in my head and on paper, as well as on the computer.
For comments, suggestions, criticisms, etc., feel free to contact me at any time.
The bottom end will be built around a Balloon Works T3-017 burner which can be removed and interchanged. The burner's mounting method allows full gimbaling as in a normal balloon. The rotation ring is based on the Colt/Lindstrand type, which removes the need for turning vents and affords the pilot great visibility in any direction at a moment's notice.
Through the use of quick release ball-lock pins, the frame tubing will be able to be separated at two points on each main vertical upright tube. This will allow easy stowage for traveling with the hopper as checked baggage on airliners and personal baggage on small planes. The upper joint will be halfway between the triangular burner frame and the "shoulder" bend in the vertical tubing. The lower joint will be around one third of the way from the shoulder bend to the base of the hopper. The circular burner frame/ring will be able to lay mostly flat while face down (about 4-5" tall), while the rectangular lower base piece and the two curved side tubes will lay flat.
The frame will allow any size single vertical tank to be mounted for flexibility in plumbing combinations. In addition, two ten-gallon Worthington tanks will be able to be carried with the addition of tubing outriggers, which can be removed easily for single-tank use.
As of yet there is no decision on the type of seat/harness that will be used, but an APCO paramotor harness is being considered as a most likely candidate.
Please note that the horizontal tubing has not been added to the design at this time. The rudimentary frame legs shown in these images are just a placeholder for a proper design, so consider these images rough drafts that may change significantly before construction actually begins.
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This pair of views shows the shape of the 31,000 cubic foot envelope. These colors and this pattern are not necessarily going to be chosen for the balloon. The envelope will be constructed entirely of lightweight 1.3 oz. silicone-coated ripstop with a full 60" Nomex base panel and scoop.
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