News
Trans Pacific balloon capsule acquired
The BBM&L are pleased to announce that they have acquired the Trans Pacific balloon Capsule from Lindstrand Balloons.
John Baker and the late Norman Pritchard were invited to Lindstrand Balloons at Oswestry to view the Trans-Pacific Capsule with a view to the Museum acquiring it. John Baker produced a report with photos and presented it to the council.
The capsule itself is approx 2.6mtrs high and 2.7mtrs across, weighing in at about 400kgs. We can now confirm that this has been donated to the BBM&L along with 2 cylinders. One of these still carries the insulation and the Virgin Cola artwork. The second cylinder is still "boxed" without insulation, but with the artwork.
Registered G-OWWF, the balloon held two records, set on 17th January 1991, for an AX15 balloon, endurance 26hrs 15 mins and distance 7,691.9kms/4,768.1 miles. The actual track distance was 10,885.2kms/6,765.2 miles, but the FAI only recognise the Great Circle distance.
The next task for the Museum is to find a home for the capsule, and to work out how to move it to that new home. We hope to announce where it will be based in the near future.