hot air balloon

post #656575

A hot air balloon is lighter than air aircraft consisting of a bag called the envelope that is capable of containing heated air. Suspended beneath is a gondola or wicker basket (in some long-distance or high-altitude balloons, a capsule), which carries passengers and (usually) a source of heat, in most cases an open flame. The heated air inside the envelope makes it buoyant since it has a lower density than the relatively cold air outside the envelope. As with all aircraft, hot air balloons cannot fly beyond the atmosphere.

If the balloon has an elongated shape, or the craft seems to have a method of propulsion such as rudders or engines, use airship instead.