TLB 180HP - "The crab"

Twin Latex Balloon Kit 180 High Performance

Double envelope - Internal latex and external rip-stop nylon - Stabilized and load-bearing

TecnoFly 2008 experience has created the "Twin Latex Balloon Kit 180 High Performance", or briefly TLB 180 HP, a modified version of the TLB 180. It is a versatile and economical complete system for aerial photography which consists of a balloon particularly designed to improve the in flight dynamic stability. The ball is of the double envelope type, latex inside and rip-stop nylon outside, which reach a perfect balance between strength and total weight, leaving room for a generous useful lift. It is built with outer fabric rip-stop nylon of 37 gr/m2, 12 ball sectors, computer-processed and cut with a cauterizing laser plotter. The inner shell is a natural latex balloon, 100% biodegradable, lightweight and extremely elastic. What is unique about the TLB 180 HP is the remarkable and creative form of the two flaps, which are joined together and envelop three quarters of the circumference of the ball. The flap has a dual function:

  1. Zeroing of angular momentum on the "Z" axis (Azimuth or yaw axis). The balloon is perfectly "blocked" in flight with the two openings facing to the wind, an optimal condition for aerial photography.
  2. Effect of the carrier flaps that generate a thrust component in the vertical direction which contrasts the wind activity that tends to "crush" the ball to the ground.

Appropriate dynamic tests in the laboratory and in free air have highlighted that the TLB 180 HP is an hybrid balloon, half bearing and half aerostatic, offering, in conditions of light breeze (4/6 kt scale BFT), an angle of inclination much larger than a balloon without flaps. The flaps were first designed with 3D computer software, then realized physically and empirically tested with different intensity of wind. The flaps are like two tapered windsocks glued together, which inflate with the wind and create a semi-rigid surface on which the air flow generates lift.

COMPARISON BETWEEN A SIMPLE SPHERICAL BALL AND THE TLB 180 HP

Wind calm

A simple type of balloon, a spherical one so to speak, in conditions of calm winds, remains fairly stable spreading the anchor cable vertically, but if not braced it can rotate because of small air currents that lap the balloon's surface. Our TLB 180 HP instead, thanks to the two lateral spoilers, resets the angular momentum on the axis "Z" and maintains a perfect stabilization of the balloon.

Gentle breeze, 4/6 knots (BFT)

In the light breeze, a normal spherical balloon, due to the aerodynamic resistance, tends to lean towards the ground, reaching considerable angles of inclination. In the field of aerial photography this is an uncomfortable condition, not easy to manage. The TLB 180 HP instead acts as a wing. By the effect of the wind the dynamic spoilers swell and take the shape of a double windsock, which, for effect of the wind, generates an upwards thrust at the rear part of the balloon, a pull-up effect, which rectifies the inclination angle of the ball, all in addition to the zeroing of the rotation around the "Z" axis. For this the TLB 180 HP is a valuable tool and that finds perfect application in the field of aerial photography with lightweight cameras.

The balloon is fitted with a special valve to which it can be mounted a lightweight aluminum support with joint for attaching the compact digital camera. The joint allows to use the camera in various positions and to adjust the focus of the same. As an alternative to this support we recommend the use of a classic "picavet" anchored on two points on the rigid cross of the valve. The system arises from the necessity of minimizing the total cost and making the inflating operation and management extremely fast, providing a professional final result. The outer rip-stop nylon increases significantly the resistance of the latex balloon, reducing the risk of explosion from contact with sharp objects and not only, the nylon protection prevents ultraviolet rays deteriorate the latex, thereby prolonging usability. The TLB 180 HP is the right compromise between hobby and professionalism, is built entirely in Italy in experienced hands in the industry and boasts the use by many archaeologists who need an economical and at the same time functional and versatile tool. Unlike the classical TLB 180, the stabilized version does not use the light winch, but a professional cable reel made of wood with a capacity of 200 meters of wire of 2 mm diameter. It is possible to choose the color of the outer casing and the color of the flaps, as shown below.

The kit is sold in a professional carrying case and includes:

Optionals

Your Twin Latex Balloon can be personalized to highlight your company, your brand or disclose any promotional message, combining the action of aerial photography to publicity. TecnoFly 2008 is able to customize the exterior rip-stop nylon with laser-cut fabric directly sewn or glued on the spherical surface of the casing, with extreme precision. In this way your ball becomes a perfect communication tool that will attract the attention of many curious people enhancing the photography operator's work.

Specifications

Camera not included. We recommend the use of compact cameras with intervalometer, like Ricoh GX 100/200 or Pentax W80/90.

Home