The physics of hot air balloon flight or how a hot air balloon fly whilst quite simple is often poorly understood. This article includes links to several published articles on hot air balloon physics.

Hot Air Balloon Physics

How a Hot Air Balloon Flys

The physics of hot air balloon flight whilst quite simple is often poorly understood. This hot air balloon physics article by William Phillips was originally printed in Ballooning Magazine. It gives a good overview of how a hot air balloon flies.

Pressure and Forces in Balloon Flight is another article by the same author which explains the pressure and force distribution within a balloon.

Hot Air Balloon Lift Calculator

This Balloon Lift Calculator Spreadsheet was developed by Steve Griffin during preparations for some of his early world record attempts. You can enter the balloon envelope size and produce a load chart for various operating temperature limits.

[calculator_pras type=”balloon_lift”]

Balloon Pilot Education – Hot Air Balloon Physics – Technical data content credited to Mr Steve Griffin