/airpup-balloon

a small kite balloon (tethered aerostat)

OtherNOASSERTION

the Airpup kite balloon

Airpup in flight

This repository contains the 2D patterns for constructing Airpup as well as a corresponding 3D model. 2D patterns are made with QCAD, the 3D model was made in Audodesk's Fusion 360.

See more of my kite and balloon projects at headfullofair.com.

files

rendering of airpup

  • /rails, belly mounting rails and STLs
  • BOM.ods, Bill of Materials
  • V3-FIN.DXF, panel diagram of the fin/wing structure and attachment
  • V3-ENVELOPE.DXF, flat pattern of the balloon envelope
  • 72in-Airpup-model-v3.f3z/step/iges, full-size 3D Airpup- Envelope is accurate in size, volume, and seam locations, fins are illustrative.

Fin and envelope flat patterns have a series of rounded-rectanges that correspond to the glued interconnections joining the sewn fins and envelope.

sewing assembly

airpup-assembly.md contains instructions on sewing Airpup.

envelope construction

The envelope is a 3-gore pattern seamed in a single run:

pattern fold

envelope volume and flat patterns

Airpup's envelope volume is roughly equivalent to a sphere whose radius is 1/3 the length of an inflated Airpup.

Airpup's flat envelope pattern is 1.147 times the length of an inflated Airpup.

mounting rails

The folder /rails contains CAD files and STLs for end caps and two-part slide mount. This mount allows easy weight adjustment and also can be removed from the belly of the balloon through four patches The belly mount has a sliding rail system for easy adjustment

the rails allow quick weight adjustment

contribute

  • Use the 3D models to plan your payload attachement. Please reach out and share.
  • Fork this repository and improve the design or documentation.
  • Add or comment on issues in this repository.
  • show me kite and balloon stuff.

All contributors are asked to abide by the code of conduct.

Licensed under the CERN OHL 1.2.