After more than one and a half years of engineering calculations,
searching for investors, they launched the first prototype in Chantilly,
France-the Aérophile.
In 1993 Jérôme Giacomoni and Matthieu Gobbi set out to develop a new type of gas balloon. This one would be used for tethered balloon rides. Although their develop is new, the idea is old.
A century ago, a French engineer named Henri Giffard created a new attraction in Paris. It was a hydrogen inflated balloon moored to the ground with a rope. Controlled by a steam driven winch, the balloon could climb to a height of 400 to 500 meters. The largest of Giffard’s balloon gave tethered assents in the center of Paris "Jardins des Tuileries". More than 35,000 people climbed aboard during the four months that the balloon operated. The balloon had a volume of 25,000 cubic meters.
After this incredible challenge, several other tethered gas balloons operated. Unfortunately the attraction disappeared with the first world war.
Giacomoni and Gobbi developed their system as an alternative to rides in a hot air balloon. Their research indicated that many people would like to go up in a balloon. But, the cost of a free flight in a hot air balloon was beyond many of those who would like to go for a ride. The two began researching how they could bring the magic of ballooning to a larger audience.
After more than one and a half years of engineering calculations,
searching for investors, they launched the first prototype in Chantilly,
France-the Aérophile.
The Aérophile is a 5500 cubic meter helium inflated balloon connected by a cable to a grounded, electrical winch. No noise, no bump, the dream becomes reality.
The first year of operation allowed the two entrepreneurs to refine their system.
In the first six months of operation the Aérophile flew 36,000 people making it a financial success immediately. The balloon ride was operated at the castle Chantilly. As an added benefit the castle saw an increase of 25 percent in the number of visitors during this time.
The first season came to an end in mid-November 1994. The partners reported an after tax profit of ten percent.
In 1995 Aérophile S.A. sold its first system to the castle of Cheverny.
Cheverny operation was even more successful then that of Chantilly. In
part, the castle is located along a road that has more than four million
tourists each year. The balloon at Cheverny averaged more than 300
passengers a day during the summer. The number of visitors to the castle
increased by 12 percent. It is reported that the other castles in the Loire
region attendance decreased by ten percent. Rather than deflate
the balloon at the end of summer season it was decided to continue flying
the balloon. Rides were given on Christmas and New Years Day.
To date more than 100,000 passengers have been carried aloft by an Aérophile balloon. Average price charged-40 French Francs per person. In 1996, three new Aérophile balloons will be placed in operation. At the end of March the first will be inflated in Bad fussing near München in Germany. The second one will be inflated near Brisbane, Australia in May. Third is set to be unveiled three hundred kilometers south of Shanghai, China in July.
For more information on the Aérophile balloon contact Aérophile S.A., Château de Chantilly, BP 122. 60501 Chantilly Cedex, France.
Operation
The balloon is inflated 24 hours a day and is moored outdoors. The balloon’s movement are radio-controlled from the gondola by a trained pilot.
Certification
The balloon is certified by the French and German Civil Aviation Authorities. The landing assembly is specially designed to operate the Aérophile 5500, and is tested and approved by the VERITAS testing office.
Limitation of use
Meteorological
Circular area of 50 meters in diameter, completely unobstructed. No high obstructions in the vicinity. 115 kVA electricity.
Dry ground, natural protection from wind and storms.
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