Galaxy Balloons, Inc.
810 Salisbury Road
Statesville, NC 28677
(704) 878-9507
FAX (704) 878-9505

President: Sidney Conn

In the Beginning
Galaxy Balloons were developed by the engineers at The Balloon Works. Using the old Piccard Type Certificate, the idea was to create a rectangular basket nylon balloon to compete directly with the other nylon balloons. Word got around polyester fabric was an upgrade option on the new Galaxy design and to nobody’s surprise, every Galaxy balloon sold went out of the factory with polyester envelopes.

Today, the Galaxy system closely resembles the FireFly balloon system with the exception of the triangular carriage and incorporates all of the innovations and safety features developed by The Balloon Works. As the fortunate sibling of FireFly’s design principles, safety, simplicity and beautiful aesthetics are also Galaxy hallmarks.

Design Principles 101
Start with a blank white sheet of paper. Design the components for specific hot air balloon needs, don’t borrow from the gas balloon’s camp, don’t design around materials because they’re more readily (spelled cheaper) available. Design with pilot priorities first, not the manufacturing process. Design to solve problems, not get around them.

System Components Up Close
Carnage.
Galaxy has a full line of carriages to meet every pilots’ needs. Ranging in size from the 40" x 48" competition model through the impressive 60" x 120" composite structure divided partition behemoth, every Galaxy carriage has a nonconductive frame. The sport models are constructed with a strong, flexible rattan superstructure. The big ride balloons all have divided compartments and use two types of glass fiber tubing for the structure. Nonconductive suspension ropes, not steel cables, are standard equipment. Why all the nonconductive emphasis? Twenty years of balloon accident/incident reports (1975-1995) filed with the FAA showed 38% of them were powerline strikes&119;. Our design goal is to minimize the danger of these sobering statistics; namely to make the Galaxy system as non conductive as possible.

Galaxy baskets come standard with all of these features vertical wicker weave, colored wicker accents, rich suede upholstery, triangular easy-lift handles, entry steps, nonconductive fuel lines, nonconductive suspension ropes, DCM tank shields, Mirage burner, Fire 2 for burner redundancy and heads-up or dashboard instrument packages. Double burner systems have a crossover control that allows the pilot to use any tank with one or both burners: total flexibility - total redundancy.

Envelope.
Using FlexNet construction of strong tapes and sliding load cords to take up the stresses of inflation and flight, Galaxy envelopes are made up of many small polyester fabric panels. Not only does this allow quick and easy repairs, polyester is resistant to degradation from exposure to acid moisture and to ultraviolet light. It allows a 300 envelope temperature redline to fly more days, with more payload for more fun and profit. Now warranted for 1000 hours or 5 years, Galaxy envelopes give you the same enjoyment and peace of mind FireFly balloons offer their happy owners. The only difference between them is Galaxy envelopes are horizontal cut panels. Their similarities read like a pilots’ preference list - FlexNet construction, sliding load cords, parachute valve, pulley assists, Kevlar suspension cables, nonconductive skirt hoop and a TS wireless temperature gauge.

&119;Powerline Strikes, Downwind Chase, February 1996

The Choice is Yours
Ride operators know the importance of minimizing passenger injury. There is no safer divided compartment balloon for your passengers that the Galaxy composite-structure baskets. Now available in three sizes: 60 x 72, 60 x 96 and 60 x 120, you will be able to fly from 8 to 16 passengers in padded compartments with individual handholds and easy entry steps. The insurance industry offers lower premiums for these options, we sell them as standard equipment.

Since the Galaxy envelope has a four point hookup, it has become an obvious choice for ride operators whose nylon envelopes have worn out prematurely. The Galaxy envelope is STC+d over most baskets made by other manufacturers plus it carries a 1000 hour/ five year warranty. Expect more for your money.

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