Sky Balloons (U.S.), Inc.
11475 Rocket Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32824
1-800-320-8087
(407) 438-4488
(515) 438-5151 FAX
Contact: Mark Roberson, Bill Whidden or Norm Fraser

Formed in 1995 by the "alumni" of the top engineers and staff from the "old Thunder & Colt Ltd.," Sky Balloons has demonstrated the ability to produce a high quality product at a competitive price for the entire needs of the ballooning industry.

Carrying a U.S. type certificate, Sky Balloons can produce balloons for the ride operator, special shapes, competition and corporate programs.

With the entire staff at Sky being balloon design engineers, pilots and balloon affiliated personnel, many "pilot friendly" innovations have been integrated into the design of the Sky Balloon.

Essential to the growth and success of Sky Balloons in the U.S., AirSports International in Orlando has become the official U.S. and Central American distributor. Operating from a 10,000 square foot facility in the heart of Central Florida, Sky Balloons (U.S.) will have the capability of supplying the entire range of customer needs from one distribution point. Couple with AirSports International, warranty work, service and repairs on baskets, burners and envelopes will be handled on a quick turn-around basis. Banners, cold-air balloons, safety items and all the other items balloonists find necessary will also be available from the Orlando distribution center.

While many innovative changes to Sky balloons have been made, the systems have been built to withstand heavy-duty use and to render many hours of flight time without down time.

Sky Balloons (U.S.) (AirSports International) is staffed by balloonists who have been ballooning since 1979 and is engaged in al aspects of the balloon industry from competitive flying to ride operations. Choosing to affiliate with Sky Balloons was a natural choice based on the experience level of the parent company, ability to perform and deliver, pricing structure and innovative design concepts integrated into every Sky balloon.

Envelopes
Sky Balloons offers a full range of envelopes, the first completely new design of the standard shape for many years with improved safety, performance and appearance.

The envelope range covers sizes to cater to all types of ballooning, including advertising balloons with individual artwork, commercial passenger-carrying or private/sport balloons from 21,000 to 320,000 cubic feet. Custom-designed special shapes are also available.

All envelopes are of smooth 24-gore construction and provide maximum safety and strength.

A new top profile, with more curvature, makes for increased stability during inflation and climb. This allows for improved parachute efficiency and a reduction of the parachute operating loads. Parachute sealing is easier to achieve. A separate final deflation system is unnecessary.

The envelope comes complete with a high-life fabric top, scoop, rotation vents, two Skyview clear panels enabling upward vision and velcro for removable artwork. There are no hidden extras.

All the pilot control lines are rigged to go to one point in the basket for greater pilot convenience. They also pass outside the envelope for the last length of fall, eliminating burn damage during inflation.

Baskets
Sky Balloons offers baskets designed to meet the needs of all types of ballooning and have the strength to withstand the most demanding environments.

The 43-inch high traditional baskets are manufactured from the highest quality kaboo and palambang wicker. They are reinforced with an upper and lower tubular stainless steel frame and have a solid marine ply bolt-in floorÑall features which add to safety and ease of maintenance.

All baskets have stainless-steel wire retention stops, fold-down rod socket, internal handles and two rows of external carrying handles. The pilot restraint comes as standard. Baskets come in standard sizes, single-T and double-T partition.

Burners
Sky Balloons' burners are of modular construction allowing any combination through double, triple or quad configurations. The central gimbal eliminated the need for special mountings.

Excellent ergonomic design allows good pilot access to the squeeze action controls.

The burner has been designed to assure complete interchangeability. This results in considerably reduced maintenance and repair costs as many parts can be fitted by the user with no special tools required.

Burner specifications: stainless-steel guards, stainless-steel coils, aluminum-alloy valve block, standardization of all valve components, squeeze-grip main blast valve, toggle-action liquid fire, toggle-action pilot valve, central gimbal, modular construction, color-coded valve controls.

Sample Pricing 
Balloon System: 24-Gore Design, Standard Colors
Size-cubic feet	Cost
77,000	$22,809.00
90,000	$25,178.00
105,000	$26,722.00
140,000	$33,397.00
180,000	$41,587.00
220,000	$45,945.00

Units are priced with basic envelope, instruments, 2 each 15-gallon stainless-steel tanks, double or triple burners, and an appropriate size basket for envelope loading.

Buyers Guide Intro, Thunder & Colt->

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