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The latest addition to the Royal Australian Air Force fleet prefers life in the slow lane.
And instead of having radar-avoiding stealth qualities, this aircraft has been designed to turn heads.
The RAAF on Friday unveiled a new helmet-shaped hot air balloon, complete with Air Force fighter pilot helmet, visor, oxygen mask and oxygen hose. It replaces the previous Air Force hot air balloon, which had been used for marketing and promotional purposes.
“For more than 25 years, the Air Force balloon has travelled throughout Australia, inspiring an interest in aviation among young people, and promoting the professionalism of the Air Force and its personnel,” Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies said in a statement.
“While hot air balloons are one of the oldest forms of aviation, they still attract a huge amount of interest from the general public and schools and pique a fundamental interest in science and technology.
“With the replacement of the old balloon, there was an opportunity to create a new, custom, modern design to inspire a new generation of Australians to learn about aviation and their Air Force.”
The new Air Force balloon will make its public debut at the Canberra Balloon Spectacular on Saturday at Old Parliament House. It is expected to travel to the Illawarra region and Gold Coast over the next few months.
Defence said the new hot air balloon was designed and manufactured by UK-based company Cameron Balloons, and comprised 1,574 panels.
Darren
says:Love it!!
Sean
says:Am so proud of you guys , not worthy of polishing your boots .
G4george
says:5th generation hot air balloon
Greg
says:The first thing I thought was Darth Vader
Nice look.
mick181
says:But is it stealthy, can it dogfight. Mk 1 eye ball only for ISR. Would have internal weapons carriage though (grenades in the basket) .
Looks a great way to advertize the RAAF certainly can be seen from a long way away. Great job fellas.
Daryl
says:Outstanding from a PR perspective.Now,if we could just get the Roulette’s into jets.
Alan
says:Could I recommend a whole squadron ? That would frighten the crap out of any invading enemy with heap of big heads coming over the hill !!
🙂
Seriously…. nice work.
George B
says:On the topic of the Roulettes: Does anyone know if the Roulettes will be getting the PC-21 or will they keep their PC-9s?
ULISES VELEZ
says:RAAF ALWAYS IN THE EDGE OF TECHNOLOGY.
mick181
says:I have heard that the Roulettes will be flying PC-21s out of the pool of 49 ac as i believe they do with the PC-9s.
Taurean Lea
says:I would love to see the RAAF Balloon fly over Brisbane!!!