Lindstrand X Series Racer
The biggest single advancement in competitive balloon equipment after the original use of GPS devices, has been the tall slender balloon shape. The racing balloon concept began in Europe and in 2002, US competitive pilot, John Petrehn, worked with the Lindstrand engineering team offering input for the design parameters for an ideal racer. The Lindstrand X-Racer was introduced in June of 2003, and an unparalleled winning streak was started.
Nick Donner and John Petrehn were the first two pilots to start flying the X, and in the summer of 2003 they alternated standing in the winner’s circle at every major event they attended starting with the Battle Creek International Balloon Championship, and continuing through the BFA Nationals, NABA National Championship, and culminating on the international stage at the World Honda Grand Prix and the Motegi International Championship. Mike Wilson flew Nick’s racer at the 2003 Albuquerque Fiesta and won the Ford Truck key grab event. This was just the start of many championship wins and top ten finishes for numerous Lindstrand pilots. In fact, 7 of the top 10 finishers at the 2009 BFA National Championships, flew Lindstrand X-Series balloons. Today, there are over 40 Lindstrand X-Series balloons being flown competitively or just for fun.
To figure out what was makes the Lindstrand X-Series different we asked Lindstrand Balloons USA to fill us in on what sets the design apart.
The design is fundamentally driven by the desire to ascend and descend quickly.
In aerodynamics, at these relatively low speeds, this is best achieved by reducing the “frontal area”. In relation to going up and down quickly, the frontal area is best described by the maximum envelope diameter. So we reduce the diameter, but we still need 56, 60 or 69,000 cubic ft, above our heads in order to lift everything. Consequently, the envelope becomes taller for a given volume; the X-Series is 36% taller than the conventional Lindstrand A-Series envelope.
After achieving fast vertical movement, concern for stability and the requirement for the mouth of the balloon to maintain its shape was a priority. Great attention was given to this aspect of the design and we’ve seen very good results.
Also, the upper envelope geometry in the area of maximum temperature is smaller in an X series balloon, resulting in a lower area of fabric to radiate the heat away from the balloon which contributes to a greater thermal efficiency. The exclusive Lindstrand internal baffle also assists in achieving lower internal temperatures.
In addition to the agility of the X-series allowing you to change directions quickly when approaching a target, a hidden benefit of the smaller volume and aerodynamic shape that every pilot can appreciate is at landing. Spots that previously you might not have been able to take advantage of now become an option.
Finally, another benefit the X gives is an increased interest in competitive ballooning by those sport flyers when they experience the X-series for the first time. More balloonists engaging in organized events is good for continued growth of the sport.
Nick Donner and John Petrehn were the first two pilots to start flying the X, and in the summer of 2003 they alternated standing in the winner’s circle at every major event they attended starting with the Battle Creek International Balloon Championship, and continuing through the BFA Nationals, NABA National Championship, and culminating on the international stage at the World Honda Grand Prix and the Motegi International Championship. Mike Wilson flew Nick’s racer at the 2003 Albuquerque Fiesta and won the Ford Truck key grab event. This was just the start of many championship wins and top ten finishes for numerous Lindstrand pilots. In fact, 7 of the top 10 finishers at the 2009 BFA National Championships, flew Lindstrand X-Series balloons. Today, there are over 40 Lindstrand X-Series balloons being flown competitively or just for fun.
To figure out what was makes the Lindstrand X-Series different we asked Lindstrand Balloons USA to fill us in on what sets the design apart.
The design is fundamentally driven by the desire to ascend and descend quickly.
In aerodynamics, at these relatively low speeds, this is best achieved by reducing the “frontal area”. In relation to going up and down quickly, the frontal area is best described by the maximum envelope diameter. So we reduce the diameter, but we still need 56, 60 or 69,000 cubic ft, above our heads in order to lift everything. Consequently, the envelope becomes taller for a given volume; the X-Series is 36% taller than the conventional Lindstrand A-Series envelope.
After achieving fast vertical movement, concern for stability and the requirement for the mouth of the balloon to maintain its shape was a priority. Great attention was given to this aspect of the design and we’ve seen very good results.
Also, the upper envelope geometry in the area of maximum temperature is smaller in an X series balloon, resulting in a lower area of fabric to radiate the heat away from the balloon which contributes to a greater thermal efficiency. The exclusive Lindstrand internal baffle also assists in achieving lower internal temperatures.
In addition to the agility of the X-series allowing you to change directions quickly when approaching a target, a hidden benefit of the smaller volume and aerodynamic shape that every pilot can appreciate is at landing. Spots that previously you might not have been able to take advantage of now become an option.
Finally, another benefit the X gives is an increased interest in competitive ballooning by those sport flyers when they experience the X-series for the first time. More balloonists engaging in organized events is good for continued growth of the sport.