In 1783, the Montgolfier brothers launched an 800 cubic meter balloon filled with smoke (hot air) in France. This revolutionary event set France, England, and several other countries in motion. That same year, the brothers launched an even larger balloon with two people on board, who became the first humans ever to experience flight.
Since 1783, balloon flight has undergone remarkable development. For a period, gas balloons were dominant – and they also became the foundation for the development of airships. During the 1960s, a gas burner was developed that could burn liquid propane. This launched the modern technology that has brought hot air balloons within economic reach for the general public as well. Today, flights are made in gas balloons, hot air balloons, and a combination of both. The balloons are still balloon-shaped, but modern construction techniques have also made it possible to manufacture special shaped balloons in virtually all sizes and forms.
