The mass of a winged BGS comprising a wing, the winch and control system at
the gondola, and a tether, is estimated in the range 15-150 kg (33-330 lb). This
mass is dependent on the size of the balloon which is to be guided, the desired performance of the system, and the weight of the material incorporated into the design.
For example the tether, a key element of the system, could be a braided cable nominally made from high-strength fiber. A 15 km (49,000 ft) long tether was created as
an example and it weighed 15 kg (33 lb). The predominant force on the tether is the
weight of the wing, as opposed to the horizontal and vertical components of the
aerodynamic forces on the order tens to hundreds of newtons (2-22 lbf).
Fig. 5.19 Balloon Guidance System full scale wing. Photo courtesy of Global Aerospace
Corporation
5.10 Global Aerospace 119
the gondola, and a tether, is estimated in the range 15-150 kg (33-330 lb). This
mass is dependent on the size of the balloon which is to be guided, the desired performance of the system, and the weight of the material incorporated into the design.
For example the tether, a key element of the system, could be a braided cable nominally made from high-strength fiber. A 15 km (49,000 ft) long tether was created as
an example and it weighed 15 kg (33 lb). The predominant force on the tether is the
weight of the wing, as opposed to the horizontal and vertical components of the
aerodynamic forces on the order tens to hundreds of newtons (2-22 lbf).
Fig. 5.19 Balloon Guidance System full scale wing. Photo courtesy of Global Aerospace
Corporation
5.10 Global Aerospace 119