Where's The Balloon?
 

Rumour has it, a large met balloon was running riot over UK airspace and the boys in light blue were having a hard time trying to "burst" it. Anyone know any more? What are these things made from (aluminium foil?), what damage could they cause, how do you bring them down, also how are they supposed to operate in the first place? I do have several ideas mostly gleaned from common sense but hopefully there's someone who actually knows..............:d

If it's a standard radio sonde type balloon then it's made from latex rubber, like a giant condom. On a length of line they carry a small pack of disposable instruments with a note on it asking the finder to dispose of thoughtly, and that The Met Office doesn't want it back!

I cannot imagine the 'boys in blue' chasing one.

Now, if it's a barrage type balloon that's broken free, step forward the first person who can quote verbatum from MATS Pt 1 'Action When a Balloon Breaks Free of its Moorings'. . . :) ;) :) ;) :)

[This message has been edited by Lew Ton (edited 18 November 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Lew Ton (edited 18 November 2000).]

Lew Ton

When information that a captive balloon has broken free is received at an air traffic service unit the senior controller shall telephone the appropriate ACC without delay stating:

The type of balloon and whether carrying any person
Position of balloon site
Direction and speed of drift
Length of cable attached to balloon
Balloon operator's name and telephone number


The action taken at the ACC, which includes warning aircraft in flight, is described in MATS Part 2.


What's wrong got a board coming up and couldn't be bothered looking it up? :)

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To infinity and beyond

Roger O,

Your rumour is fairly accurate in that there were attempts to secure it's location with a view to disabling it. Something explosive, fired form a airborne source, would seem to be the appropriate conduit for such activity - if they had found it.

These balloons (no not the 2 in the aeroplane looking for it !) start small but, being made of latex and with pressure changes at altitude, end up the size of a house, so you can see that they may not be the best thing to be floating about over [relatively] high density airspace.

It wasn't found, and cleared the problem area on it's own. Kinda makes you wonder how on earth they manage to put a missile through a window dunnit !!!

Roger T