Lindstrand Balloons USA

The Cloudhopper was conceived in 1979 by Per Lindstrand & Colin Prescott for an advertising campaign for Smirnoff. Once the pictures taken in front of Tower Bridge in London went worldwide, the Cloudhopper (or hang balloon as it is affectionately known as) launched on a bright future.

The original concept is still popular today with design improvements to enhance pilot comfort. The five- point harness has been greatly improved to enable ease of entry and exit.

The current Cloudhopper incorporates all of the latest burner technology including an additional liquid fire valve.

The fold-down seat is similar to a crew seat on an aircraft, enhancing pilot mobility and all-round vision.

A five-point racing-style harness has been incorporated for extra security and a padded headrest added for comfort.

The burner unit is based on the very successful and well-proven Lindstrand JetStream burner with its simple but well-engineered block and liquid valve system, designed to reduce livestock disturbance.

The whole design interfaces with either a 10 gal., 15 gal. or even a 20 gal. stainless cylinder from a regular balloon. The fuel supply from the tank is routed through a quarter-turn quick shut-off valve, located just over the pilot's shoulder. This enables the fuel to be shut down without having to reach the top of the tank.

A variable angle mirror allows the pilot to easily view the quantity gauge at the top of the cylinder.

Inflating the Cloudhopper
Due to the compact size of the envelope, inflation is rapid and easy with the powerful specially adapted JetStream burner. The design of seat and harness assembly is such that the pilot sits astride the cylinder and keeps his body weight on the balloon throughout the entire inflation process.

The control lines are quickly attached and the five-point harness is locked with a cover flap to eliminate the possibility of accidental deployment in flight. A quick 360° visual inspection of the envelope, a test of the burner systems, and you're airborne!

Flying the Cloudhopper
The freedom of movement allowed in the Cloudhopper seating system is incredible! The security harness enables the pilot to relax, both burner controls are in full view and all the systems can be monitored with only slight pilot movement.

Typically, on a 70°(F) day, a pilot with an average weight of 170 lbs., utilizing a 15-gallon fuel tank can look forward to a 1-1 1/4 hour flight before looking for a landing spot. When the time comes to land, pull the deflation line for either a stand-up gradual deflation, or a rapid response to completely deflate the envelope.

To accommodate larger cylinders (and pilots!) the Lindstrand Cloudhopper is available in four sizes, 21, 25, 31 and 35,000 cubic feet. The 35 Cloudhopper envelope is patterned after the design of the larger Lindstrand "A" - Series balloon. Small enough to be easily transportable by vehicle or aircraft, padded carrying cases are available for all individual components.

Average costs range from $15-17,000 for the system.

Currently, the Lindstrand Cloudhopper can be registered in the U.S. experimental category or depending on the size may qualify as an ultralight. The ‘Hopper' is not eligible for standard US type certification. The Lindstrand Cloudhopper can be used just for fun or as an eye-catching promotional feature, with your own design or logo applied to the balloon envelope for maximum exposure.

Hoppers offer you all the freedom and excitement of balloon flying in a convenient, lightweight package. If you're looking for that solo experience, a Lindstrand Cloudhopper can't be beat!