History and technology

A round affair

The history of this captive balloon goes back to the 19th century. Such vessel was already part of the attractions of the Seine metropolis at the world exhibition in Paris in 1878.

Frank Hellberg had the idea to bring such a captive balloon to Berlin. Anyone who couldn´t or didn´t want to board an airplane was given the option to get off the ground anyway. To experience the feeling of floating or even flying. Guests are always excited, especially the many children who are excited to come aboard.

The implementation took place in 1999. After a long period of planning and finding an ideal location, Air Service Berlin and the sponsoring partner, SAT.1, were ready for take off. Only permission from the authorities was needed. A nerve wrecking time was ahead of them until the required permits were received. In the meantime, the project threatened to burst like a bubble. But the attractiveness and charm of this captive balloon prevailed. As a result, the opening of the station was celebrated on Good Friday, April 21, 1999. 6 years later, since spring 2006, the Berlin Hi-Flyer has been rising into the sky over Berlin with the new sponsor Partner "DIE WELT" ("The World"). The Berliners and their guests have been enjoying the wonderful balloon at the new station not far from the Checkpoint Charlie.

Technical data for the Hi-Flyer
The aircraft
Identification		D-ORKA
Type of vessel		manned captive balloon
Model		FK 5500 / STU
Factory No.		6016
Dimensions
Highest point of ascent		150 m
Height in secured condition		36 m
Balloon diameter		22.5 m
Balloon surface area		1,250 m²
Diameter of gondola rotation		5.2 m
Gondola capacity		max. 30 Passengers
Diameter of take-off and landing platform		9.4 m
Minimum size of location		80 x 80 m
Anchoring
Anchoring points		24 Each
Storm safety / anchoring points		72 Each
Weight of anchoring		200 t
Winch
Weight		10 t
Maximum tension speed		40 m/min
Main rope diameter / Steel (tenfold safety)		23 mm
Gas
Helium filling		5.500 m³

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