HELIKITE SIZE & PERFORMANCE

All figures are for performance at Standard Temperature & Pressure. Heat, humidity and height reduce lift. 
Figures with an asterisk next to them are calcuated estimates.

From 2.5cu m up most models can be delivered as "Ultra"
i.e.balloon is surrounded by a special lightweight long endurance composite cover.

Larger Helikites can be made that will lift considerably more.
Please ask us for performance details if required.

* These figures are estimates.
Extreme cold above 15,000ft may reduce helium holding efficiency of standard polyurethane.

Material:
Performance figures will vary if non-standard materials are used. For instance stealthy, translucent Helikites tend to be slightly heavier than standard Helikites due to translucent materials being heavier than non-translucent ones – unless very expensive translucent materials are used. Also, for uses where the Helikite may be packed and unpacked many times a heavier grade of material may be desirable that adds weight. If the Helikite is to be used in areas of constant high winds, which increase the wear rate of rip-stop nylon, a heavier grade of rip-stop may be used that adds weight.

Extreme cold: (below -15°C).
These temperatures occur in high latitudes and often at heights above 15,000 ft. In these situations there will be different balloon material used which will be heavier or cost more.

Precipitation:
Rain, snow and ice will reduce the lift. Smaller Helikites are affected far more than the larger ones. The Vigilante and Lightweight Helikites will not fly if wet unless there is wind, however Skyhook Helikites always fly when wet.

Temperature, pressure and density effects:
These figures are for standard temperature and pressure. They are to be used as an approximate guide only. In areas of great heat or humidity there will be slightly less lift. Equatorial regions have thinner air which also reduces lift. Obviously, the air at altitude is thinner so it lifts less too. Air pressure affects the pressure of wind upon Helikites, so at high altitude a higher wind may be tolerated than on the ground.

Performance Comparison:
Compared to standard sausage blimps of similar sizes, the vastly greater performance of Helikites becomes obvious. Normal aerostats have to be the size of a house to fly over 6000ft, but a Helikite needs to be only 3 cubic metres. A Helikite of only 2.5m³ can fly in a 35mph wind, for a normal shaped aerostat to do this it needs to be 25m³. Obviously the Helikite is far quicker and easier to use, less conspicuous, uses one tenth the gas and is far cheaper.

Please contact us directly to order SKYHOOK and SKYSHOT HELIKITES
to ensure correct specifications

Vigilante and Lightweight can be ordered via the orderform below (or contact us)