Belgian Star Wars fan Benoît Lambert created this Darth Vader-shaped Hot Air balloon.
“As soon as we got Lucasfilm’s approval, we made contact with the world largest manufacturer of hot-air balloons, specialized in special shapes and based in the United Kingdom. A Darth Vader helmet replica was sent to their engineers to help them recreate every detail. A vectorial file representing the Vader helmet in 3D was also sent to the engineers.”
“Once the first draft in our hands, several shape and colour modifications were discussed and made in order to be sure that the balloon would look as much as possible as the real Darth Vader helmet. Colours were chosen to optimize 3D effects once the balloon in flight. For aesthetical reasons, grey shades around the face are slightly different from the official shape. Once the last visual draft accepted by our team and by LFL, the making could begin… 8 weeks of making were necessary to obtain the final result.”
“Then this final draft received LucasFilm’s approval, and the manufacturing could begin. Eight weeks were necessary to give birth to the balloon. To keep this project secret on Lucasfilm request, the english manufacturer called it « Head One ». This name allowed us to keep the project secret until the balloon’s first public appearance, and was also used for the official belgian regisration.”
The Hot Air Balloon’s technical details:
- 26 meters ( 86 feet) high, basket included
- 21 meters ( 69 feet) wide
- 24 meters ( 78 feet) depth
- Estimated hot air volume 3.000 m³ ( 106,000 cubic feet)
- Estimated weight 290 kilos ( 640 lb)
Watch a video of the balloon in action after the jump.
For more information on the Darth Vader Hot Air Balloon, go to darthvaderballoon.be .
February 13th, 2008 at 11:17 am
It’s this kinda shit makes me glad to be belgian ;) Also: this balloon is part of a big star wars exposition with costumes and the likes.
February 13th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
who cares about all this cool stuff crap ..leave it off the main page who cares about star wars hot air balloons and crapy lego men ..
February 13th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Sean: The Cool Stuff features are some of most highly read articles. I appreciate the feedback, but our regular readers seem to like these posts.
February 13th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Peter: I think these posts are great. I come for the movie posts, but always stop to read these too. I end up forwarding more of the “cool stuff” articles around then any of the others (nothing against the others, I just have a wider audience for the other w/ family & friends).
Keep ‘em coming!
February 13th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
This is the first balloon that has ever scared the hell out of me. I hope they alert the town’s citizens before this thing cruise around. I’m sure it’s already being reported to Art Bell/Coast to Coast AM.