The most frequently asked questions about RC Blimps, Aerostats and Custom LTA

1. Indoor RC Blimp FAQ

Here are questions about what the RC Blimp is made of, how to use and maintain it

What is the indoor RC Blimp envelope made of?

There are a number of materials that can be used to make a Blimp envelope. Polyester, PVC, Mylar, Tedlar, 3 ply PVC, Nylon,... and many others. We experimented with all materials (made envelopes of various sizes) and Polyurethane proved to be the best in practice. We use polyurethane in various thicknesses, depending on the size of the Blimp or custom LTA that we make. For example, up to 7.8 m long Blimp, we use 100 micron thick Polyurethane. For larger blimps, we use 125 micron thickness, and for even larger ones, 150 and thicker Polyurethane films.

What should I do if I tear or damage the envelope?

The polyurethane we use for the envelopes of our Blimps is as easy to repair as any inflatable. Use the Kit that comes with every Blimp. Clean the damaged area with nitro thinner, as well as the patch, which should be circular in shape. Apply TPU glue to the envelope and patch and press well. Our envelopes are of exceptional quality and will last you for years if you take care of them.

How are envelopes made?

Everything starts with a 3D object that we cut into as many parts as the large-format printer allows. After the parts are cut, we join them either with double welding technology or with ultrasonic technology.

What is the porosity of the envelope?

Precisely because we use Polyurethane films of the best quality and the technology of securely joining envelope parts - the permeability of our envelopes to helium or hydrogen is a maximum of 1% of the total volume per day. And we guarantee that!

How do we fill envelopes with gas?

We recommend using the gas bottle pressure regulator and hose with Blimp valve adapter that comes with every Blimp. Filling the Blimp with gas should be done slowly, as there is a lot of pressure in the bottle, so that ice does not build up around the valve and thus damage the envelope.

How to balance a blimp?

See on this page: Manuals

2. Outdoor RC Blimp FAQ

The most frequently asked questions about outdoor RC blimps from our clients and customers

What is the difference between indoor and outdoor blimps?

The first and clearest difference is the space in which they are used. Indoor RC Blimps are used in controlled conditions without any risks. When I say risk-free, I mean a closed space where there is no wind and any mistake can be corrected easily and without problems. RC skill level is completely irrelevant and just needs a bit of dexterity. Blimps flying in the open air are affected by far more factors. Wind, atmospheric pressure, temperature ... so some prior knowledge and RC skill must be there. Based on experience an intermediate RC background is sufficient with seriousness when flying a blimp.

When I get an outdoor RC Blimp where do I start?

Our advice to all our outdoor RC Blimp buyers is to inflate them indoors first! When you inflate it with air and mount all the elements on it, you will have a much better insight into what you will be flying with. Then you can turn on all electronics and elements and "cold" test all systems and subsystems. It is also an opportunity to get to know how control electronics and flight control elements work. Although we fully test and set up the RX/TX in the workshop before sending the RC Blimp to the customer, many people want to adjust the RC control to their liking (for example, if they are left-handed or have previous habits of using the RX/TX). Our advice is to proceed with caution!

First outdoor flight?

We recommend your first outdoor flight in ideal or near ideal weather conditions. In other words, when there is no wind and when there is no precipitation. Be sure to use the safety line on your first flight to hang back and down on the Blimp. That way, under controlled conditions and without stress, you will feel how the Blimp behaves and how to easily control it. Only when you are confident in your RC skills do you drive the Blimp and let it fly freely in short circles.

How to balance a blimp?

See on this page: Manuals

3. Aerostats FAQ

The most frequent questions that customers of our Aerostats ask us

What are Aerostats?

Aerostats are inflated shapes that serve as carriers of various equipment that sense at a distance at low altitudes (up to 500 m). This is the modern definition, however, during World War I and II, they were used as antenna carriers and as an obstacle to the flight of airplanes at low altitudes. Modern use of Aerostat serves to lift various equipment that senses at a distance to the Internet transceiver and other communication equipment. We mostly made Aerostat for video and other surveillance, Internet transceivers as well as for meteorological equipment.

Why and when to use Aerostats?

Aerostats are used when a long time in the air is needed: days and months. Since they are tied to the ground by a cable or rope, their only function is to be stable at the end of the cable or rope. A simple task produces a lot of time in the air without a significant expenditure of energy. That's why they are used to monitor borders, mines, agricultural, marine and other farms - in fact, wherever constant and long-term monitoring is needed. To this day, they are unsurpassed in that task.

What Aerostats forms are there?

Aerostats are mainly made in two main shapes: ellipsoid and zeppelin shape. Each has its own advantages, mainly related to the logistics required in their use and maintenance. The main reason they are still used is their simplicity and high safety in use.

How Aerostats are set for flight/use?

See on this page: Manuals

4. Custom LTA questions

The most frequent questions that customers of our Custom LTA ask us

Custom LTA (inflated shapes) and their application ?

Custom LTA is an incredibly broad field. From special RC forms, for indoor and outdoor flying, to envelopes for stratospheric flights. We have tried our hand in almost all fields.

What shape can I order?

Today almost any shape is possible. Using Exact Flat, ultrasonic Polyurethane joining technology and precise 3D objects, it is practically possible to create almost any shape. Of course, the more symmetrical the shapes, the simpler. However, the production of special blown forms depends, like everything, on the input and output. In other words, special blown forms are significantly more expensive than the standard products found on our website, and if your need is more important than your budget, in that case we are here to design and manufacture them for you.

How is the ordering process going?

The process is the same as with any project: You send us a 3D or even a sketch. Based on additional parameters such as load capacity, flight height, expected load, flight length or function (in short, what you need), we approach the creation of our 3D object. After your acceptance, we start the actual production. The length of production is directly dependent on the complexity of the blown shape you want.

We will supplement the list of questions in all 4 categories as our clients ask them.