What an exhilarating day for Alex Charette and the Bard Balloons community! Alex’s completion of the vibrant and whimsical Cow Special Shape hot air balloon envelope marks a significant milestone in his journey with Bard Balloons. This envelope, a dazzling display crafted from the BARD65S design, represents a harmonious blend of technical prowess and creative vision.
Crafting the Cow Special Shape was no small feat. Throughout the frosty winter and blossoming spring, Alex dedicated himself tirelessly to assembling this masterpiece. The envelope, designed to be both visually striking and aerodynamically sound, boasts a base volume of 65,000 cubic meters and inflates to a grand total of 2,000 cubic meters (approximately 71,000 cubic feet). The construction utilized 12 intricately placed gores and was made from cutting-edge lightweight fabric, incorporating a playful array of fluorescent colors. Remarkably, this entire creation weighs only 220 pounds.
The first test inflation of this unique balloon was conducted alongside two other special shapes from Bard Balloons, making it a significant event in the ballooning community. Photos from this initial inflation showcase the balloon’s magnificent presence and the meticulous detail involved in its construction.
This achievement not only underscores Alex’s dedication and skill but also highlights his growing legacy within the Bard Balloons family. This is his second build and the second implementation of the BARD65S design. Furthermore, it’s the fourth Bard Balloon completed in 2024 and the 25th in the company’s innovative lineage, with Alex’s project being the 16th balloon built by others under the Bard Balloons banner.
The completion of this balloon promises more excitement on the horizon, as Bard Balloons hints at the imminent release of additional special shapes. Each of these creations, while still under wraps, is anticipated to bring new dimensions to the ballooning world, just as Alex’s Cow Special Shape has done.
As the community and enthusiasts await the debut of these new designs, Alex’s current masterpiece floats as a testament to the passion and hard work that define the spirit of Bard Balloons. This achievement not only adds a bright spot to the skies but also inspires others in the field to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in the realm of hot air ballooning.