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Dark Lord of the Sky: Darth Vader Balloon

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When the Belgian 501st Legion FanWars Garrison first suggested that one of its members, Benoît Lambert, create a Death Star-shaped PVC helium balloon, he was not only thrilled but already envisioning a chance to show off his... See more » When the Belgian 501st Legion FanWars Garrison first suggested that one of its members, Benoît Lambert, create a Death Star-shaped PVC helium balloon, he was not only thrilled but already envisioning a chance to show off his artistic talents as well as his love for Star Wars--and his skills as a hot-air balloonist. Ironically, Lambert had already been thinking of building a Darth Vader hot air balloon when FanWars leader Nicolas Lelong (TK-2054) first brought up the idea. "For me, it was more of a joke and a fantasy, but Nicolas took it seriously and found the idea wonderful," Lambert says. "He made contact with Lucasfilm in order to try to get their agreement." Lucasfilm gave its approval for Lambert to have the balloon built with his own funds, using one of the most recognizable characters in cinema, as long as the balloon was not used for commercial pursuits. "We contacted Cameron -- the world's largest manufacturer of hot air balloons -- and a Darth Vader helmet replica was sent to their engineers to help them recreate every detail," Lambert recalls. "A vector file representing the Vader helmet in 3-D was also sent to the engineers. Once the first draft was in our hands, several shape and color modifications were discussed and made in order to be sure that the balloon would look as much as possible like the real Darth Vader helmet. Colors were chosen to optimize 3-D effects once the balloon is in flight. For aesthetic 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 manufacturing could begin," Lambert continues. "Eight weeks were necessary to give birth to the balloon. To keep this project secret at Lucasfilm's 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 registration." The balloon measures 26 meters (86 feet) high with the basket included, 21 meters (69 feet) wide and with a depth of 24 meters (78 feet). The estimated hot air volume 3.000 m³ (106,000 cubic feet) and estimated weight 320 kilos (705 lbs). The balloon can carry two passengers and a pilot. If the planets align, the Darth Vader balloon will be a major presence at an upcoming fan convention. For more information, be sure to visit the Darth Vader Balloon site here. See less »

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Dark Lord of the Sky: Darth Vader Balloon

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