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The Aerial Vessel
Description of the Balloon for Andrée’s Polar Expedition, and the Appliances Constructed at the Aerostatic Workshops of Vaugirard.
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After studying the question for a long time, Andrée finally decided to give his balloon the cubical contents of 158,924 feet, and the shape of a sphere terminating in a slightly conical appendage.
This sphere, fitted with two lateral regulating valves, one lower automatic valve, and a “rending flap,” measures 22 yards in diameter, by 1,431 yards surface; it is enclosed in a net of hemp cord, terminating in systems of “crow feet,” and suspending ropes attached to the car by means of a “load ring.”
The upper part of the balloon is protected against rain and snow by a varnished silk cover, the apex of which is fixed to the upper pole of the envelope, and the lower margin to the meshes of the net.
The Envelope.—In making up the envelope, 600 pieces of best quality Pongee silk, each from 18 to 19 yards long by about 18 inches wide, were used. From each of these a piece was cut off which was tried in both directions—that of the chain and that of the weft; then the pieces were classified according to their strength, in order to be subjected to the operation of cementing or joining together.