For routine synoptic flights, the required gas volume is optimized to achieve the maximum possible burst altitude (with the specified payload) while ensuring an ascent rate between 275–350 m/min. This range is critical for achieving high-resolution atmospheric data.

For non-standard flights involving custom payloads, the gas quantity is determined based on the payload weight, desired burst altitude, and target ascent rate. Precise calculations ensure flight objectives are met effectively.

Hydrogen offers greater lifting capacity than helium due to its lower density. At 0°C and standard atmospheric pressure, the following applies:

• Density:
  • Hydrogen: 0.0899 kg/m³
  • Helium: 0.1785 kg/m³
  • Air: 1.293 kg/m³

• Buoyancy:
  • Hydrogen provides a lift of 1.2031 kg/m³
  • Helium provides a lift of 1.1145 kg/m³

Hydrogen delivers approximately 8% higher lift than helium under identical conditions. However, due to hydrogen’s flammability, proper training and safety precautions are mandatory for its use.

Neck diameter does not negatively impact balloon performance. Variations in neck diameter arise from proprietary manufacturing techniques employed by different manufacturers. These differences are specific to the manufacturing process and do not affect the operational characteristics of the balloons.

PAWAN latex balloons are engineered for extended duration and high-altitude flights, requiring a highly extensible yet thin latex film. This material makes them more prone to damage from sharp objects or improper handling.

To minimize the risk of ground-level bursts:

• Remove jewelry or sharp-edged accessories (e.g., glasses, rings, watches).
• Use a tarp to cover the ground near the inflation area, avoiding contact with sharp debris (e.g., twigs, stones).
• Inflate away from trees or in calm weather to prevent stress on the balloon.
• For larger balloons (e.g., 1200g, 2000g), enlist additional personnel for stabilization during inflation, especially in windy conditions.

Balloons bursting at lower-than-expected altitudes may result from several factors:

1. Contamination: Oil, dirt, or debris can weaken the latex; always handle balloons with clean gloves.
2. Insufficient Gas: A “floater” results when a balloon lacks adequate gas to reach the desired altitude, leading to early stalling.
3. Undersized Balloon: Smaller balloons may lack the expansion capacity needed for a higher burst altitude relative to payload weight.
4. Temperature Drops: Night timelaunches can induce substantial gas contraction due to lower ambient temperatures, resulting in an early descent. Solar heating during daylight hours may occasionally cause thermal expansion of the gas, leading to a secondary ascent.
5. Gas Leakage: An incorrectly tied neck will lead to leakage of the lifting gas. This could lead to low bursting altitude.

PAWAN balloons are crafted with a proprietary formula to ensure superior performance and reliability. Despite stringent quality control, occasional manufacturing defects may occur, though these are rare and tested thoroughly.

Drop in temperature – if there is a major drop in the temperature, most commonly occurring for night launches, it can cause the gas to contract and the balloon to fall. Oddly enough, when daylight hits and the gas heat up, the balloons will sometimes re-launch themselves!

PAWAN balloons are made with a uniquely customized formula and manufactured by PAWAN specifically to perform better than any other weather balloons on the market. Unfortunately, with almost any modern manufacturing process there will be occasional defects. Our balloons are reliable and we test them frequently to make sure the quality is consistent.