A giant Zeppelin !
A giant Zeppelin shaped balloon made of thin black foil, which rises into the air using solar energy
How it works
The black foil heats up in sunlight and transfers its heat to the air inside. This air expands due to the heat and therefore becomes lighter than the cooler air outside the solar airship. As a result, it rises, carrying its foil envelope upwards with it. It’s the same principle as a hot-air balloon.
So: be careful not to let go!
Works best when the outside air is cool and the sun is shining – for example, on a sunny winter’s day or a cool summer’s morning.
Good to know
The solar airship is not a toy. Children under 14 years of age may only use it under adult supervision. There is a risk of suffocation from the foil material and a risk of injury from the long strings. Do not fly it near high-voltage power lines, airports or during thunderstorms! A maximum altitude of 100 m must not be exceeded.
Before use, please read the full safety instructions on the enclosed leaflet or here under ‘Product Safety’.
Contents:
- 1 giant balloon made of thin foil, black
- Accessories: 1 handle with 40 m of polyester cord, approx. 7.5 x 5 cm, blue
Dimensions of the finished product: Ø 60 cm, length approx. 3 m excluding cord
Assembly time: approx. 5 minutes
Producer: AstroMedia GmbH, Im Wirrigen 30, 45731 Waltrop, Germany, astromedia.de
Step 1: Carefully unfold the tube of black film and make sure it is not torn. Mend small punctures using sticky tape.
Step 2: Bind and seal one end of the tube with a short length of the thread so that no air can escape.
Step 3: Open the other end wide and walk a few steps, this will fill the tube with air and blow it up like a giant cigar. If you need more air, you can also try blowing it up carefully, but not too much.
Step 4: Now also bind the other end together to trap the air inside and tie it to the long string. Don't fill it too tightly, otherwise it may burst when the air expands. Important: From now on don't let go of the zeppelin!
Step 5: Place the Solar Zeppelin in the sun. When the air inside is warm enough, it will rise.
Step 6: Afterwards, open one end to squeeze the air out. Carefully stow it away in a plastic bag for your next flight.
Please observe the following safety instructions before use:
Adult supervision:
The solar-powered airship is not a toy. Children under the age of 14 must only use it under adult supervision to avoid risks arising from improper handling.
Child safety:
Due to the thin film (risk of suffocation) and the long string (risk of strangulation), the airship must not be kept or used within reach of young children.
Health and safety:
Keep away from the string when it is taut to avoid string burns or injuries.
Be aware of weather conditions:
Only launch in calm, dry weather. Never fly during a storm or when there is a risk of a thunderstorm.
Safe distance from obstacles:
Use only in large, open areas to avoid collisions with trees, buildings or other obstacles. Always keep a safe distance from power lines, electrified railway lines, electrical signs, and television and radio aerials.
Avoid restricted zones:
Flying near airports, military installations, densely populated areas, and nature reserves or bird sanctuaries is not permitted without special authorisation. If necessary, obtain the relevant information from your local council or the relevant authorities.
Observe the maximum flight altitude:
The maximum altitude of 100 meters must not be exceeded.
Careful assembly:
After assembly, check that all connections are secure and that the material is undamaged.
Keep it under control:
Never leave the assembled solar-powered airship unattended and always hold the string firmly and securely to prevent it from drifting uncontrollably.
Intended use:
The set must only be used in accordance with the enclosed instructions. Unauthorised modifications may impair functionality and safety.
Disclaimer:
AstroMeida UK and AstroMedia GmbH accepts no liability for damage resulting from improper use, unauthorised modifications or failure to follow the instructions. Correct and safe use is the responsibility of the user.
