Breitling Orbiter 3
- Breitling
The Breitling Orbiter 3 achieved the first successful nonstop circumnavigation of the Earth in A ROZIÈRE balloon.
It was a hard fought race, with many teams from around the globe competing for the title of world first. But it was the Bristol-made balloon that crossed the finish line ahead of the others.
Swiss aeronaut Bertrand Piccard and British balloonist Brian Jones took off from Château-d’Oex on March 1st 1999 and crossed the finish line in the Egyptian desert 19 days, 21 hours, and 55 minutes later. They travelled 40,814km (25,361 miles).
Made in Bristol at the Cameron Balloons factory, their Rozière 650 balloon combined hot air and
helium for lift and endurance. The gondola was designed for high-altitude conditions and contained
living quarters, life support equipment and essential supplies.
The mission marked a historic milestone in aviation, showcasing human ingenuity and determination.
