Lightweight and temperature-resistant bearings: flying altitude world record with hot air balloon

Lightweight and reliable components in an almost oxygen-free atmosphere

India 2005: The industrialist and aviator Dr Vijaypat Singhania has set a new world altitude record with a hot air balloon: Exactly 21,290 metres. On board were our lightweight iglidur plastic plain bearings, which contributed to the fact that this enormous height could be reached.

Profile

What was needed: Plain bearings for various bearing positions
Requirements: We were looking for reliable and lightweight bearings that could withstand extreme temperatures and the dirt and grime on the fields in India during take-offs and landings.
Industry: Aerospace
Success for the customer: iglidur G bearings are universally applicable and can be used under extremely high loads, strong vibrations and high levels of dirt. They are particularly wear-resistant, even with rough shafts or particularly abrasive ambient conditions.

Problem

Singhania

Solution

The head of the project from Flying Pictures Space Ltd. was looking for plain bearings for the various bearing positions in the application that functioned in a completely reliable and very lightweight way. They also had to withstand the extreme temperatures and the dirt and grime on the fields in India during take-off and landing. This is why iglidur G plain bearings are used, which we supply in over 650 dimensions from stock. The plain bearing solution is universally applicable and therefore also works in combination with extremely high loads and strong vibrations. It is insensitive to dirt, among other things. It is complemented by iglidur W300 bearings, which are particularly wear-resistant, even in particularly abrasive environments or when used with rough shafts.

Overview of iglidur plastic plain bearings