The main components of a balloon are the envelope which is made up of a number of vertical gores, each one consisting of several panels of high tenacity nylon fabric sewn together   

The burner sits on a frame which connects to both the basket and envelop. The heat source is a high output burner fed by liquid propane. The fuel flow is controlled by an on/off valve referred to as the blast valve.   

The basket is a woven cane or willow construction. Various alternative materials have been tried but nothing has matched the woven design and natural materials for shock absorption, durabiity and cost.   

The fuel cylinders strap into the basket for flight. Cylinders can be stainless steel or aluminium or Titanium depending on the prices affordablility.   

Prior to using the burner for hot inflation, cold air needs to be inflated into the envelope by the fan. It consists of a well guarded driven by a small petrol engine.

Envelope