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Cameron N-90
Hot Air Balloon Basket
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
The Cameron N-90 is a medium-sized hot air balloon manufactured by Cameron Balloons Ltd, the world's largest hot air balloon manufacturer based in Bristol, England.
This specific balloon, registration G-TANK (serial number 3625), is preserved at the Ulster Aviation Society in Hangar 1.
Cameron Balloons — A Brief History
Cameron Balloons Ltd was founded in 1971 by aeronautical engineer Don Cameron in Bristol.
The company revolutionized hot air balloon design and manufacturing, becoming the world's dominant producer of hot air balloons.
Cameron balloons are used worldwide for recreational flying, advertising, competitions, and scientific research.
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Size & Capacity
The N-90 designation refers to the balloon's envelope volume of 90,000 cubic feet (approximately 2,549 cubic meters). This makes it suitable for:
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Passenger capacity: Pilot plus three to four passengers
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FAI Category: AX-8 (standard recreational hot air balloon)
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Primary use: Pleasure flights, sightseeing, commercial balloon rides, pilot training
Envelope Design
The hot air balloon envelope features distinctive design characteristics:
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Construction: 24 vertical nylon or polyester gores coated with polyurethane
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Material: Heat-resistant fabric designed for durability and airtightness
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Key feature: Load tapes carry structural loads while maintaining excellent visibility
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Weight (packed): 80.7Kg approx.
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Colour options: The N-Type series supports custom colour schemes for commercial advertising
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The N-Type series is renowned for its naturally shaped, nearly flat-sided design that maximises interior volume while minimising envelope weight.
Basket Construction
The basket exemplifies traditional hot air balloon craftsmanship combined with modern engineering:
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Material: Woven rattan (cane/wicker) wrapped around stainless steel frame
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Floor: Marine-grade plywood for moisture resistance
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Reinforcement: Stainless steel suspension cables connecting to the burner load frame
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Handholds: Rope handles woven into sidewalls for passenger safety
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Comfort features: Padded rim covered in leather or suede
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Rattan was chosen for its unique properties: exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, flexibility to absorb landing impacts, and ease of transportation when packed.
Burner System
The burner provides the heat necessary to lift the balloon:
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Fuel type: Pressurized liquid propane
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Storage: Lightweight fuel cylinders mounted in the basket frame
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Operation: Propane flows through heating coils, converting from liquid to gas
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Flame intensity: Powerful burner flames heat the air inside the envelope, creating lift
Pilots control altitude by modulating burner intensity—more flame increases heat and lift, while less flame allows the balloon to descend.
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
Its Donor
Robin Mercer is an accomplished and passionate hot air balloonist. His engagement with the sport extended beyond local flying:
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International participation: Competed at the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
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European experience: Regularly flew in Italy and other European locations
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Community spirit: Generously donated his beloved G-TANK balloon to the Ulster Aviation Society for preservation and public education
Why the N-90 Matters
The Cameron N-90 represents the golden age of recreational hot air ballooning, a period when the sport expanded from a niche activity to a popular leisure pursuit across Europe and beyond.
The 1970s–1990s saw rapid innovation in balloon design, and the N-Type series represents the refinement of those innovations.
Design Innovation
The N-90's natural shape design and modern material construction were cutting-edge when introduced. The distinctive 24-gore design became an industry standard, copied by competitors worldwide.
Cameron's innovations in envelope construction directly influenced how hot air balloons are manufactured today.
Connection to Commercial Aviation
Hot air balloons served important roles in aviation history:
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Advertising platforms: Companies used balloons for brand visibility and aerial marketing
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Pilot training: Many recreational pilots used balloons as stepping stones to powered aircraft training
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Scientific research: Balloons carried atmospheric research equipment to study weather and air composition
How Hot Air Balloons Achieve Flight
Hot air balloons operate on a simple principle: hot air is less dense than cool air. When the burner heats the air inside the envelope to approximately 100°C (212°F), that air becomes buoyant relative to the surrounding atmosphere.
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Heating: Burner flames heat air inside the envelope
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Lift generation: Hot air density is lower than outside air density
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Buoyancy: The balloon envelope and basket float upward
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Altitude control: Pilot adjusts burner intensity to control rate of climb or descent
Flight Characteristics
The N-90's performance envelope makes it ideal for various applications:
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Cruising altitude: Typically 500–3,000 feet, though capable of higher altitudes
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Speed: Balloons drift with the wind; typical ground speed 5–25 knots
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Endurance: Can fly 1–3 hours depending on wind conditions and fuel
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Landing: Requires open field; balloons descend gently under pilot control