Montgolfier Balloon
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Bicentenary of Manned Flight |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | November 21, 1983 |
| Denomination | Rs. 2 |
| Quantity | 1,500,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 x 13¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 970 Stamp Number IN 1037 Yvert et Tellier IN 785 Stanley Gibbons IN 1105 |
| Themes | Air Balloons | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Aviation |
The bicentennial of man’s first flight marks a significant milestone in the history of aviation. Balloons, pioneered by the Montgolfier brothers in France in 1783, were the first successful means of air travel. Their discovery that a fabric bag filled with hot air would rise led to the historic launch of the first balloon flight on June 5, 1783, albeit unmanned. Subsequent experiments, including the flight of a sheep, a rooster, and a duck as the first air passengers, demonstrated the potential of balloons for manned flight.
On November 21, 1783, the first manned balloon flight took place when Jean-Francois Laurent, Marquis d’Arlandes, soared over Paris, covering approximately 5.5 miles in about 23 minutes. This historic achievement paved the way for advancements in aviation and scientific exploration, with balloons proving valuable in meteorology and wartime reconnaissance.
Ballooning soon expanded globally, with India witnessing its first gas balloon flights as early as 1877. However, hot air ballooning in India saw significant development in the 20th century, thanks to the efforts of individuals like Shri Vishwa Bandhu Gupta. The establishment of the Ballooning Club of India in 1970, with support from American astronaut Neil Armstrong, marked a new era in Indian ballooning.
The Indian Balloon team, led by Shri Gupta, made its mark on the international stage by participating in the World Hot Air Balloon Championships in Nantes, France, in 1983. This event highlighted India’s contribution to the global aviation community and showcased the country’s potential in ballooning.
The issuance of a set of two stamps by the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department commemorates this historic occasion, celebrating the remarkable journey of man’s first flight and the evolution of ballooning as a mode of transportation and scientific exploration.