Darth Vader hot air balloon



The Darth Vader hot air balloon is a hot air balloon shaped like Darth Vader's helmet that originated as a concept by Benoît Lambert of the 501st FanWars Southern Belgian Garrison.

Development
The concept originated from 501st member Benoît Lambert (TK-2054), and it turned into a top-secret Lucasfilm-sanctioned project the making of which took nearly two years. In 2005, FanWars' commander TK-9999 spoke of the project with Steve Sansweet and Lucasfilm gave the green light for a Darth Vader's helmet-shaped balloon a few weeks later.

The balloon props measure 26 meters (86 feet) high with the basket included, 21 meters (69 feet) wide and with a depth of 24 meters (78 feet). The estimated hot air volume 3.000 m³ (106,000 cubic feet) and estimated weight 320 kilos (705 lbs). The balloon can carry two passengers and a pilot. First revealed to the general public on the official Star Wars website, the Darth Vader balloon was present at the fan convention Celebration Europe in July 2007.