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balloons. Te teardrop shape, called the “natural shape,” while not necessarily discovered by Barnes, was noted by him as he methodically watched air bubbles ascending in an aquarium. His earliest balloons were light bulb shapes that began to quickly evolve into the unique product that Firefly is known for still producing today. Tracy brought to the industry his own numerous experiences in the sky (over 100 jumps) as a paratrooper, along with the brain and heart of an inventor. Te Balloon Works soon became a hugely innovative balloon manufacturing company as Barnes began to push the envelope with structures and materials that would enhance the safety of the sport.


One of his earliest innovations was to use polyester for the “skin” of his balloons instead of the stretchier but less heat resistant nylon. Polyester could withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and lasted somewhat longer to boot. To accommodate the less flexible material, he went on to create what would be patented as the FlexNet envelope, a skeleton of ropes that would absorb and distribute the stress of expansion instead of the fabric envelope itself. (Other balloon systems had used more of a “skin stress” system, which worked with nylon’s give but deteriorated more quickly.) Te FlexNet structure also allowed for much easier repair and replacement of individual panels of the balloons. (Te


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