New around-world record with air balloon

Russian adventurer Fedor Konyukhov is seen in front of his balloon as it is inflated before the start of his record attempt for a solo hot-air balloon flight around the globe near Perth, Australia, in this handout image received July 12, 2016. Oscar Konyukhov/Handout via REUTERS

The Russian adventurer Fedor Konyukhov on Saturday set the world record when he landed in the Australian city of Perth after flying alone around the Earth in a hot air balloon in eleven days.

The 65-year-old completed the round trip when he landed in Perth in Australia Saturday, eleven days after he started the 34.000 km long trip from the same place.

The previous record, set by the late Steve Fossett, was improved by two days. Fossett began his time at the same place, but flew 33,000 kilometers around the world in 13 days and eight hours.
Konyukhov’s balloon is 52 meters high and can reach a maximum speed of 300 km / h when it reaches the air flows between eight to ten kilometers above the Earth’s surface.

The Air balloon flew east from Perth, and crossed the Pacific, South America, Atlantic Ocean, South Africa and the Indian Ocean on the journey.

Earlier, the Russian crossed the Pacific in a rowing boat, sailed alone around the globe and climbed to the top of Mount Everest.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today