Halil Akdeniz builds solar-powered balloon from 600 trash bags

Halil Akdeniz, a 38-year-old paragliding enthusiast from the Sinanpaşa district of Afyonkarahisar, has constructed a solar-powered balloon using approximately 600 trash bags. Driven by the high cost of helium, Akdeniz researched solar-powered flight technologies, drawing inspiration and documentation from international experts such as Laurent Besset and Paul Ferney in France.

To overcome structural challenges like tearing and joint separation, Akdeniz utilized fiber tapes to reinforce the connections. The homemade balloon has a lifting capacity of between 80 and 90 kilograms. Akdeniz, who weighs 101 kilograms, continues to conduct flight trials with his equipment.