Charles Green (balloonist)

Charles Green (1785 – 1870) was a pioneering English balloonist, best known for his record-breaking ascents and innovations in ballooning technology. He was one of the most famous and accomplished balloonists of the 19th century.

Green was born in London. He began his ballooning career relatively late in life, his first ascent taking place in 1821. However, he quickly became a skilled and daring aeronaut.

Green is credited with popularizing the use of coal gas, instead of hydrogen, for inflating balloons. While coal gas had less lifting power, it was significantly cheaper and easier to obtain, making ballooning more accessible. He made his first ascent using coal gas in 1821 and demonstrated its feasibility for passenger flights.

In 1836, Green piloted the balloon "Royal Vauxhall" (also known as "The Great Nassau Balloon") on a record-breaking long-distance flight from London to Weilburg, Germany. Accompanied by Robert Holland and Monck Mason, the journey lasted approximately 18 hours and covered nearly 500 miles, setting a record for distance travelled that stood for many years. This flight proved the potential for long-distance air travel.

Green made hundreds of ascents throughout his career, carrying thousands of passengers. He frequently gave public demonstrations at Vauxhall Gardens in London, popularizing ballooning as a form of entertainment and adventure. He also developed and patented improvements to balloon design and construction.

His contributions to ballooning included refinements to the valve system for controlling ascent and descent, and improvements in the design of the balloon's netting and basket. He authored "A Brief Account of Mr. Green's Two Ascents from the City of Dublin, in the Nassau Balloon, in July and August 1835".

Charles Green died in 1870, leaving behind a legacy as a key figure in the early history of aviation.