Concept / Development / Testing

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The initial idea grew from a conversation with the Kostner brothers, Gabriel and Marco, from Elikos / Italy. Due to their experiences handling explosives in connection with helicopter operations, and the related security and permission issues, we were discussing a different way to blast off avalanches. The solution came from an old Alpine tradition, the 'wakeup for weddings'. A small balloon is filled with Acetylene and Hydrogen and fired in the morning to wake everybody up. A small balloon creates a tremendous noise, which means a big balloon could be very effective to blast off avalanches. The first drawings and the first prototype took shape during the summer of 2002. During the first tests with that prototype, which was suspended from a crane, the machine was destroyed due to the tremendous forces during the explosions. The entire structure was bent all over. During the next summer season a second prototype was designed and built. During the 2003/2004 winter season the machine was tested in close cooperation with Gabriel and Marco Kostner, owner of Elikos in Italy. The cooperation of the balloon manufacturer (Dominik Czermak from Gummiwerk Czermak & Feger) solved the biggest problem, finding a Latex mixture that works under temperatures below -10°C. During this winter season (2004/2005) we are benefiting from some minor improvements which were incorporated during the summer of 2004. This final design has been proven in the fall of 2004 during numerous tests. The development process consisted of design tests, proof of functionality, and system checks in conjunction with the helicopter, etc. During the 2003-2004 season we fired approx. 100 shots to prove the design itself. After that we ran operational tests during the entire winter season, on real avalanche control missions. We fired the machine approx. 400 times under all snow and weather conditions that appeared during that winter season in the alps. The release rate was approx. 80%. . The 'AVALANCHE BLAST' was used in the Wolkenstein, Obereggen and Araba ski areas. In a very short time the ski areas were open again and the slopes could be opened immediately after preparation. The road over the 'Grödnerjoch' was also controlled using the Avalanche Blast during that Winter Season.

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