The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force invited the public to see the final inflation of the Alpha 5 balloon on Saturday, June 22 from 7 – 8 a.m.

In September 2023, American entrepreneur Larry Connor led a team of four U.S. Air Force Pararescue Specialists in setting a Guinness World Record for the highest HALO (high altitude, low opening) formation skydive at an astounding 38,139 feet. The Alpha 5 Project combined the challenge with purpose, helping raise more than a million dollars for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which assists the families of fallen soldiers. (Federal Endorsement Not Implied)

The Alpha 5 balloon stands at an impressive 115 feet tall. Museum visitors had the opportunity to see the fully inflated balloon and meet the team who set the skydiving world record. Following this final inflation the Alpha 5 will be donated to the museum’s collection.

About the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force:
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at WrightPatterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year thousands of visitors from around the world come to the museum.