I noticed a mention in the analysis of the missing hiker thread, someone mentioned an inflatable balloon to hoist a cell phone to get a signal.

Reminded me of an idea I had seen some time back, which was basically a self contained package that contained a small cylinder of Helium that inflated an orange mylar radar reflective beacon balloon that had an LED flasher on it as well. .

For many survival situations, this would "Seem" to be a great idea. The balloon hovers about 100 feet above the lost person. In a wooded area, it would be perfect, as would it at sea. . (well good weather conditions anyway)

The thing has apparently been in a development stage for at least two years. And never seems to move forward.

Here is a link for the "idea:"

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/forget-flare-guns-pocket-sized-rescue-balloon-stays-aloft-days/#:qbXcrJi-jqLcDA

Apparently it was a failed kickstarter thing as well:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/651668573/rescue-me-balloon/description

Anyone know anything else about the thing? As I said, I first saw the idea pitched in 2013. But nothing since. The web site they advertise is a dead link. .

Thoughts?

The Gibson kite was used in life rafts with great success.

Gibson Kite

Today, I think a PLB would be more effective, and probably less complex to carry and operate.

this go's back to ads I recall in 1960's outdoor magazines.same thing a balloon and a helium cartage.the ad even had a drawing of a lost hunter waiting for rescue with the balloon above the trees.

Probably only a fair weather option. High winds, electrical storms, accident setting the balloon free; I don't see it as a reliable all weather option. PLB will simply sit there and work.

It goes back even further than that.

I've traced the idea back to at least 1906.

Here's a list I compiled of 100+ US patents on distress signal balloons,
with links to each and a short description of most:

100+ Distress balloon patents as part of a Feb. 2006 Survival Balloon thread on ETS.

There's a lot of good material in the 2006 thread above, but the idea never seems to take off <heh>.

BCB pushed one in 2011, but I haven't seen any sign of that one since.

There is this nautical distress kite that has managed to stay on the market for a while.

Seems handiest to increase your visual footprint to other boats, but is also rated to hoist a USCG compliant strobe for doing same at night.

I have a post on that here.