The Montgolfier brothers decide to make a…

The Montgolfier brothers decide to make a public demonstration of a balloon in order to establish their claim to its invention.

They construct a globe-shaped balloon of sackcloth with three thin layers of paper inside.

The envelope can contain nearly 790 m³ (28,000 cubic feet) of air and weighs 225 kg (500 lb).

It is constructed of four pieces (the dome and three lateral bands) and held together by 1,800 buttons.

A reinforcing fish net of cord covers the outside of the envelope.

On June 4, 1783, they fly this craft as their first public demonstration at Annonay in front of a group of dignitaries from the États particuliers.

Its flight covers two kilometers (one point two miles), lasts ten minutes, and has an estimated altitude of 1,600-2,000 meters (5,200-6,600 feet).

Word of their success quickly reaches Paris.

Étienne goes to the capital to make further demonstrations and to solidify the brothers' claim to the invention of flight.

Joseph, given his unkempt appearance and shyness, remains with the family.