The Jacques Charles and Robert brothers hydrogen balloon at Gonesse, 27 August 1783

Jacques Alexandre César Charles, Anne-Jean Robert and Nicolas-Louis Robert built the first hydrogen-filled balloon and flew it from the Champ de Mars, Paris, on 27 August 1783.

Jacques Charles and the brothers Robert were contemporaries of the Montgolfière brothers but they used hydrogen gas in their balloon instead of hot air. Their first balloon was too small to carry any payload but was designed to prove the practicality of using this new chemical element for lift. Unfortunately, it was attacked by locals armed with knives and pitchforks when it landed near Gonesse.