A variety of release systems were tried. On the left is a view of the "cap rope system". A loop of rope holds a tube of fabric together.

It is tied in such a way that by pulling a rope, the knot is released allowing the air to quickly escape and avoid the balloon being dragged.

The long gaping tear, is really another method of fast deflation. It is really a ripcord system. A long wire with numerous pins set up so that the two sides of the fabric are held closed until the wire is pulled.