Girandola
From PyroGuide
Girandola
gi·ran·do·la [ji-ran-dl-uh]
[Origin: 1625–35; < F < It girandola, derivative of girare to turn in a circle.
The English word of Italian origin Girandole is sometimes used to describe the same device.
A Girandola is a complicated flying wheel with two or more rotating drivers around the edge. Drivers are matched together to provide lift and carry the rotating platform into the sky. The drivers are also part of the effect with added charcoal or ferrotitanium, and occasionally aluminum firefly flitters. There are many variations, including using only angled drivers to produce both rotation and lift, or combinations of spin drivers followed by angled lift/spin drivers. Lances, whistles, shell effects and reports can also be added. Ensuring the timing and reliability of ignitions is paramount, and the ignition sequences can get very complicated once lances and shells are added. Piped fast match of varying speeds are employed.
Girandola's are also known as Flying Saucers or UFO's.
References
Modern Language Association (MLA): "girandola." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 30 Jul. 2007. <Dictionary.com [1]