Today most balloon baskets are still made of wicker and leather. To decrease weight, aluminum has replaced wood in the basket frames. In 1971, Mike Adams
designed this rugged wicker basket. The sculptured corners safely house the fuel tanks while steel suspension cables are woven into the sides, adding rigidity.
Display Status
This object is on display in Thomas W. Haas We All Fly at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Balloon
Physical Description
Square balloon basket with wood base and protruding, rounded corners. Metal frame, covered in suede trim, attaches to each corner and meets at the top burner. Aluminum liquid petroleum gas (lpg) tanks are strapped to each interior corner. Interior also features suede bag, champagne bag, and wooden panel with compass, altimeter, and speed indicator.
Dimensions
3-D: 119.4 × 116.8 × 254cm (3 ft. 11 in. × 3 ft. 10 in. × 8 ft. 4 in.)
Materials
Wicker
Leather
Suede
Wood
Aluminum
Steel
Non-Magnetic metal alloy
Paint
Cotton
Rubber
Inventory Number
A19761156000
Credit Line
Donated by Mike Adams' and Balloon Loft
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.