These baskets were developed as a natural progression from the Single-T basket, with two internal T-shaped walls creating five compartments within the basket.
The typical sizes of envelopes that they are used with are from 240,000 cu ft (6800m3) up to 500,000 cu ft (14158m3) for up to 25 persons. In the Double-T baskets the pilots' compartment is situated in the centre of the basket and the passengers are in two compartments on both sides of the pilot. This arrangement results in better communication between the pilot and passengers during the flight and still gives the pilot good visibility in the flight direction. The burners are mounted centrally within the load frame, above the pilot. This arrangement results in a comfortable flying position and simple fuel management.
The structure of the Double-T baskets is similar to all Lindstrand standard baskets, with upper and lower stainless steel basket frames to provide rigidity, a plywood floor and woven cane internal and external basket walls. The layout of the Double-T baskets provides for the strongest structure and this is further enhanced by the addition of internal wall cross-bracing on all partitioned baskets. This strength is one of the reasons that the Double-T layout is becoming the preferred choice of basket for the large passenger ride balloons.
The pilots' compartment is provided with front and rear footsteps and sufficient cylinder strap holes to carry six fuel cylinders. All of our Double-T baskets are provided with the attachment points for the Lindstrand pilots' harness and we recommend the use of this harness during all flights. The passenger compartments have two foot step holes within the end wall and two rope handles for each passenger.
