Mar 29 1978
From The Space Library
The Marshall Star reported on a unique suspension system that would use air bags and cables to hang the Space Shuttle's orbiter Enterprise and its external tank in the test tower, for the first phase of 1978 ground tests scheduled to begin in Apr. The system would consist of a large overhead truss fitted with air bags and cables, installed like a crossbeam at the 65.8m (216ft) level between two walls of the tall test stand. Although the orbiter and external tank would weigh about 544 320kg (1.2 million lb), the suspension system would allow the freedom of movement needed to obtain test data. Suspension of the orbiter and tank in this first phase of testing would duplicate as nearly as possible the flight conditions of the Shuttle at high altitudes, after the Solid Rocket Boosters drop off at 43.5km (27mi) 2min into the mission. Later tests of the entire Shuttle assembly would use a different suspension system.
The first Shuttle test phase would begin with the external tank temporarily fastened by knee braces to the stand, the orbiter lowered into place and mated as it would be for an actual flight. With the orbiter in place, engineers would install the suspension system overhead, attach cables from the air bags to the external tank, and remove the knee braces so that the cables would take the weight of the orbiter and external tank; lateral restraints would prevent sideways movement. The design of the truss, 25.3m (83ft) long and weighing 63 504kg (70 tons), would permit less than 2.5c (1in) deflection when fully loaded. Supporting members were of high-strength steel. (Marshall Star, Mar 29/78, 4)
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