T O P I C R E V I E W |
Tykeanaut | I would like to know if anyone knows what this quick release pin's exact use was? I am pretty sure it was a ground support equipment (GSE) item. |
mikej | It was used to reduce the shock when the Saturn V's holddown arms released the vehicle at launch. Usually they're referred to as "soft", "slow" or "controlled" release pins or rods (rather than "quick"). There's more discussion in this regard in this thread. |
SpaceAholic | Mike, this is a manually engaged/manually retracted quick release pin... would be surprised if its intended application is as described in the referenced thread. |
GACspaceguy | Not sure about the Saturn V application but this is a common "pip" pin used in aviation. Typically there is a "Remove Before Flight " streamer attached to it and is used in lock out areas like the landing gear and/or covers and support equipment. |
David Carey | Fred's PIP explanation makes the most sense to me so far and to your original comment I associate quick-release fasteners of most any kind to ground versus flight. I can make out some of the writing on the card - "An original Quick Release Pin designed for the mighty Saturn V Moon Rocket by the Boeing Company at the Michoud facility in New Orleans Louisiana where the Saturn V F1 engines were (????) under contract with NASA" But the contract numbers and other caption may help the group (or a better picture). |
Tykeanaut | Thanks all for your input. It's spare parts #NAS1335S2S24D, Contract # NAS8-5608. It was apparently used in the testing of the Saturn V F-1 first stage engines under contact with NASA. |
GACspaceguy | Okay, the basic part number is NAS1335 and the "NAS" is National Aerospace Standard, therefore it is a common quick release pin but for my 30+ years around the aircraft flight line we have always called them pip pins (due to the pip or retractable ball pin at the end of the shank. While it may have been used on the Saturn V it was not specifically designed for that vehicle as it is a standard aerospace part. |