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Author
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Topic: Flame Deflectors on Pad 34
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hlbjr Member Posts: 481 From: Delray Beach Florida USA Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 03-18-2006 06:47 AM
I have had the good fortune to visit and examine Pad 34 at the Cape three times. I was amazed at the mass of the 2 flame deflectors on the north edge of the pad. Does anyone know how much each of them weighs? Also, what is the material which covers the deflectors (I couldn't tell)? I can't imagine the stress they go through during a launch between a million pounds of thrust hitting them and the tremendous temperatures they must endure. Does anyone think they could still be rolled along the tracks? Thanks for your help. |
Ken Havekotte Member Posts: 2983 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 03-18-2006 12:12 PM
To answer your questions, the two flame deflectors at Pad 34 weight 150 tons each. They are in the shape of inverted V's that are 21 feet high, 43 feet long, and more than 32 feet wide. Both are constructed of steel trusses covered with a plate steel skin 1-inch thick, and were coated with a 4-inch layer of special heat-resistant ceramic. No, I don't think they can no longer be rolled on the tracks beaneth the launch pedestal. Both the decaying flame delectors and their railroad-like tracks are no longer in workable condition. |
hlbjr Member Posts: 481 From: Delray Beach Florida USA Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 03-19-2006 07:19 AM
Ken, Thanks for your good help. I am thoroughly enjoying this board. I am curious, since you are right there next to the Cape, are there ever arranged visits to the older pads by some of our group here? I would really love to get some new photos of Pads 5/6, 14, 19, & 34. Thanks for your insight. Harvey Brown |
hlbjr Member Posts: 481 From: Delray Beach Florida USA Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 03-26-2006 08:37 AM
I found this link on the photo tour site of the old Cape facilities: http://www.robsv.com/cape/c34s3.html Note it says one of the blast deflectors was a 60 degree angle and the other was an 80 degree angle. Which turned out to be prefereable? Were both used and if so by which launches? | |
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Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a
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