|
Author
|
Topic: Pad 19 able to static fire Titan II second stage?
|
hlbjr
Member Posts: 481
From: Delray Beach Florida USA
Registered: Mar 2006
|
posted 01-24-2007 08:39 AM
   
I've noticed in numerous pictures of Pad 19 during the Gemini years that there appeared to be another, lower "stand" next to (just east) of the umbilical tower and this stand looked like it was designed to have a rocket sitting on it. Reading the book "Go For Launch" they state the Martin guys could static fire a Titan II second stage and I believe they intimated it would be fired on this stand. Is this true? If so, there must have been another flame bucket below that stand, correct? This is pretty cool if true and I'd love to see some pictures of that setup, especially in use (if it ever was). Thanks for any insight.Harvey Brown |
taneal1
Member Posts: 237
From: Orlando, FL
Registered: Feb 2004
|
posted 01-24-2007 02:42 PM
quote:
Originally posted by hlbjr:
Reading the book "Go For Launch" they state the Martin guys could static fire a Titan II second stage and I believe they intimated it would be fired on this stand. Is this true? If so, there must have been another flame bucket below that stand, correct? Harvey Brown
Harvey, you are absolutely correct. There was a separate Erector, Umbilical tower and flame bucket appropriately sized to allow static firing of Stage 2 prior to erecting the entire vehicle onto the launch stand. Tom |
art540
Member Posts: 432
From: Orange, California USA
Registered: Sep 2006
|
posted 01-24-2007 03:25 PM
Harvey; when I find several images of Titan II pad views relating to second stage I will e-mail to you. |
Rick Boos
Member Posts: 851
From: Celina, Ohio
Registered: Feb 2000
|
posted 01-25-2007 05:54 AM
It is true. At or about the time of GT-3 they tore the second unbilical tower down. That tower was quite a bit smaller, I use to have photos of it and the second flame bucket, and maybe the second stage being tested. Will have to check. |
hlbjr
Member Posts: 481
From: Delray Beach Florida USA
Registered: Mar 2006
|
posted 01-25-2007 07:49 AM
Thank you guys for your usual thorough help. I never cease to be amazed at the new things I learn. Has anyone notice in the current day photos of Pad 19 that the main flame bucket is still there, but it appears the 2nd stage deflector and associated equipment is gone? I just don't quite understand these "partial" dismantling of pads all over the cape. Some things which are removed from one pad, aren't at another. For example, pad 37's launch stands were completely removed while the buildings supporting 37's umbilical towers remain. In contrast, pad 34's launch stand remains in place, but the building supporting the umbilical has been completely removed. |
mjanovec
Member Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 04-09-2007 05:41 PM
FYI, in the new Spacecraft Films DVD set containing the Manned Spacecraft Center reports from 1964-1969, there is footage of test firing both stages side-by-side of the Titan II at Pad 19. It was a sequential firing, with the first stage firing, then the second stage immediately following.Here is a photo showing the second umbilical tower in place.  |
spacecraft films
Member Posts: 802
From: Columbus, OH USA
Registered: Jun 2002
|
posted 04-09-2007 09:33 PM
Here is the thread!Yes, that footage is on the set, I remember seeing it and thinking of this thread, but didn't remember where it was. Thanks very much for pointing this out. Best,
Mark
|
E2M Lem Man
Member Posts: 846
From: Los Angeles CA. USA
Registered: Jan 2005
|
posted 04-10-2007 03:41 PM
I remember seeing an old film where they fired GT-1's second stage with the first stage erected- or am I just getting old. |
advertisement