Posts: 3387 From: Netherlands Registered: Nov 2001
posted 03-09-2012 03:23 PM
Modifications are being made to the first Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (NASA 905) at the Boeing plant in the spring of 1976. This photo shows the forward support strut being put in place in preparation for the Approach and Landing Test program with the Enterprise.
Ed Hengeveld
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 03-09-2012 03:37 PM
I remember those days during the ALT flights well; seeing reports by Roy Neal, Jules Bergman and others covering Enterprise's air drop tests and anticipating the first launch by Columbia.
And to think I'll now see both Enterprise and her SCA in the air over NYC soon! How time flies...
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2476 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 03-10-2012 05:45 AM
Repurposing flight hardware has always been fascinating to me. Seeing the 747/shuttle fly on TV the first time while I was in collage gave me the extra boost to hang in there for my Aerospace Engineering Degree.
gliderpilotuk Member
Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
posted 03-10-2012 10:35 AM
Ah, those were the days when you could modify your plane without a bunch of bureaucrats in the CAA/EU needing to sign off everything down to a PDA mount!
I'm sure I asked Fred Haise once, but can't remember, as to how the support frame was internally braced so that the outer skin wasn't stressed.