Service Arm #6 - S-IVb AFT
- Mischa
- LUT model
Here is the latest creation - Service Arm #6, popularly called S-IVb AFT, because it connected to the anus of the third stage S-IVb
Service Arm #6 - S-IVb AFT
It refueled the third stage with LOX and H2. Here you can see the swing arm with the extended Extension Platform (yellow and white), which dares to go out a bit far. The frame of the arm was adapted accordingly, but there is still some doubt with the compulsive idea that the thing could tip forwards at any time.
Service Arm #6 - S-IVb AFT
As we all know, contrary to expectations, this never happened, so the NASA engineers have to be given good work. The view to the underfloor reveals a lot of hustle and bustle, and so far no swing arm has cost me as many nerves as this one. Although I have never lost sight of the requirement to be able to build, those who have felt rather under-challenged with the LUT so far will undoubtedly get their money's worth here.
Service Arm #6 - S-IVb AFT
Here's the secret why the platform never crashed. It couldn't because the Saturn was in the way. A separate crane was available for the mighty interface, which lifted the part to the S-IVb connection point. The fat red hose on top blew cooling air into the anus, because liquid hydrogen boils at about -252.9 °C, which makes a temperature difference of about 280° in sun-drenched Florida. Also the liquid oxygen is with a boiling temerature of -183 °C more on the cooler side, which is why the air conditioner had a lot to do.
Service Arm #6 - S-IVb AFT
The fuel lines approached from below, and then pull up and forward to the side of the arm. Here we see the whole arrangement up to the valve complex at the lower right level.
Service Arm #6 - S-IVb AFT
The degree of completion in the overview. At levels 220 and 240 the void is still yawning openly, and level 260 isn't quite complete yet. But at least. It will be finished one day. I swear.
