NASA Study Summary: "A Concept for Handling and Launching Large Solid Rockets"

[luke strawwalker]

Here's another report to go along with the 260 inch monolithic SRM Saturn IB first stage replacement studies. This one makes specific reference and has diagrams of the MLV-Saturn-IB-5A vehicle proposal, since it used the most massive (full length) 260 inch SRM in it's first stage. The proposal is based around a full description and explanation with relevant diagrams of the dock handling/erection process and launch system.

Enjoy! OL JR

[luke strawwalker]

Ok... First pic is the MLV-Saturn-IB-5A. This graphic isn't from this study (possibly grabbed off the net) but it has some additional details that the similar study graphic didn't have and vice versa, so I include it here...


Second pic is the graphic of the SRM first stage Saturn IB from the study, but with slightly different details on the drawing, so I included them both.


Third pic is the TLB, the transport/loading barge.


Fourth pic is the CSB, the cradle/stiffback assembly, bolted/clamped onto the SRM casing before the casting operations began and used to handle the 1800 ton SRM from casting, through transport and erection on the pad, to it's removal when the launch platform was installed and supporting the weight of the SRM on the pad for launching.


Fifth pic is the second lift operation to raise the SRM up to the rotation level, and then the actual rotation of the SRM to vertical as the water was let back out of the dock, lowering the barge underneath it.


More to come! OL JR

[luke strawwalker]

Pic one is a bird's eye perspective of the SRM being rotated upright in the CSA by the barge and support trunnions, with the towers flanking it.


Pic two is the SB and LP moving into position, raising 13 feet to connect the aft skirt to the SRM, and then raising the rest of the way to lift the SRM and LP to full height, move the supports under the LP, and then lower the water and let the service barge out of the dock. The SB would return with the nozzle and other aft end SRM components for installation after the SRM and LP were in final position and the CSA was removed.


Pic three is showing the final lift operation of the LP and SRM to launch height. Supports from the sides of the dock would move under the LP to support it's weight as the water level was lowered, to let the SB out of the dock.


Pic four shows the flame deflector (FD) moved into the dock. The FD is designed to float, so it's simply floated into the dock into position under the SRM first stage LP, and then ballasting valves opened and allowed to "sink" into position. The lock gates are then stowed opened so the dock itself can act as a flame trench when the rocket lifts off.


Pic five shows the TLB in operation at the CCF where the SRMs are made. A similar dock structure would be used there in combination with a casting pit. The SRM empty casing would be fitted with a CSA and then installed by crane into the casting pit. Solid propellant batch casting would then proceed, and the propellant casting mandrel withdrawn. The motor would be cured and prepared for transport, by rotating the upside-down SRM horizontal, and flooding the casting pit and dry dock with water, to allow the TLB to enter underneath the horizontal SRM. The TLB would then be raised and take the weight of the SRM, releasing the trunnions supporting it in the CCF, and then be manuevered out of the drydock for transport to the Cape. The drydock would be secured and pumped out, and the CCF casting pit prepared for casting another motor with the installation of another empty casing and CSA in the casting trunnions.


Later! OL JR

[Sunward]

report
http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19790073072_1979073072.pdf

about 1.6mb

lots of other articles listed:
http://sci.tech-archive.net/Archive/sci.space.history/2006-08/msg00883.html