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SOFIA eNewsletter for Scientists

v12 June, 2005 (Images)

Wheels Up! Landing gear swing tests were performed in April 2005, with the aircraft supported on jack stands. This and other pictures shown here were taken at L-3 Communications in Waco, Texas, where the plane is being modified and prepared for first flights.

SOFIA Cavity Door Assembly installed on the B747 SP. Above the lower lip of the cavity, slats of the Lower Flexible Door (LFD) are seen where they attach to the Aperture Assembly (AA) which will track the telescope in elevation. At the aft (right side) of the cavity is the contoured ramp (dark brown), on which most of the air stream flowing over the cavity will reattach. The telescope is covered with a blue tarp. Some of the fuselage fairings around the cavity remain to be installed. This picture was taken in early May 2005.

Aircraft on the ramp in Waco, prior to fuel-tank tests. The greenish color is a corrosion-resistant coating which will be removed before painting. The Upper Rigid Door (URD) covers the telescope cavity. The fuel-tank tests were started in late May and are ongoing.

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Page Last Updated: June 1, 2005