Taking the Heat: Handling the Shuttle's RCC Wing PanelsInnovative inspection technology was developed to inspect the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) wing panels on the vehicle, thus eliminating need to remove/reinstall all 44 RCC panels for inspections per processing flow. Manually holding inspection tools up to the RCC panels was a 3-person job with high risk of personnel injury and flight hardware damage. To further enhance ergonomics, reduce personnel/flight hardware risks, and improve repeatability, an inspection cart and fixture were constructed to physically secure the instruments for Inspectors during 652 inspection points per flow. The electric lift used to handle RCCs was also utilized to raise the heavy, bulky inspection equipment up to the wing leading edge.
Document ID
20110016211
Acquisition Source
Kennedy Space Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Stegles, Katrine S. (United Space Alliance FL, United States)