Birth of a colossus on wheels

User rating: 4 / 5 after 9 vote(s)

Artists rendering of an ALMA antenna being transported from the base camp to the 5000 meter high observing site. The transporter can move with a maximum speed of 12 kilometers per hour when loaded with a 115-ton antenna. Credit: ESO
Artist's rendering of an ALMA antenna being transported from the base camp to the 5000 meter high observing site. The transporter can move with a maximum speed of 12 kilometers per hour when loaded with a 115-ton antenna. Credit: ESO

The first of two spectacular vehicles for the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) Observatory rolled out of its hangar and passed successfully a series of tests. This vehicle, the ALMA antenna transporter, is a rather exceptional 'lorry' driving on 28 tyres. It is 10m wide, 20m long and 6m high, weighs 130 tons and has as much power as two Formula 1 engines. This colossus will be able to transport a 115-ton antenna and set it down on a concrete pad within millimetres of a prescribed position.


Full story »
All News summaries from Space & Earth science news
All News summaries for July 30, 2007
Goto Archive PhysOrg Forum Goto Archive Video Goto Archive Editorials Goto Archive Free Magazines Goto Archive Newsletter

News Archive