Delta IV Heavy article in AW&ST

"Damon Hill" wrote in message
32...
"Dholmes" wrote in
:



I also do not get the emphasis on the article on an Atlas Heavy, I
thought Lockheed had abandoned any heavy lift version since the large
solids they have can almost equal it.

Since an Atlas V Heavy could be built at any time (probably requiring
a new mobile launch platform, though), I imagine Lockmart's just waiting
for a mission that requires one.

I wonder if a couple of Atlas V CCBs could loft a Delta 4 CBC to
altitude ignition? Probably don't quite have the thrust.

No you would need at least 4 to lift a Delta 4 .


I am a little disappointed that it does not have an MB-60 instead of a
Centaur. I guess we still have to wait for the first MB-60.

The MB-60 isn't ready yet; it should provide for some payload growth,
especially for the heavier 5 meter upper stage. I imagine Boeing wants
to go with this engine, which is designed as a drop-in replacement for
the RL10, since they own Rocketdyne.

The Boeing web site says "The engine will be available to support flight
operations in 2004" but I have so far been unable to find when it is
scheduled to be used.
It will be a big boost for the Heavy to LEO at 1/2G of thrust vs. 1/5 a G
of thrust for the RL10.
It also improves the likelihood of a third stage.


The equivalent RL60 should begin full-up testing this fall.

Information on this rocket is even harder to find.

"Reed Snellenberger" wrote in
message .190...
What? No hold-down posts on the outer positions, or is it a problem with
not having a suitable transporter/erector to do the job?

Yes, there are hold-down posts for the strap-ons, but the fixed pad erector
is located in front of the center position and it is, well, fixed in that
location. Because of this, Heavy can only be erected as a three-CBC unit,
not as three single units.

Nice -- in the 005 picture, is that the individual CBMs for the Heavy, or
three individual D-IVs? I'm guessing the former, since the CBM on the
right doesn't have attachment points on the right side, whereas the other
two do (and other structures indicate that they're all in the same
relative
orientation).

The picture shows the three CBCs that make up the first Heavy, laid out in
the HIF in preparation for horizontal mating operations (ooh, sounds kinda
sexy). Sorry they're a bit out of focus - my camera's batteries were dying.
Interesting difference between LM and Boeing: when we toured SLC 37 the
Boeing folks encouraged photography. When I went out to SLC 41, the LM guard
shack had a big sign forbidding photography.

-Kim-