Text Size

Gantry Reconstruction:
Out with the old and in with the new
8.13.07
The Landing and Impact Research Facility (LandIR/Gantry) underwent the first phase of its renovation and upgrade. One of the first renovations was the installation of a new bridge.

This new bridge replaces the one used since the Apollo era and increases the lifting capacity from 30,000 lbs to 64,000 lbs. Other renovations to the Gantry include a new elevator and floor repairs and the addition of a parallel winch system to allow more accurate pitch adjustment of a test article.

Removal of circa 1963 bridge. Image Above: Workers 220 feet above the ground trim away angle iron to provide clearance for removal of the circa 1963 bridge. Advex Corporation replaced the steel after installing the new bridge. Credit: Sean Smith

Gantry Reconstruction.
Image Above: Released from its resting place, the old bridge begins its journey back to Earth. Credit: Sean Smith

Gantry reconstruction safe viewing. Image Above: On the morning of July 27, Barry Bryant, Jill Marlowe and LARSS students Andrew Long and Michael Petitto observe the progress from the safe viewing area on Wythe Landing Loop. Credit: Sean Smith

Bridge reaches ground. Image Above: After over 30 years at NASA Langley, the old bridge is lowered to the ground at 11:15 a.m. on July 27. Credit: Paul Bagby/NASA

Bridge resting on stands. Image Above: The new bridge, manufactured by Advex Corporation, temporarily rests on specially designed stands, partially supported by the crane. Credit: Paul Bagby/NASA

New bridge in place. Image Above: Reaching high above the 240 feet tall LandIR facility, a 40-ton crane settles the new bridge into place early in the morning of August 3. Credit: Paul Bagby/NASA

Caption Credit: Robin Hardy

+ Return to Researcher News Homepage
The Researcher News
Langley Research Center
Managing Editor and Responsible NASA Official: H. Keith Henry
Editor and Curator: Denise Adams
› Back To Top