Atlas V : how does the launcher stands on the mobile platform during transfer?

• Atlas V : how does the launcher stands on the mobile platform during transfer? by Liryc on 19 Apr, 2011 17:13
• Hi all !
  
  I'm found of model rockets and I'm trying to create a model of Atlas 5 rocket (80 inch tall) as well as the launch table.
  That's the most tricky part even though I dont go into the details
  
  So I was watching a video of the pre launch operations (see link below) and I was quite impressed by the "mobile launch platform".
  
  At 1:10 minute, we can briefely see some sort of arms/masts that holds the launcher on the table, but it seems there are only 2 of them, one on the right, one on the left... (see photo attached)
  Is that possible ? How does it stay stable during the transfer ?
  
  They look a lot like the explosive bolts used for the Shuttle boosters but it doesn't seem that stable here..
  Plus it could touch the launcher when lifting off, what do you think?
  
  Thanks for your help!
  
  --
  Video :
  

  ---

  
• #1 by Downix on 19 Apr, 2011 17:21
• Quote from: cyril_13 on 19 Apr, 2011 17:13

  Hi all !
  
  I'm found of model rockets and I'm trying to create a model of Atlas 5 rocket (80 inch tall) as well as the launch table.
  That's the most tricky part even though I dont go into the details
  
  So I was watching a video of the pre launch operations (see link below) and I was quite impressed by the "mobile launch platform".
  
  At 1:10 minute, we can briefely see some sort of arms/masts that holds the launcher on the table, but it seems there are only 2 of them, one on the right, one on the left... (see photo attached)
  Is that possible ? How does it stay stable during the transfer ?
  
  They look a lot like the explosive bolts used for the Shuttle boosters but it doesn't seem that stable here..
  Plus it could touch the launcher when lifting off, what do you think?
  
  Thanks for your help!
  
  --
  Video :
  
  

  there is a third on the backside you can't see as well.  Those arms are pulling inward, with only the Atlas V keeping them out.  The moment the bolts are blown, they pull back into the MLP, so no chance of impact.
• #2 by Liryc on 19 Apr, 2011 17:36
• Wow, cool!
  
  Thanks for that quick reply.
  I'm a bit new in these things and I didn't know that the systems on the ground were so complex. It looks as complex (in its way of course) as the launcher itself!!
  
  Do you know if there is a video of that available on the internet?
  
  I didn't know they could retract the arms like that, straight forward.
  On Soyouz they have some sort of mass that swings the arms off the way and it seems a much easier approch..
  Well, they maybe have some swinging system too, hidden in the MLP(?)
  
  Thanks