Less flight vibration, better pictures for world's largest infrared telescope

摘要

Air suspension system maker ContiTech reported that a custom suspension system it built for of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) research airplane turned in an outstanding performance in the first test flight using sensors and controls. The air suspension system ensures vibration-free operating conditions for the world's largest infrared observatory telescope, the company says. At an altitude of 14 kilometers, SOFIA carries out research into the formation of stars and planetary systems as well as the origin of the solar system. The telescope at the heart of the research aircraft weights 37,500 lb (17,000 kg) instrument and peers through a hatch in the aircraft's tail. The telescope rests on a vibration-isolation system (VIS) consisting of an air spring system and silicon-oil-filled dampers. In the 5.5-hour test flight, the telescope, with all its subsystems, was tested for the first time under regular operating conditions. ContiTech says the air suspension system completed the test well. It demonstrated its ability to absorb vibrational interference emanating from the aircraft itself or from windflow when the hatch is open.