This computer enhanced "spy pic" shows what I think is the cockpit structure of the first SpaceShipTwo (SS2) flight model
While it shares some of the features of the White Knight II (WK2) fuselage, cockpit structure seen in the picture below (taken from this blog entry) there are key differences that suggest it is for SS2 instead
credit: Virgin Galactic
The key differences are visible when comparing the spy picture structure with the officially released pictures of the construction work
If you look at the construction images from Virgin Galactic (ignore this blog entry's title), because WK2 and SS2's forward fuselage is broadly the same I guess people thought they would be made the same way but that is not necessarily so
If you look at the construction pictures from that blog entry, the fuselage is made up of two halves, one lower, one upper. It's clear from the images that there is no join along the z-axis, behind the cockpit windows, that we would see if a structure, such as in the spy picture, was used
But more importantly in the enhanced spy picture we can see some kind of structure on its lower side. As this will be a composite structure and I am aware of composite manufacturing techniques this extension on the lower side is not the composite equivalent of casting's flash or any other example of excess production process related material. It must be a functional structure
I think what we can see partially connects the low-wing that SS2 has, but WK2 doesn't, and additional structure related to the nose gear
credit: Virgin Galactic
The second important difference, also visible in the enhanced picture, is another structure that extends outwards, is half way up the cockpit and is aligned with the top of the hole in the centre of the nose. This feature is also not found in the construction images
It may simply be a thin semi-disc that will strengthen the attachment between the cockpit and the nose cone or, and this is very speculative, it could be the basis for a pitot tube system
I say this because if you look at the structure, its far right end that is within the disc of sunlight glare on the front of the cockpit nose, it is not itself illuminated. That suggests it is a point extending out from the nosecone surface, beyond the glare, and that this structure is shaped more like a crescent Moon or hook than a semi-disc
I think it would extend through the nosecone perhaps to be flush with its surface and could mean its a pitot tube related structure - but this is a bit of a wild guess. Even if it extends out as a hook shape it could simply be another part of a strengthened cockpit/nosecone attachment system
What do you all think?
As for commonalities between this apparent SS2 structure and the construction images of what I now think is a WK2 fuselage, they both have a hole at the front and the same windows. The hole is likely to simply be another part of the attachment system for the nosecone
For more Virgin Galactic images go here
on June 21, 2008 5:07 PM | Reply
That's Just the Simulator, nothing more fancy than that.
on June 21, 2008 5:46 PM | Reply
You seem remarkably sure of yourself. Do you work in the Mojave area at all? ;-)
I admit I thought that too at first. But I have actually seen an exterior shot of the simulator because Will Whitehorn showed it to the audience of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory space conference last year.
And there is an interior shot of the simulator, you can see it on my blog posting of all the images provided in February and that does have the same windows as the cockpit structute pictured here.
But somehow what I saw at the RAL conference, a view at some distance from the back of the simulator, the two don't quite tally somehow.
If I thought it was the simulator that is what I would have said.
on June 22, 2008 2:44 AM | Reply
Hey Rob-
I always assumed that the construction photo you refer to as WK2 fuselage (which came out in Jan) is actually SS2. It has the low-wing of SS2 and not the high wing of WK2. The other photos of WK2 already show it painted white. The other photos of the non-painted vehicle also have the low-wing and must be SS2, or did I misunderstand you and you already know this?
Ned
P.S. Did you see on NASA watch that SpaceX Falcon I launch is now sched for Wed June 25? No other site has info on this (including spaceX) Secondary payload "pre-sat" is reporting that the vehicle is integrated, fairing attached, and vertical!
on June 22, 2008 6:08 AM | Reply
What is the holdup? Four years after the flight of their prototype and they're just now bringing in the cockpit hull.
on June 22, 2008 12:23 PM | Reply
Hi Ned,
Just briefly on the issue of Falcon 1, the launch has been known to be that week for some time. We reported late June at the beginning of this month and I have also seen the dates 23 and 27 June reported. Originally the launch was supposed to happen in April!
Now for Virgin Galactic. First of all on the images that were released we can't assume that they are in date order or that they show a continuous sequence of production. So just because something is painted in one picture and not in another does not make it a different structure.
And we can't assume that the concept images that show the final vehicles are accurate. For example I know that one of the window's that is actually an escape hatch, and larger than the other windows, is located on the starboard side of the common forward fuselage. This larger window/hatch is not in the concept images but can be seen in the production photos.
As the WK2 images are painted it can't be seen how large the single piece structures are. So we don't know what production stages there were.
The reason I am sceptical about the alleged SS2 production pics being SS2 is that the structure that the fuselage appears to be resting on, which could be assumed to be a low wing, would have a very thick leading edge. I seem to remember Burt telling me that the thick leading edge on SS1 was an issue.
And the alleged SS2's rearward fuselage has a light tan colour area that could easily be a structure that has yet to have its section for high-wing fitting cut out. Assuming that the composites fabrication process is not designed to produce a geometrically accurate part.
Remember that like SS1, SS2 will use a hook system to connect to the WK2 high-wing. That hook, release mechanism would go where that tan area is. So where are the holes for that?
What I don't understand is why there are two holes on both sides of that tan section. I am guessing they are for gaining routine access to vehicle systems, perhaps avionics, for pre/post-flight maintenance and checks as the vehicle is reusable.
Another theory is that what we are seeing in the alleged SS2 pics is a common fuselage engineering model built to test the production processes and to check the tolerances and fit between the different structures.
This would also make sense as the rear fuselage section does not taper in the same way that the SS2 concept image does - with the centreline of the rocket exhaust hole at the same level in the z-axis as the centreline for the fuselage as a whole. Assuming of course that the concept image is accurate in that respect.
What do you all think?
on June 22, 2008 1:49 PM | Reply
I don't know Rob, I still think that's SS2. Seems like an awful lot of trouble just to BS us. I might be an engineering model like you said, but its an SS2 engineeering model. I think the tan section is where the oxidizer tank is going, and will be part of the fuselage like SS1.
I'm wondering what the SpaceX launch date is because everybody, including Musk, says 26-27th at the earliest, space fellowship has it on 29th, but the people who are actually flying their bird on it say 25th. In any case its only 3-5 days away, when are we going to get an update? Maybe you can get them to open up a bit?
Ned
on June 22, 2008 2:21 PM | Reply
The oxidiser tank will go inside that section of course, whether it was tan or not, the tank will always go directly behind the cabin and infront of the rocket motor, that is a given.
I identified the tan section as it was interesting why it was a different colour and its widest area is the top of that structure and that is where the hook mechnism or the high-wing connecting structure would go.
What has also occured to me is CTN integration. The CTN being the solid fuel motor's case, throat and nozzle assembly. If you see how that rear fuselage section tapers you can imagine there is going to be a close fit between the diameter of the CTN and the fuselage's aperture.
Easy to slide in and align correctly you might argue but how do you then fit the CTN to the oxidiser tank/CTN main valve bulkhead? Do they have midgets working for them?
How are they going to swop out the CTN after every flight? One assumes the oxidiser tank will be reusable.
It just makes me feel that we're looking at a common fuselage engineering model even more.
As for SpaceX. The Falcon 1 launch is a operationally responsive space related contract. Musk agreed to achieve the launch within x-days of receipt of the payload.
As that was delayed the April launch was scrubbed and a June date was agreed.
I sort of remember the agreement being something like 'launch within 100-days' so you can have a range of launch dates working back from the contractual "100th day" and starting with a No Earlier Than (NET) date. I think that explains it.
on June 22, 2008 5:47 PM | Reply
Very interesting pic.
I think what you are trying to say:
Either SCALED/VG has thrown an elaborate ruse with the earlier pics by providing EM pieces (unlikely, in my opinion)
Or, they've found some fundamental issue with SS2 that would require a radical redesign (hence the substantial structure protrusions and construction techniques)
Or, for the sake of discussion, could we be looking at the first SS3? It's not a secret that SCALED built WK2 with alot of capacity. This thing looks like it was spun on a mandrel and baked (courtesy of Northrop?). Oddly enough, it looks like the same basic shape as the space shuttle crew module. Coincidence, but interesting nonetheless.
If Rutan has designed a craft for suborbital space (ascent/entry) then it's not s huge leap to consider the same design with a beefier construction for low Earth orbit. Ever look at a Gemini capsule up close? Anyway the last speculative piece of an SS3 puzzle would be propulsion. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
on June 22, 2008 6:09 PM | Reply
Of course, it could always be just the simulator...
:)
on June 22, 2008 6:27 PM | Reply
I don't think we are looking at SS3, although I think that SS2 has been designed with that in mind, and I'll talk more about that in a future blog posting.
As for SS3 propulsion, we posted a highly speclative concept image of SS3 a while back. See it here;
http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/hyperbola/2008/02/spaceshipthree-revealed.html
Will Whitehorn has referred to SS3 as both an orbital version and a point-to-point transport and also called SS4 an unmanned two-stage satellite launcher so what they plan to do and what they call it is all fairly fluid right now.
I can't see any reason why you wouldn't want to use hybrids for point-to-point for both the manned vehicle and its booster.
You would see a beefed up White Knight II take the two-stage transport to 50,000ft, so its above most of the atmosphere, and release it so it fires its first stage hybrid, perhaps using liquid oxygen, and then that will get it most of the way in speed and altitude for a separation and firing of the manned vehicle's rocket motor.
Coming back to the SS2 image I posted. As you say, I too wonder why it has those extending structures.
I should point out now that while this is the first image of the cockpit structure itself, the photo was taken last year. I have only obtained it recently.
But before anyone jumps on that statement, so were photos released by Scaled and Virgin Galactic in January.
To point out two other anomalies that keep making me question what we have been given. If the images of the apparent SS2 build are correct then why, are they attaching the nsoecone to the forward fuselage with what looks like duct tape and if you look at where the wing is, why does its structure begin so far back, the middle window, when the concept images (and the scale-model I was shown, and handled, in New York shows the same) show the leading edge beginning forward of the first window??
But yes it could always be the simulator as the first comment noted. I would add though, why not use an early production attempt for that purpose?
on June 22, 2008 11:33 PM | Reply
Hmmmm......The top "spy photo" would be seem to be a simulator pod for SS2 or WK2, but if that is too hard to swallow, then I offer a second explanation of it being a high fidelity cockpit mockup for either SS2 or WK2. The aft trim lines are wrong and I have to believe Scaled is more savvy than that, also if the color is true, it is not Scaled's MO for prepaint finishing of a flight article and the external bits that are attached are more supporting than integral to the part. Time is money and materials (especially prepreg) are expensive, so you won't find very many practice parts being made (read early production).
The other picture shown is an SS2 assembly fit check and the leading isn't attached, but when it is it will reach the forward window. The structure shown is internal, the leading edge and a blended wing to fuselage fairing will make it look more like the model. It isn't duct tape, but Aluminum tape, the parts are rough trimmed and the tape is used to hold things together temporarily while everyone stands back and says "Yep, that's straight!" and for the photo ops.
The tan color further aft, I am not sure about that. At first I thought it was a material change, but I saw some straight lines where there shouldn't be any and dropped that thought. Now I am leaning towards it being a section that has been masked off for some layout work. Can't scribe lines and black marks get lost if they are not made on something contrasting.
No conspiracy. For what every it's worth WK2 was out 2 weeks ago doing an engine run.
on June 23, 2008 10:11 AM | Reply
-R, you wrote; "if the color is true, it is not Scaled's MO for prepaint finishing of a flight article"
You need to look at the first picture showing the WK2 fuselage partially painted
http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/hyperbola/2008/01/spaceshiptwo-all-the-images.html
Because the nose of that cockpit is black, just like the alleged simulator cockpit structure.
Interesting comment about the engine run. The people I know at Mojave didn't mention that and nothing was happening when I was there w/c 9 June. When you mean "out" I guess you mean hangar doors open and maybe the vehicle rolled forward a little to ensure the hangar isn't filled with exhaust fumes?
on June 23, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply
Hi Rob,
Perhaps we are on the same page or maybe not, either way I want to start by making sure we are comparing the same pictures. For the 'simulator' I am talking about the cockpit section above sitting outside on what may be a truck. For SS2 I am referring to the picture above that has some people around it and the picture is from a somewhat elevated perspective.
Okay, one at a time. Let's take the obvious WK2 pictures from the link in your reply. In the pictures of WK2 the nose is black....that is the natural black of carbon fiber before it is has been painted. SS2 will have the same black nose prior to paint. This is not the same black as the 'Simulator Pod', not even remotely the same and is not the MO for how Scaled prepares a flight article for paint. Which brings me to a point, it can't be conclude from either WK2 or SS2 pictures what that 'simulator' is to represent (i.e WK2 cockpit or SS2 cockpit), except that it is one or the other. Now let me point out that the dome that we are calling the nose is not in fact the nose, but the forward pressure bulkhead. The nose is installed later.
In the picture above of what I am calling SS2, WK1 can be seen in the background, no way WK2 could be assembled in that hangar.
As for WK2, I should have said 'outside' not just 'out'. Doing an engine run, never mind a first engine run inside is bad juju. The aircraft was outside on the apron. It is no secret that Pratt & Whitney engineers have been here for sometime now. The local paper did an article about them being here to help with the engine installation.
As for you being here, not everything is shared, the airport tenant privacy 'is' respected a little. :)
on June 23, 2008 3:56 PM | Reply
What do I think? You need to get out more.
on June 23, 2008 4:25 PM | Reply
Hello again Minus Romeo.
Just to push my conspiracy theory a little further, why can't they assembly the forward pressure bulkhead, which appears common to both WK2 and SS2, and engage in assembly fit checks for the cameras and then move the bulkhead to the other hangar?
I knew about the PWC engineers, I wrote this story about exactly that after I got some WK2 details from my interview in Montreal with PWC vp John Sabaas.
While not everything is shared at Mojave don't you think people are going to notice an aircraft with a B757-like span wing, twin boom/fuselage and PW308A engine(s) roaring away?
I might not have photos but I'll be told about it.
Rob.
on June 23, 2008 4:32 PM | Reply
Tony, you may be right. Maybe.
on June 23, 2008 4:35 PM | Reply
Well Tony, you're here commenting with the rest of us not playing beach volleyball
on June 23, 2008 5:58 PM | Reply
The first picture is the female mold
for the pressurized cabin front.
( forward pressure bulkead with windows )
notice the flabs on the outside.
compare to the image further down.
the rendered photo has the nosecone
attached in front of the pressure bulk
head.
on June 23, 2008 6:04 PM | Reply
Rob,
I'll be honest, I am not sure I follow what your conspiracy is. Is your conspiracy that the 'simulator' belongs to SS2? If it is, all I see when I look at the 'simulator' is a cockpit section with a bulkhead attached that has no hard ties to either aircraft beyond being similar. I agree it is WK2 or SS2, but not a flight article for either one.
The cockpit is integral to the forward fuselage, in that it is fabricated as one part at the same time then the bulkhead is attached and then the nose. The 'simulator' is merely a section of that whole thing. You can assemble(fabricate) the bulkhead in the little hangar, that doesn't require the aircraft, but the fit check does. It is a lot of work to get everything jigged up, so the practice is to locate the major components where the assembly will be done so you only have to jig things up once. The construction photo in this blog is that of SS2.
I like this dialogue, but I want to be respectful that this is your blog and I don't want to clog it up, so let me know when this is dead either way.
Yes, I do think people will notice. You should ask your contacts about it.
on June 23, 2008 6:35 PM | Reply
After looking at the pictures I don't think the "spy pic" is depicting a flight product in any way.
Regardless of whether we are talking about WK2 or SS2, All three fuselages have a small window directly below the aft side windows on either side of the cockpit.
In the spy pic this window is conspicuously missing. Is this the sort of thing that would get cut after the fuselage is cured?
This leads me to believe that this is either a next generation part, or a simulator/marketing tool.Coupled with the fact that there is no effective way to date the "spy photo" it's place in the production timeline is difficult to ascertain.
One last observation. The simulator was just recently brought online, I believe the estimated time for operation was May 2008. I understand that Will Whitehorn stated that the Sim was up and running at the press conference in January of 2008. The people in the picture are wearing long sleeves and hoodies implying that it might be a bit chilly. Being that the mojave is a desert, temps start getting into shorts and shortsleeves as early as march/april. The low angle of the sun would support this. Looks like it might be early morning say before 10 am. If it were summer the sun would be much higher and they would not need the warm clothes and long pants. I know that the mojave is a "high desert" but it still gets up into the triple digits as early as may. Heres a little bit about the mojave to back up these figures. http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/mojave_climate.htm
So personally I think this is the simulator. The support structures and shape of the section aft of the windows looks like the sort of things that would be attached to somewhere other than a fuselage. Also isn't most of the fabrication done in the hangar where assembly takes place? Obviously the simulator would be built in the same place and then trucked elsewhere to the training facility. I think the only way to know for sure is to get a longer shot of the simulator cockpit.
-Z