AIA are proud to announce theat the new Winged Launch Complex (WLC) is complete and was successfully yested today. With this work done, development of WIN is still on track – the update should be available by next weekend.
Here is a shot of the WLC test-firing the sound supression system in the new Blast Deflection Tunnel. In the background you can also just see some of the new paving work done at the pre-flight area.
WLC completed, SSS is succesfully tested.
T-1s, Night Launch
Following initial tests, AIA have decided to revert back to an earlier design of the blast deflection shielding end of the Winged Launch Facility. The design is arguably more complex, but contains the launch blast more efficiently. It can also apply the sound suppression system to better effect. (Plus I think it looks cooler! I wasn’t happy with the look of it previosuly).
Here are shots of the new design, showing it in Clear and Launch Ready configurations.
redesign of blast deflection shields
Building works on the new winged launch structure for Wideawake International is underway.
The complex will be built over the end of the launch runway. It will offer a final pre-launch observations and preperation staging area, UMMUFA passenger departure lounge, animated launch blast shields and possible night lighting. The animated blast shields and UMMUFA building will be a seperate vessel that can integrate into the standard launch structure via the scenario file.
Alongside this development comes a re-paved pre-launch area, corrections to beacon arrays, invisible landing pads for vessel placement and a few other tweaks and fixes to the base in general.
Here is a development pic of the launch structure so far. Visible is the basic staging area (to which the UMMU building will adjoin) and the transistion to the launch position. The blast door structure will be added to the far end of the building.
Here is a new dev pics of the blast shielding, in open and closed configuration. Also visible is the outline for the Launch Control and Passenger Terminal Building.
Further Update, after a lick of paint. The first test lauch.
