Those Takeuchi/T in a Circle Moon Domes (top) have thrown up another mystery: just where did that chequered 'Finish Line' -type banding come from? Above you can see it on the nose of PROBE FORCE 1 and simililarly on three small tank missiles. There are many more examples.Can anyone help?
You mean like this:
ReplyDeletehttp://webzoom.freewebs.com/cafcorsair/VMF312.html
Checkerboard patterns are a common feature in aviation.
i think the chequs are designed to show the rate of spin on a guided missile
ReplyDeleteSo why on top of domes as well? A hazard? The chequers seem to always be on the tips/tops of things. Like a white hanky on a long vehicle load! There must be an official NASA name for this chequerboard?
ReplyDeleteIt's called a checkerboard pattern in the aviation manuals I looked at online, and yeah, one official use would be to make an aviation hazard like a roof or a water tower more visible. Apparently, one name for the stripe is a Sillitoe Tartan, but that's in a different context. I haven't been able to find any official aerospace name for it…but I've only just realized the pattern is right there on the Saturn V! I've been looking at pictures like these for years and never noticed…
ReplyDeleteSillitoe Tartan! I love it! Found this 'origin' reference but it's about Racing and not Space Travel. Not sure if it helps us?
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racing_flags#Origins_of_the_checkered_flag
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