Photo – Page 44 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

ALMA antennas and Front End Service Vehicle

Front End Service truck rises to repair antennas

The Front End Service Vehicle raises 20 feet high to service a 12-meter Japanese ALMA telescope in the active array at 16,500 feet elevation in northern Chile. The FESV is based on the design of an airline catering truck. It is 36 feet long, 8 feet wide, and weighs 26 tons and has a cargo hold that can keep receiver cryogenics cold and safe.

Maintenance Truck Arriving for Duty

A 12-meter European ALMA telescope sits behind the Technical Facility at the ALMA Operations Support Facility in northern Chile. The Front End Service Vehicle, whose back end can elevate to 20-feet, drives toward the facility.

ALMA antenna and Front End Service Vehicle

Tight shot of elevated Front End Service Vehicle

The Front End Service Vehicle raises 20 feet high to service a 12-meter North American ALMA telescope. The FESV is based on the design of an airline catering truck. It is 36 feet long, 8 feet wide, and weighs 26 tons and has a cargo hold that can keep receiver cryogenics cold and safe.

Maintenance Vehicle that caters to all antenna sizes

The Front End Service Vehicle raises 20 feet high to service a 7-meter Japanese ALMA telescope. The FESV is based on the design of an airline catering truck. It is 36 feet long, 8 feet wide, and weighs 26 tons and has a cargo hold that can keep receiver cryogenics cold and safe.The vehicle can perform tasks on all three ALMA antennas.

ALMA Front End Service Vehicle and Transporter

ALMA’s Innovative Vehicles

The Front End Service Vehicle parked beside an ALMA Transporter in the Transporter Garage at the ALMA Operations Support Facility in northern Chile. These vehicles and their twins are uniquely designed for servicing the needs of the various ALMA telescopes.

ALMA Antennas from Japan

Two Japanese, 12-meter ALMA telescopes observing as a combined pair for the first time in the testing area of the ALMA Operations Support Facility in northern Chile.

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