Drives and Controls

Structure Overview

Telescope Structure

The drives and controls system for the telescope structure comprise air-bearings to provide lift, structure drives for rotation, a pintle bearing assembly which contains an encoder for feedback control and a control system to control all these elements. The structure rotates in azimuth on the air-bearings and the pintle bearing assembly in the centre provides the radial constraint. The air bearings provide for shock-free rotation, thus maintaining mirror alignment. The absence of friction during rotation allows for easier and more accurate control of the structure.

Reutech Radar Systems is the supplier of the drive and control system. The design of the system is almost complete with the start of manufacturing being imminent.