square panels on soyuz launcher

[ambrous]

What are those black squares on the Russian Soyuz launchers. There are four of them near the top of the rocket.

 

[davf]

Thought a pic might be handy here...<br /><br />These were taken on the Soyuz on display in Leninsk. They are mounted at the descent module - equipment module junction: during an escape only the top two modules of the Soyuz spacecraft are pulled free. After being pulled away, the descent module then drops out from the shroud in the, hopefully, free and clear.<br /><br />These 'egg-crate' stabilizers were also used on the N-1 as well as numerous other Soviet / Russian missiles.

 

[silylene old]

I learn something new every day! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature" align="center"><em><font color="#0000ff">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</font></em> </div><div class="Discussion_UserSignature" align="center"><font color="#0000ff"><em>I really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function.</em></font> </div> </div>

 

[davf]

<img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> You have got to be kidding me! LOL! Hey, do I LOOK like a modeller? <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> Looks like a good upgrade for the RealSpace Models Soyuz-TM adapter for the Apex 1/144, though... to cut out all of those sections of the framework and glue them together. IMPS would be proud! <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> <br /><br />Seriously... I did come across a proper name once but it escapes me. No idea who invented it... probably someone at TsAGi takes credit.

 

[duress]

They're obviously not too worried about drag. Might as well have a Deck-Chair while they're at it.