There are 4 bearings on each altitude disc. 2 on the radius surface and 2 on the flat surfaces. The shoe surface is made out of solid bronze to eliminate any possibility of galling. These bearings were a new concept for this size of instrument and it was exciting to see them perform flawlessly. It is quite amazing that you could actually move this 300,000 pound instrument with your forefinger as there is no friction whatsoever. I found myself doing this from time to time just to experience this.
Altitude disc flat surface bearing
Altitude disc radius surface bearing
Center section azimuth bearings
Altitude disc bearings mounted in place. Notice the full drip pan that contains and
channels excess lube oil back to the system chiller and hydraulic power-unit.
