Custom heavy-duty handling system for the world’s largest radio telescope in the Chilean highlands
ALFATEC developed a tailor-made handling solution to meet the extreme environmental challenges at an altitude of 5,000 m – with absolute precision and maximum safety.

Multi-axis system: Custom solution for the ALMA telescope in Chile

An automated and customized linear guide system for lifting and positioning gigantic radio wave telescopes weighing several tons was developed and manufactured for extreme environmental conditions. The research association ESO (European Southern Observatory) operates the world’s largest radio wave telescope, ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter Array), on the Chajnantor plateau at an altitude of 5,000 meters.

Research at High Altitude: The ALMA Telescope

The Chajnantor plateau was selected for its exceptionally clear and dry air, offering optimal conditions for astronomical research. In an area with high earthquake risk, strong UV radiation, low oxygen levels, and other environmental challenges, the technology must perform reliably and safely. The desert climate is not only extreme due to its temperature fluctuations, ranging from -15 degrees to +30 degrees within 24 hours.

From the research station at 3,000 m elevation, the 66 radio telescopes must be transported across a rugged desert landscape with gravel roads and positioned with millimeter precision. Specifically, this means repeatedly lifting and transporting telescopes weighing 115 tons and measuring 12 meters in diameter. The task is carried out by two special transporters from Scheuerle Fahrzeugfabrik GmbH, each 20  meters long, 10  meters wide, and weighing 130  tons.

Technology that makes all the difference

The core of the system consists of two linear units mounted on either side of the transporter. They act as inclined elevators and allow the heavy antennas to be positioned in the center of the vehicle, thus keeping them balanced. The heavy-duty system consists of three main groups: The base frame, the guide profiles and the carriage.

Transport, lifting, positioning – all from a single source

Designed as a truss structure, the robust steel frame is angled at 15° and securely bolted to the vehicle chassis. Two guide profiles are bolted to the left and right of the steel structure. The carriage runs on eight tandem rollers in guide profiles, which are fitted with 16 mammoth rollers with a diameter of 280 millimeters. The mammoth rollers are lifted with flat cylinders to relieve the load on the rollers during travel and to secure them in the event of vibrations and earthquakes. The carriage is driven by two double-acting cylinders. The pulling cylinders can perform a stroke of 5.1 meters and move the 115-ton radio wave telescopes at a speed of around 5 meters per minute.