VSS 002 Space Carrier - Part 11

Bulkheads and Launch Tubes

Welcome again to the eleventh segment of building the VSS 002. There are several kinds of bulkheads being used for this project. Some are for strictly aesthetic purposes, but most function a vital role for structural support. The most important bulkheads will be used to support the top hull. In a standard VSS, the top hull would be the flight deck made using MDF wood. With 002 the top hull is not the flight deck. The top hull is an actual hull and the flight deck is supported on it. There are also smaller bulkheads throughout the ship. These will serve both an aesthetic and functional role. Aesthetically they will help visualize that the VSS 002 is a military spaceship, and function for supporting the ceiling and serve as mounting points for attaching shelving, tables, and equipment. And still another type of bulkhead will be located in the walkway section. These will have a strong sci-fi look. ​And still another type of bulkhead will be located in the walkway section. These will have a strong sci-fi look. 

Around the decks, along the walls there will also be frames and greebles. The walls themselves will have a layer of greebles, and around doors, hatches, and windows will be a reinforced frame.

Along the port and starboard sides there will be launch tubes. Two, in fact, one on each side. These launch tubes are designed for the Cobra Stiletto.

Bulkhead Challenge

To support the new top hull a system of supports needs to be created. Unlike the standard flight deck which functions as the top hull by resting directly on the walls, the new top hull will be made of several smaller tiles of wood and ABS. These tiles will connect like a puzzle. To give strength each tile will be reinforced by a 3D printed beam. The beams will crisscross all over the top hull functioning as a joist. To further give strength and help prevent sagging, bulkheads will be strategically positioned supporting the joists.