A short scheduled 3 day shutdown in early September was used for 'bird's head' lock maintenance and investigation. This is the first time since the telescope was assembled that the locks have been disassembled. Custom handling equipment was designed and fabricated to permit removal of the 400 kg locking segments. This equipment worked extremely well. We also purchased a special 3-man 'basket' with dedicated safety harnesses for work around the top of the telescope.
Maintenance however is still very crane- intensive.
During this shutdown we were able to service only one of 4 segments in 3 days. Several of 14 wear plates associated with the SE segment showed signs of heavy wear and cracking. Guide bolts were of non- uniform size. Damaged wear plates were replaced. Guide bolts on all 4 segments were inspected and undersized bolts were fitted with precision sleeves.