The VERITAS telescopes will be based on the same design as the Whipple
10m optical reflector but will have some significant differences. A
range of possible variations in the initial specifications of critical
parameters (aperture, f/number, wind loading, storm survival,
stiffness, etc.) were evaluated by the engineering firm, Simpson,
Gumpertz and Heger (SG&H). This firm was also responsible for the
design and construction of the current 10m telescope.
On the basis of their study, it was determined that an OSS of trussed
steel of 10m aperture and 12m focal length (f/1.2) could be
designed to match commercially available positioners. They confirmed
that a telescope with f/1.2 optics can be constructed locally from
standard materials to meet our final design specifications. Mirror
alignment accuracy can be held to an angular accuracy of 0.01
.
Effects due to gravitational slumping during slewing will be less than
2.2mm on the camera face; wind distortions will be less than 2mm up
to 30m.p.h.. Slew speed can be as high as 1
per second on
both axes. The total weight of the OSS, mirrors, counterweights and
the detector is estimated to be 35,000lb. Commercially available
positioners from radio and radar antenna manufacturers, e.g., from
Scientific-Atlanta, Vertex or RSI can meet the required
specifications.