Digital model of the Apollo hatch gear box (exploded and assembled).
The handle and gear box would allow astronauts to lock or unlock the Apollo side hatch. The gear box also allowed latch operation
from the outside. While on the launch pad, the gear box would also activate a plunger to unlatch the Boost Protective Cover hatch.
Exploded view video shows disassembly of major components.
Inset photo shows the Apollo 11 hatch gear box at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
Also see the Apollo hatch model, and a physical model of an Apollo hatch latch..
Modeled using SolidWorks; based on dimensioned North American Aviation engineering drawings.
For more information on our exhibit design technique:
