F-1 Engine Nozzle Extension

When I toured MSFC in fall of 2008, I noticed a fairly nice-looking F-1 engine (along with a nozzle extension and spare F-1 engine nozzle extension handling fixture).

These engine components were next to Building 4205 (the southwest corner of the building has a "4205" sign; although the southeast corner had a "4211" sign, I'm certain that 4211 is just a bay in Building 4205), also known as the Propulsion Research Development Lab. One bay in the building housed a plywood and PVC pipe full-scale mockup of the Ares I frustum, interstage, and aft end of the second stage; the mockup is used to verify that the components can be serviced in the VAB or on the pad. After the tour guide was done giving his presentation, I excused myself and photographed the F-1.

This nozzle extension from F-1 rocket engine F-5034. Alan Lawrie tells me that F-5034 was the spare engine assigned to S-IC-5 (from Apollo 10). F-5036, originally installed in the stage, was removed and F-5034 was installed in its place; F-5034 ultimately went on to power the Apollo 10 mission. During the swap-out, the crew apparently retained F-5036's nozzle extension and installed it on F-5034, leaving F-5034's extension behind for us to enjoy today.

Some time circa October 2009, this nozzle extension and F-1 engine F-4023 were mated and erected as a display in front of a building at Marshall.

Most F-1 engines are displayed with their nozzle extensions installed (although I understand that the New Mexico Museum of Space History, which I have not yet visited, displays their F-1 with the nozzle extension separated from the engine). Along with F-1 engine F-6045 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center (which is displayed with no nozzle extension), this presents a rare opportunity to see details of the nozzle extension not normally visible.

I have a page with additional photos and information about the nozzle extension with its G4080 handling fixture.