dsc43682.jpg

View of the intertank structure bolting to the Y-ring on the forward end of the fuel tank.

Picture 2 of 2.

There are 216 fittings which mechanically mated the intertank to the Y-ring. Boeing evaluated a 3" wide adhesive tape to seal the gaps between the interank and the Y-ring, subjecting the tape to temperatures down to -250°F and to an air stream velocity of 30 psi for a period of 150 seconds, to verify that it could retain a seal at temperatures expected after LOX loading and wind loads during flight. While the tape was found to be effective, the report did not state whether it was put to use on flight stages.