#49 - Space Shuttle Buran Wing Protective Shield

Enormous wing protective shield for the elevon of the space shuttle Buran. Heavy shield measures 21 x 34.5 and is one of 16 sections that would have been used on the trailing edge of the wing. These plates of protection move along a ‘rail’ on a carriage and a roller connected to the traction system of the elevon. This mechanism ensured optimum protection as well as a synchronous movement between the elevons and the plates of protection except on the slit along the contour of the wing where the plasma can infiltrate. Shield is attached to a vertical display stand with a descriptive plaque affixed to the base. Two Burans were manufactured and prepared for launch, but after a single unpiloted orbital mission, and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the program was canceled. Any space relic of this size from the Buran program is very difficult to obtain. RR Auction COA.