Development of an alignment platform for ESO's mid-infrared E-ELT imager and spectrograph (METIS)

We present a solution to the challenges of interfacing the ELT’s METISto the telescope using a steerable hexapodstructure. To guide the architectural choices, lumped physical models were derived from inverse kinematicsin order to address the load distribution in each arm. Complete FE Analysis is carried on the optimal solutions of these models. The hexapodarms, which are high precision heavy duty linear actuatorsenduring forces in the excess of 30 tons, are designed using standard components whenever possible. An overall fully functional support structure design, satisfying the ESO/ELT and METISrequirements, is described.