Framatome ANP - AREVA

Flying RV Head MeetsTight Schedule1. The Russian-operatedAntonov 124 arrived inRichmond, Virginia, USA,shortly after 1 a.m. onDecember 17, 2002 with thenew reactor vessel headbound for DominionEnergy’s North Anna Unit 2nuclear power station.122. A system of cablesattached to a skid steadiesthe vessel head as it slowlymoves along rails extendingfrom the Antonov’s cargobay. A crew of some 25technicians and engineersfrom 3 countries worked asa team to remove the vesselhead from the Antonov.3. The vessel head movesslowly beneath the raisednose cone of the Antonov,capable of carrying up to132 tons.344. The heavy duty cranecarefully swings into positionto receive its payload once ithas cleared the Antonov.Every movement of the vesselhead from cargo bay toground transport wasmethodical and required morethan five hours to complete.5. Once clear of the Antonov,the crane hoists the 72.5ton vessel head into positionabove the ground transport.566. The vessel head is securedonto the transport for the finalleg of its journey to NorthAnna nuclear power stationabout 50 miles away nearLouisa, Virginia. It made thejourney at night to avoid tyingup traffic.Advanced Nuclear Power N O 7 April 2003 13