Saturn V Instrument Unit

The Saturn V Instrument Unit is a ring-shaped structure fitted to the top of the Saturn V rocket's third stage (S-IVB) and the Saturn IB's second stage (S-IVB). It was immediately below the SLA panels that contain the Lunar Module. The Instrument Unit contains the guidance system for the Saturn V rocket. Some of the electronics contained within the Instrument Unit are a digital computer, analog flight control computer, emergency detection system, inertial guidance platform, control accelerometers and control rate gyros. NASA's subcontractor for the Instrument Unit was International Business Machines (IBM).

Instrument Unit Specifications

• Diameter: 21.7 ft (6.6 m)
• Height: 3 ft (914 mm)
• Weight empty: 500 lb (227 kg)
• Weight assembled:4,400 lb (1996 kg)