Based on some of my other photos that are similarly numbered, along with what I’ve visually determined to be the same stage, and predicated upon the below linked sites having the correct information, this would be S-IV-9, the second stage of the SA-9 Saturn I (Block II) being loaded into a Pregnant Guppy cargo transport aircraft at Mather Air Force Base, California…which would be October 1964. The second stage was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Company, Seal Beach, California.
I think...maybe...the white cylindrical object to be an air conditioning, desiccant or over-pressure unit used during transit of the/an S-IV stage. Or not. I have no idea what the various manner of instrumentation are in and on the red rack/enclosure to its left.
Rabbit hole warning: Note what I think to be the shadow of the photographer taking this photograph, to include that of his tripod-mounted camera, which looks to be equipped with its circular flash gun.
Reasonable to assume the lengthy shadows to be that of sunrise? I know I’d want to load the aircraft during daylight hours, with what I’d expect to be some close tolerances.
A really nice & rare photograph…great angle/perspective & detail/resolution.
secure.boeingimages.com/C.aspx?VP3=DamView&WS=SearchR...
"Credit": Greedy Bastards website
www.tumblr.com/lonestarflight/764783340105646080/the-s-iv...
Credit: user “lonestarflight”/tumblr
www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag/saturn-s-iv/
Credit: "THIS DAY IN AVIATION" website
