VST project: mechanical design optimization

The VLT Survey Telescope (VST) is a cooperative program between the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the INAF Capodimonte Astronomical Observatory (OAC), Naples, for the study, design, and realization of a 2.6-m wide-field optical imaging telescope to be operated at the Paranal Observatory, Chile. The VST has been specifically designed to carry out stand-alone observations in the UV to I spectral range and to supply target databases for the ESO Very Large Telescope (VLT). The telescope design, manufacturing and integration are responsibility of TWG and have been carried out on the base of a model of optimized design not only for mechanics but for all telescope subsystems. The paper is an overview on the telescope mechanical design and optimization.