Andrew's craft showcase / Midair Refueling Development Labs [Resurrected]

[andrew123]

I will try to see if there is any way to reinforce the aircraft docking port. My data will be implemented soon.

[xoknight]

Also maybe a guide would be great, like a net to funnel the docking port to the docking port.

Like this:

[andrew123]

As I have no way of confirming which aircraft caused the kraken, I will redesign the docking port on the plane. I could also add some lights, maybe for docking guides.

[xoknight]

Test flight results:

-nose heavy

-needs reinforcing on docking port

-heavy

-recommend having RCS thrusters to make small mid air adjustments

-part count is a bit high

-very fast

[andrew123]

Speed and stability were the original goals, but I will modify the airplane for those specific conditions. I will redesign the aircraft with these suggestion now, although part count may be a deadstop. (I will enjoy using the xonar dx sound card for my own docking attempts when it arrives).

My su 35 would go over 200 m/s at sea level. And that was without FAR.

Edited March 25, 2014 by andrew123

[KissSh0t]

I love air to air refueling... Some F-22 air to air refueling just for the sake of it~~

Do the two craft connect to each other like when docking with a space station?

[andrew123]

They do act like in outer space. We still require further development to make it practical and easily used by others.

[KissSh0t]

Are there any mods that will make craft fly indefinitely in a strait line if it has fuel and does not crash into the ground?

[xoknight]

Are there any mods that will make craft fly indefinitely in a strait line if it has fuel and does not crash into the ground?

I used mechjeb to "auto pilot" the tanker at a relative altitude of 2000 meters.

[xoknight]

Ok i'm trying a new boom design. I'm using toridal tanks as a spring to combat the speed differential of the two planes. The only flaw is that the spring could break.

[andrew123]

I am modifying the jet with a long boom docking system. Rcs is also being installed for use with asas.

[MedwedianPresident]

Hm...this is a very interesting concept. I recommend maybe using a junior on a structural stick?

And install the fuel node on the tanker to make the design more effective. Or do you install the fuel hose for refuelling your car INTO your automobile?

[Xaiier]

I figured why dock to refuel when you can land?

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Sadly I was never able to get a proper docking connection, probably due to how it was set up. Might try again later with the docking port on the front instead. After a while of fussing the plane's wings blew off randomly (the kraken likes attacking these things), so I then did some tests with the two platforms (I had them both up there because I forgot to delete the old version from the pad when I added ports so I launched them both, Mechjeb handled the control) where I discovered something interesting: the thrust of the first one was pushing back on the other one and keeping it at a limited distance, which could be both useful and annoying when trying to dock in midair.

It may be interesting to see how much using the engines as as a buffer zone could help this, as it would alleviate the main problem of matching throttles perfectly.

[Mareczex333]

Midair refueling is finally achieved. xoknight used my sr-72 in the first ever military refueling docking run.

He just docked (for few seconds).

It is big achievment, but still not refuelling

I'll try to record refuelling with no mods ;d

[Mareczex333]

I just did that! refuell in mid-air. Now i sent some photos and later you will see video ;d

[Mareczex333]

There you go:

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I was flying with it later, I decoupled and I tried to dock again, but it was hard (2 times i almost made it) but then i stopped, because i wanted to show you that ;d

(I don't know why kerbals cams are broken) ;/

Edited March 25, 2014 by Mareczex333

[xoknight]

Nice, it's always easier to control a small plane. Also those planes look cooooooooool.

[andrew123]

I am impressed. Time to modify the sr 72 into something better when time allows it now.

Also, I am giddy for my new sound card to arrive. Asus, you better not screw up with the xonar dx.

Marecez333 is hereby awarded the status of Kelly Johnson. Engineer with continuing vigor.

Edited March 25, 2014 by andrew123

[Mareczex333]

Flyight may look a little woobly, but it just look like that. Most of video is x4. I was flying very stable

Edited March 25, 2014 by Mareczex333

[andrew123]

I put the video in the op. I will attempt my own refueling with my plane, but refueling at hypersonic speed may be rather unusual.

[Mareczex333]

It's easier for me, because at highspeed plane is not changing it's flight direction so much, as at low speed ;d

[The Destroyer]

Marecz, you could've used precision controls

[Mareczex333]

Making plane smoother isn't best idea. Controls works with delay (acceleration of key is too slow). Best would be joystick or pad with analogs.

Also as I told, it just look shaky, but it was really stable flight. Just look at 1x moments (there are 3 of them in video). Whole flight was so stable as you see it at 1x.

Other thing is that pitching up/down boosts my speed a bit (infi-glide bug. I wish they will fix it someday), so I could use it to precise my speed. (Aircraft at this thrust level is a bit slower than Boeing, so I could control my speed very precisly.

To slow a bit I was stopping controlling my plane.

To slow more i tapped "1" to toggle engines

To accelerate i was pitching up and down. (it was boosting me by 5-10m/s)

Edited March 25, 2014 by Mareczex333

[Jeb Cubed]

Well done I still haven't had any luck

[andrew123]

Sr-72 goldbird a2a edition released. Part count is not light, but all requested changes except for speed have been made.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5sq5vaxet96n6be/Sr-72%20Goldbird%20A2A.craft

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I might play this song while docking:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMJou-idWC4

Am I a Halo universe junkie? I think the answer is obvious when you look at my craft collection. UNSC forever! And Parangosky!

Edited March 25, 2014 by andrew123