[MechJeb2] How to land a Spaceplane?

[SpaceLaunchSystem]

I use MechJeb a lot, but I am quite confused at how to use the Spaceplane Guidance. Whenever I try to use it, it always crashes the spaceplane.

[Dr. Jet]

Either DON'T use FAR/NEAR or land by hands. Current spaceplane landing sequence is incapable of safe landing with aerodynamic mods installed. And noone in MJ team is currently working on better algorithm.

[Capt. Hunt]

I've had some luck with it. It works better in powered landings. I have found it easier though to just go in hands on. Just use the ILS guidance.

[1of6Billion]

AFAIK, you should line up your plane yourself and approach at the right height. When all that is OK, it can land automatically.

[SpaceLaunchSystem]

Hmmm...First of all, I am not using FAR or NEAR, and I am not particularly good at landing a spaceplane by hand. Can anyone recommend a mod thad has even a half-decent spaceplane guidance?

[Wanderfound]

Hmmm...First of all, I am not using FAR or NEAR, and I am not particularly good at landing a spaceplane by hand. Can anyone recommend a mod thad has even a half-decent spaceplane guidance?

Nope; there isn't one, although mods like DaMichel's Kerbal Flight Indicators that provide a HUD make it easier. Just plant your prograde marker on the end of the runway and cruise in.

But it's not too hard; you just need to learn to fly. See post #2 in the Kerbodyne thread linked below. It's written for FAR, but the same basic techniques work in stock.

If you're having trouble building something flyable, see https://www.dropbox.com/s/lbnz9s8k9h7gwgb/Kerbodyne%20Benchmark%20StockAir.craft?dl=0 for an easy stock aero trainer.

Edited November 7, 2014 by Wanderfound

[Stavell]

Also adjust your center of lift slightly forward of cog (for a slower landing speed). center of lift aft of COG will mean you'll need more speed to keep from stalling and can make it harder to get a good touchdown. As said before mechjeb is better at powered landings I have found with a COL forward of the COG that 6 degree glide slope works well. and kill the throttle when your just short of the runway.

Edited November 7, 2014 by Stavell