Clamp-o-tron shielded docking port drag

[lajoswinkler]

It has the same drag (0.25) as the normal port, making it just a nice looking, but heavier docking port with 400 °C more resistance to heating. It would be more realistic and more useful if it had drag in 0.1-0.15 range.

[Master Tao]

Can you try this test? Launch this craft from the VAB, then see which SRB flies higher. Both have the same mass, with one having a battery as extra mass. Then try it again with the heat shield open.

Also, moved to Gameplay Questions.

[NathanKell]

the old minimum and maximum drag values in part.cfgs (or in moduleparachute or moduleresourceintake) do literally nothing. Ignore them.

[lajoswinkler]

OK, so I've tried the Master Tao's experiment with one more added variable.

The booster with its shield opened is much slower than the others.

The booster with a naked docking port is slightly slower than the shielded one.

Opened shield is way down below, and these two run the race.

It would be much better if it was even more aerodynamic.

[Claw]

Yes, please ignore all "Drag" values that are displayed in the editors. They are old values (that can still be activated via the debug menu), but do not affect the new aero system in any way.

Nice testing lajoswinkler

Cheers,

~Claw

[lajoswinkler]

So all of those numbers are completely meaningless and aren't used in any equation? I guess figuring out if something will be aerodynamic enough is common sense from now on. Hopefully those numbers will be removed from the editor information boxes.

[moogoob]

I suppose you could use a disposable nosecone/decoupler assembly on a normal docking port...

[lajoswinkler]

Yes, but that doesn't look that good.