plane landing computer

[quasarrgames]

So, i'd like a mod that will allow a plane to (if it's close enough) glide to and land on the runway (or some other flat ground).

For instance, say i wanted to recreate virgin galactic:

Once the shuttle got to space, the plane would disappear. We could assume that it was recovered, but i want something that would actually glide the plane back to its landing spot and land it.

If you're wondering, i want to do something like this on eve, and i want the plane to launch from an ore refinery to the upper atmo, release a shuttle, then glide back on its own (it would be such a pain to have to hyperedit a new one there every launch).

Would this be possible? How hard would it be? Would anyone be willing to make it?

[bartof]

So, i'd like a mod that will allow a plane to (if it's close enough) glide to and land on the runway (or some other flat ground).

For instance, say i wanted to recreate virgin galactic:

http://pop.h-cdn.co/assets/15/07/1600x800/landscape_1423774375-screen_shot_2015-02-12_at_35225_pm.png

Once the shuttle got to space, the plane would disappear. We could assume that it was recovered, but i want something that would actually glide the plane back to its landing spot and land it.

If you're wondering, i want to do something like this on eve, and i want the plane to launch from an ore refinery to the upper atmo, release a shuttle, then glide back on its own (it would be such a pain to have to hyperedit a new one there every launch).

Would this be possible? How hard would it be? Would anyone be willing to make it?

OT but - if u are looking for landing computer for rockets, try mechjeb. After you decouple, switch to that part, set autolanding, switch back to highest stage. Mechjeb will land in background in real time. Also looks cool.

As for a plane - HOLD ON im testing right now

[bartof]

So I've tested mechjeb. It cannot handle turning planes in atmosphere well - wobble a lot, doesnt control throttle, doesnt brake, only controls steering + gear. I think writing such plane landing computer will be extremly hard because of aero forces. If we could edit mechjeb plane landing autopilot behaviour to somehow turn mostly by rolling it might work?

EDIT: Mechjeb allows landing only on KSP and grass field. Definetly likes long planes, less wobble. No possibility to choose other landing spots (like eve).

Edited July 14, 2015 by bartof
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[hab136]

Take a look at Flight Manager for Reusable Stages, it lets you fly both parts of the plane.

(As an alternate, StageRecovery would automatically recover it)

If you want help with the flying, Pilot Assistant is pretty good.