[Damned Robotics + MechJeb] Gunnel STS. Updated with sexier boosters!

[Kristian]

Of the two spaceplanes I\'ve created, this is by far the hugely overdesigned one.

The shuttle itself features two oversized engine pods on which are mounted the two SSMEs. These must be manually gimbaled in order to counter the off-set centre of gravity.

Beware - this monstrosity will give you a hard time. I am not liable for any rage induced damage caused to your hardware and/or (but must likely and) the rapid decay of your mental wellness.

(Updated) screenshot time!

At launchpad:

Ascent:

Liquid booster separation:

Please note that the separation must only be executed once thrust has been completely cut, otherwise you\'ll have no time to re-gimbal the engines to intersect with the new COG.

After booster separation, SSMEs re-gimbaled:

External tank separation:

MECO:

Free from the last structural strain!

Häpp!

[the_bT]

This is...

I don\'t even...

I was really puzzled about the boosters until I noticed they have 3 engines each ;D

Also, I always wondered how well Damned Robotics would work for shifting center of thrust on such asymmetrical designs.

Is there any way to get it exactly right or do you just eyeball it while coasting?

[Kristian]

I really wish there was some way to accurately calculate the gimbal angles - but as it stands now, you\'re pretty much left with guessing and correcting.

Although the process is certainly easier if you start of with very little thrust. MechJeb is the key to determining how much the nozzles whould be angled - if it wants to pitch up, press 0 and vice versa.

Also, I just noticed it is impossible to land. I\'ll probably just slap some canards to it, although I suspect it may behave better with a shallower reentry angle.

[Thobewill10]

Dude, that\'s brilliant-looking. Bravo.

[drwolf]

epic.

[Lodvib]

It just flips over and explode

Not enough thrust on the boosters.

somthing must be wrong on my side...

[Kristian]

You do have to adjust the gimbal angle yourself, you know. Keys 9 and 0 (non-keypad) pivots the engines inwards and outwards, respectively.

[gmpd2000]

It Doesn't Work on .16

[jamieadd]

Awesome, but does the manual thrust gimbal angle actually affect the flight of the shuttle?