Saturn V Lunar Module Adapter Solution?

[Craig381]

The Saturn V Lunar Module Adapter fairings in the mods I am using is a 4 part de-coupler that simply flys away when staged.

(so the command module can pull away. turn around and capture the LM)

Is there any way to have the Lunar Module Adapter fairings fold back 30-40 deg (like on hinges in real life) so that they stay attached to the 3rd stage?

 

Craig

[JEB'S DESTINY]

With the stock game, no (unless there is some way which I don't know about, which is very unlikely). But with some mods, you can like Bluedog Design Bureau and KW Rocketry.

[Capt. Hunt]

Actually, in real life, the Saturn V did use fully jettisoning panels.  They originally planned to use hinged petals, but when tested on Apollo 7, one of them failed to open fully.  If that had happened on a moon mission, it might have damaged the LM, or even prevented the crew from being able to extract it from the SLA, so NASA switched to the fully jettisoned design.

Edited February 18, 2018 by Capt. Hunt