Planes are faster when launching vertically than when launching horizontally

[Jason_25]

Planes are faster at high altitude when launching vertically than when taking off from the runway.  This happens when launching with launch clamps from the runway.  I have not tested whether launch clamps themselves or the vertical nature of the "flight mode" as far as the game is concerned is to blame.  I also have not tested if this happens when just launching vertically from the runway or also when launching vertically from a launch pad.  What is clear is that the lift to drag ratio is noticeably different in both flight regimes.  My test vehicle was seeing about .600 lift to drag and at high speed high altitude after vertical launch compared to about .450 at high speed high altitude after runway launch.

I also noticed that aerodynamic changes are meaningless when launched from the runway.  The same 950mps brick wall was being hit regardless of aero changes like the addition of nosecones.  When launched vertically these changes are quite noticeable.  The combination of aero modifications and the vertical launch caused the vehicle to hit about 1100mps instead of 950mps.  I have tested with a totally different high speed vehicle with a different wing with similar results.  I have ruled out any changes like speed or extra fuel from the vertical boost rockets and in fact this happens even with a vehicle that does not require boosters to lift off vertically.  If this is confusing and inconsistent it is because I have scrambled myself with so much testing and retesting.

This along with other design issues was driving me crazy for the past 2 days before I figured it out.

[DerkyJerkyWreaksHavoc]

Its the Kraken... IT. NEVER. DIES.

Spoiler

 

Edited April 4, 2023 by DAFATRONALDO2007 IN SPACE

[scrumpie]

I wanna name this bug, "Optimal plane flight oversite" (OPFO) It sounds cool. Too bad the developers fix bugs before they even. Nice job, but now all the cool bug names are gone. (Not even a downside)