Mk16 and Mk16 XL parachutes?

[AletzN1]

I recently noted that both of the Mk16 and Mk16 XL parachutes have the same stats (apart from mass)

Is there any actual diferences between them?

Edited August 1, 2013 by AletzN1

[astropapi1]

The drogue chute (orange) opens much higher in the atmosphere and helps you slow down. The other one (blue) acts just like the other parachutes, with lots of drag when fully deployed.

[tavert]

Just mass. The way drag currently works in KSP, including for parachutes, is by multiplying the each part's drag coefficient (so 0.2 for most parts, much higher for deployed parachutes) by its mass. So if you have more mass of parachutes, when they're deployed your mass-weighted-average drag coefficient for the entire craft will be higher, meaning your terminal velocity will be lower.

[annallia]

The drogue chute (orange) is the MK-25 not the 16XL

That said the two are the same, the only difference is their size which gives the larger one a more aesthetic look when attached to larger modules than the small one would.

[Frederf]

Not so. 0.2 drag x 1.0 mass = 0.2 dragforce. 0.2 drag x 0.1 mass = 0.02 dragonforce.

[astropapi1]

The drogue chute (orange) is the MK-25 not the 16XL

That said the two are the same, the only difference is their size which gives the larger one a more aesthetic look when attached to larger modules than the small one would.

Oops... I'm really bad with names.

[Aqua667]

I'm pretty sure the XL would be worse off because it has a higher mass, making your vessel weight a little bit more. It says something about structural integrity too, so they might make it easier to break/less G-force tolerant in the furture.

[saik0]

I'm pretty sure the XL would be worse off because it has a higher mass, making your vessel weight a little bit more. It says something about structural integrity too, so they might make it easier to break/less G-force tolerant in the furture.

In KSP, unlike reality, drag is proportional to mass. So more mass == more drag, and drag is what parachutes "use" to slow you down. As an aside, this handy calculator can help you figure out what your total chute mass should be.

[AletzN1]

Thanks for the quick response!