Missle Platform

[iwishiknew]

I am working on building a ground-based missle platform that I can roll around Kerban and shoot at things defend the homefront with. I have a few issues though. First is piloting the missles. My first attempt was remote control pieces on front of each missle and I'd do "Control from here" before launching them. This didn't work out because I would remain in control of the platform as soon as I launched the missle, and by the time I could click on the missle it'd already slammed into the ground.

My next attempt was to try different missle types. SRBs and MFB didn't work either. I then switched to manned kamakazie missles piloted by brave Kerbalnauts. While they all survived the 2 second fight from the platform into the ground, they also couldn't pilot the missles. Am I doing something wrong with trying to control these? They all have wings and control surfaces and yet it still doesn't work.

Secondly, what's the easiest way to rotate a ship piece, such as an SRB, to a 45 degree angel?

Edited August 6, 2013 by iwishiknew

[Cashen]

I can help with the rotation piece. If you hold SHIFT and then use the rotation buttons in the VAB you can rotate by small increments, I think 5 degrees at a time.

[Synapse]

You need to press [ or ] to switch to the missile probe core. "Control from here" just aligns the navball

[iwishiknew]

I thought I had tried shift, maybe not though. I'll try it again, thanks.

As for using [ or ], that doesn't work. I've tried it both before and after launch and neither of them puts me on the missle.

[Nostrix]

These [ and ] should work, does it switch to something nearby.? Or do you get the error that there is nothing to switch too.?

The only reason I can think of that you wouldnt be able to control it, is that there is nothing to control. No probe core / capsule. I thought about no power. But then you would still be able to "View" your missile as though you were in control.

[iwishiknew]

It did switch me to the holding towers from a previous rocket launch, but a few well aimed car wrecks removed those. Maybe I need to reset my controls to default, as I did attempt a joy stick option.

[iwishiknew]

Okay, a full reset to default controls seemed to have worked. I appreciate your help, now it's time to learn how to build a controllable missle.

[Nostrix]

Good to hear. ( Superb control: 2x 4 symmetrical RCS thrusters and Winglets on the back. Now all you need is enough fuel to get to your target .. )

[Captain Sierra]

You can of course do stock missiles (I use the new inline rockomax probe engine w/3 oscar tanks) or you can opt for something like Lazor Guided Weapons (which does what the name implies).

[iwishiknew]

I only use stock parts. Currently I have a set up of 2x4 RCS 4-way thrusters and 2x4 RCS 1-way thrusters attached to a tank with a vectoring engine. Gets pretty good, I just need to work on my accuracy. I'm launching them from the rocket platform currently and destroying my missle platform, and now I'm actually getting close.