pushback

[Ojimak]

For those who don't know what a pushback is, it's this:

My Kerbalized take on it:

Javascript is disabled. View full album

Ever wanted to push/pull your aircraft around so they can be oriented correctly in hangars or be launched from a different location, or just look awesomer? I know I wanted to, especially with the island hangars. To use the tractor, retract the gear, pack up so that the aircraft-to-be-moved's landing gear is in the slot, extend the gear, and start driving. It's generally recommended that the aircraft-to-be-pulled's brakes and SAS are off when towing. Maximum speed is around 18 m/s with the Aeris 3A. Larger aircraft = slower speed probably. Be careful on turns or you might flip and be careful when slowing down or the aircraft's momentum might carry it straight through the rover. If the rover does flip, the reaction wheel should allow it to flip itself over again, but not always. Includes lights for night-time use.

Download

Edited November 6, 2013 by Ojimak

[Save Ferris]

Interesting concept! For my planes, I just slap some RCS on for easy reverse movement, but this is a more realistic - and interesting - option! Kudos!

[Ojimak]

Yeah, I don't like how RCS thrusters/tanks look on wing tips, and even if you part clip them in, you only have a finite amount of fuel. A pushback with electric motors and RTGs allows for infinite usage, or at least until you accidentally destroy it.

-Ojimak

oh, and thanks!

[Ojimak]

So I added some parachutes and flew one of these over to the island using my cargo VTOL, and it worked/works/is working like a charm, other than one minor collision.

Javascript is disabled. View full album

I forgot to mention this earlier, but the root part of the vessel is actually the docking port clipped into the probe core, making it extremely convenient for use as a subassembly as well as enabling the rover to lift and drive craft that have underbelly docking ports.

-Ojimak

I once again must highlight the importance of turning off the brakes and SAS of the vessel being towed. Brakes on = no movement, SAS on = steers like a dead cow.

(not sure if this merited a double post; oh well)

Edited November 6, 2013 by Ojimak

[Jetenginestar]

Good job mate, it managed to push back the 747 and align it

Tough if it bumped the aircraft to quickly, the entire aircraft would flip backwards and crash it's tail

[Ojimak]

Tough if it bumped the aircraft to quickly, the entire aircraft would flip backwards and crash it's tail

Yeah, the landing gear part-colliders act very interestingly. Nice job parking that, I haven't actually tried using it on large aircraft yet (proceeds to design a new large aircraft solely to for the purpose of parking it).

-Ojimak

[Jeb Cubed]

I made one of these a while back but it was a proof of consept more or less and was glichy as the kraken attacks. This one is alot better than mine.

[fireflybuzzbuzz]

Made one to pull my shuttles back into the hangar, couldn't have done it without KAS though. Well done!