Animated Inflatable HeatShield

[DennyTX]

well, i'm found the games with animation interesting last week and decided to do something

reference -

next to do

will such device be interesting to the community, or must remain as training?

[NoMrBond]

Inflatable habitats (ground or orbital), headshields and flotation devices are pretty popular, I don't think you'll have any trouble finding takers for those kind of parts.

[Tommygun]

I would like to see more of them in the game.

It would be nice to have some in different sizes, from a probe size of 0.625m up to 3.75m for HAB units.

I guess you could have one model with different part files for different sizes?

[Voidryder]

Would definitely download.

[sumghai]

I'm definitely interested in something like this!

Just wondering, DennyTX, what software are you using to model the inflatable heat shield? I've attempted mesh deformations in Blender before, but apparently KSP doesn't like that sort of animation. Have you figured out a workaround?

[Neutrinovore]

I don't know if you're aware of it, but there was an old mod out there (that probably died along with SpacePort) that was exactly this, inflatable heatshields. It was 'Planetes Corporation' I believe. You may still be able to find some info by searching this forum.

Update: Lol, okay, so you DO know about it!

I'm glad to see this concept revived. I liked the Planetes parts in most respects, but the colors were horrible, and they just looked really cartoony to me. But if DennyTX is working on them, I know that they'll look awesomely realistic when finished.

Edited June 26, 2014 by Neutrinovore

[ABZB]

Oooh yes - I love those - I still use some from that, whose .cfgs I updated. I can't wait to see what you will make.

If I may suggest - I would love an inflatable/retractable heatshield that I could deploy around inline engines, then retract - for example, this could be used for landing and then taking off from eve - otherwise the not-as-good radial engines, as well asside mounts for inline engines are simpler in that I can protect them with, say, the regular inflatable heatshield (that goes from 3.75 stowed to 6.25 expanded) - and guarantee that I have something to take off with.

I am picturing some kind of retractable cone that extends and snaps shut (kind of a reverse fairing).

Edited June 26, 2014 by Specialist290
Removing link to illicit mod repository.

[dlrk]

I'd love an inflatable heatshield like the Planetes one!

The retractable cone shield sounds cool, as well.

[YANFRET]

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY

( Sold )

PS Great timing

[Taki117]

Can I has? Seriously, DRE is the only mod with a worth while inflatable shield, so these would be welcome.

[Helix935]

I Want That even though i don't use DRE, just to look cool

[Tidus Klein]

Reactive heat shields are a must... IMO one that could expand and then retract for aero brake maneuvers would be a god send

[7499275]

I would be interested as well, depending on how you pack it up before expansion. I don't like using DR heat shields for the simple fact they are too bulky in weight but also add a lot of drag onto the vehicle because my designs are never perfectly linear.

[Helix935]

hmm have you looked into what dtobi is making/showing in the Deployable Airbags thread...

http://imgur.com/a/4Oxrf

[wasmic]

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONKEY

( Sold )

PS Great timing

FTFY. Anyway, Denny, that looks awesome.

[Helix935]

i would still loe to use this thing especially with the deformations

[Kerbal01]

Would love to use, especially if they came in different sizes.