So... Spaceplane Plus is added to the game!

[Sky_walker]

http://kerbaldevteam.tumblr.com/

Oh, I also wrapped up a deal with Porkjet to add a modified version of Spaceplane Plus to the base game. This mod not only fits the aesthetic of the game perfectly but tackles parts that needed to be remade and did so in the best way possible.

Sounds awesome, doesn't it?

I'm not really a spaceplane guy but I am very excited to finally, after all that wait, get a cargo bay (confirmed). Oh, and I so very much want that cockpit in a stock game! hehehehe With a bit of luck we might get a nav lights... though they're not a part in S+ so my hope might be in vain... anyway:

Looks like we'll finally be able to reproduce a space shuttle mission without resorting to some obscure hackarounds like using docking ports for cargo bay, lol.

Some pictures from the mod page:

Edited August 20, 2014 by Sky_walker

[Red Iron Crown]

This was the first part-adding mod I've used in a long, long time, glad it's being incorporated. I hope they make a Mk2 to 2.5m adapter and Mk2 decoupler, I love the spaceplane-atop-a-rocket concept as seen in Dynasoar or the X-37B.

[r4pt0r]

So i need some info on this. we are getting a cargo bay big enough for 1.25m probes, thats awesome sauce. but what about cockpits and crew spaces. how many kerbals fit in those various parts?

[LordFjord]

The SP+ MK 2 cockpits are both 2-seaters. The passenger module can hold 4 Kerbals.

[Red Iron Crown]

So i need some info on this. we are getting a cargo bay big enough for 1.25m probes, thats awesome sauce. but what about cockpits and crew spaces. how many kerbals fit in those various parts?

There's the pictured cockpit and an inline one, each with two seats. There's also a four seat Hitchhikerish module. Have a look at the OP of the release thread.

Edit: Ninja'd, but I included a link.

[Parkaboy]

Another pic with more parts:

If, as MaxMaps said, we're getting most of those parts in the game, then we might be getting two new cockpits and a passenger cabin that fits, I think, four kerbals.

Edit: Ninja'd twice, oh my.

[r4pt0r]

ah thanks. I had looked at the OP for SP+ but the second IVA pic confused me. I thought it was from the perspective of a third kerbal.

[I_Killed_Jeb]

Do the fuselage parts have lift ratings? It's high time we had some lifting bodies in stock...

[Red Iron Crown]

Also noteworthy in the pic Parkaboy posted above for those who haven't tried the mod:

Mk2 probe core (thin "slice" at bottom left)

Three Mk2-1.25m adapters, one a bicoupler, all containing LFO.

Two sizes of fuel tanks in LFO and LF variants

Two sizes of cargo bays

Docking port enclosed in cargo bay, also holds 150 monoprop

Two intakes, a 1.25m conical one (looks better than the stock RAM) and a radial mounted one.

Wings and control surfaces

Edit to add: I_Killed_Jeb: Yes, the fuselage parts have lift ratings.

[Parkaboy]

Do the fuselage parts have lift ratings? It's high time we had some lifting bodies in stock...

They do, and I hope Squad keeps that, but they might not.

[Sky_walker]

Also noteworthy in the pic Parkaboy posted above for those who haven't tried the mod:

Mk2 probe core (thin "slice" at bottom left)

Three Mk2-1.25m adapters, one a bicoupler, all containing LFO.

Two sizes of fuel tanks in LFO and LF variants

Two sizes of cargo bays

Docking port enclosed in cargo bay, also holds 150 monoprop

Two intakes, a 1.25m conical one (looks better than the stock RAM) and a radial mounted one.

Wings and control surfaces

Edit to add: I_Killed_Jeb: Yes, the fuselage parts have lift ratings.

Thanks a lot for that summary. I was just about to ask what's that small slice in a bottom left corner.

It sounds great overall. I'm really curious if now when we'll have Mk2 cargo bays - will they release any additional? Only Squad knows, but.... it'd be great.

They do, and I hope Squad keeps that, but they might not.

Yea, too many unknowns, but I'm pretty sure they will want to mess with the parts balance on their own.

[I_Killed_Jeb]

Also noteworthy in the pic Parkaboy posted above for those who haven't tried the mod:

Mk2 probe core (thin "slice" at bottom left)

Three Mk2-1.25m adapters, one a bicoupler, all containing LFO.

Two sizes of fuel tanks in LFO and LF variants

Two sizes of cargo bays

Docking port enclosed in cargo bay, also holds 150 monoprop

Two intakes, a 1.25m conical one (looks better than the stock RAM) and a radial mounted one.

Wings and control surfaces

Edit to add: I_Killed_Jeb: Yes, the fuselage parts have lift ratings.

They do, and I hope Squad keeps that, but they might not.

Awesome. Thank you guys!

[Red Iron Crown]

A trick for those trying out the mod: Some utility parts are not available in Mk2 sizes and look ugly when combined with them; torque wheels, batteries, monoprop tanks, etc). I take one of the small cargo bays and hide those parts inside and close the doors. Better than part clipping, because you can open the doors and click parts if you need to tweak them.

[Cirocco]

I hope they make a Mk2 to 2.5m adapter and Mk2 decoupler

This. So much this. I've been longing for a MkII (and MkIII) to 2.5m adapter ever since I built my first spaceplane.

[MalfunctionM1Ke]

Does this mean we get vanilla Cargo-Bay mechanics?

[Frank_G]

This was the first part-adding mod I've used in a long, long time, glad it's being incorporated. I hope they make a Mk2 to 2.5m adapter and Mk2 decoupler, I love the spaceplane-atop-a-rocket concept as seen in Dynasoar or the X-37B.

Yes, for me too. And it is one of those few mods, that dont look misplaced or feel unfitting from its features. Very nice, we will see this to become stock real soon. I see my mod list shrinking again

[LordFjord]

We don't really have a scale on Hugo's new MK3 parts yet, so there is still hope that the module behind the cockpit is a MK3 cargobay that can fit 2.5m stuff. That would be just too much awesomeness - and a MK 1 bay to fit tiny sats.

[Sky_walker]

Does this mean we get vanilla Cargo-Bay mechanics?

Yes.

That's pretty much the most interesting part in this whole thing ^^

[Red Iron Crown]

We don't really have a scale on Hugo's new MK3 parts yet, so there is still hope that the module behind the cockpit is a MK3 cargobay that can fit 2.5m stuff. That would be just too much awesomeness - and a MK 1 bay to fit tiny sats.

Judging by the released picture, they're about the same size as the old ones (pretty sure that's a stock 1.25m Circular Intake on the nose). Looks like bays suitable for 2.5m are out.

[Sky_walker]

Not only spaceplanes can have cargo bays, right? RIGHT?

[Wanderfound]

A trick for those trying out the mod: Some utility parts are not available in Mk2 sizes and look ugly when combined with them; torque wheels, batteries, monoprop tanks, etc). I take one of the small cargo bays and hide those parts inside and close the doors. Better than part clipping, because you can open the doors and click parts if you need to tweak them.

That's a good trick that I use heavily; even my specialist non-cargo planes always have a small bay for this exact reason. It's also a handy place to stick a spotlight aimed above the docking clamp, or to keep your solar panels stashed away, or to hide materials bays, goo pods, TAC-LS supplies, etc. Haven't tried using it as emergency crew transport yet...

Another good SP+ hack, if you want Monoprop/SAS/Decouplers/Batteries that fit the SP+ aesthetic: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/80796-0-24-Spaceplane-Plus-1-3?p=1357263&viewfull=1#post1357263

Edited August 20, 2014 by Wanderfound

[Red Iron Crown]

Some parts Porkjet showed in his development thread:

No idea if they're coming to stock as well or not. The Mk2 to 2x0.625 + 1x1.25m tricoupler on the left is perfect for spaceplanes that use a turbojet and two 48-7Ss.

Another good SP+ hack, if you want Monoprop/SAS/Decouplers/Batteries that fit the SP+ aesthetic: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/80796-0-24-Spaceplane-Plus-1-3?p=1357263&viewfull=1#post1357263

I use this additional mod instead: Mk2 Misc Parts. I don't use the overpowered engine, though.

Edited August 20, 2014 by Navy4422

[Sky_walker]

What's the second-to-right part? It ends with.... horizontal flat surface? o_O

[marach]

What's the second-to-right part? It ends with.... horizontal flat surface? o_O

Yup a flat tailplane he also did one with a V shape but decided it didn't fit.

[Alshain]

What's the second-to-right part? It ends with.... horizontal flat surface? o_O

It lets you attach engines to the back of a wing (and look good doing it) but It also works as a tailplane as marach mentions.