[1.12.x] Mark IV Spaceplane System (August 18, 2024)

[loppnessmonsta]

I am super excited to start building enormous spaceplanes. I have the whole concept worked out. Clawing into orbit with drop tanks and whatnot. Gonna be great.

But I'm a patient man, and such glorious spaceplanes need glorious parts.

[Morgan]

Ok, I solved my problem with the MM Patch (filename was to long).

This fixes the attach nodes:

@PART[mk4nose]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -0.1029968, 0.0, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
}

@PART[mk4cockpit]
{
@TechRequired = heavyAerodynamics
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.655971, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4crew-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.070255, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4drone-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -0.1362425, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4cargo-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.070835, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4cargo-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -3.236155, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
@node_stack_bottom2 = 0.0, -3.236155, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4cargo-tail-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.057139, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4scimitar]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0,-0.8541491, 0.0, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
}

@PART[mk4adapter-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.071142, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4adapter-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.071142, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4fuselage-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.070255, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4fuselage-lfo-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.071142, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4fuselage-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -3.224699, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4fuselage-lfo-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -3.224699, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4mono-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -0.5355678, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4tail-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.071142, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4tail-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.655971, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4pod-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom01 = 0.6215577, -2.638397, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
@node_stack_bottom02 = -0.6215577, -2.638397, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
}

@PART[mk4pod-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom01 = 0.0, -2.638397, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
@node_stack_bottom02 = 1.234182, -2.638397, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
@node_stack_bottom03 = -1.234182, -2.638397, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
}

@PART[mk4nose-docking]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, 0.0828281, 0.0, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
}

@PART[mk4intake-radial-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom01 = 0.0, -1.462815, 0.2439967, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0,1
}

Edited May 22, 2015 by Morgan

[Faile]

Could you describe where that goes?

[Odyssey]

Ok, I solved my problem with the MM Patch (filename was to long).

This fixes the attach nodes:

@PART[mk4nose]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -0.1029968, 0.0, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
}

@PART[mk4cockpit]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.655971, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4crew-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.070255, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4drone-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -0.1362425, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4cargo-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.070835, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4cargo-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -3.236155, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
@node_stack_bottom2 = 0.0, -3.236155, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4cargo-tail-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.057139, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4scimitar]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0,-0.8541491, 0.0, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
}

@PART[mk4adapter-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.071142, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4adapter-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.071142, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4fuselage-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.070255, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4fuselage-lfo-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.071142, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4fuselage-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -3.224699, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4fuselage-lfo-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -3.224699, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4mono-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -0.5355678, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4tail-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.071142, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4tail-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, -1.655971, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 3
}

@PART[mk4pod-1]
{
@node_stack_bottom01 = 0.6215577, -2.638397, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
@node_stack_bottom02 = -0.6215577, -2.638397, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
}

@PART[mk4pod-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom01 = 0.0, -2.638397, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
@node_stack_bottom02 = 1.234182, -2.638397, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
@node_stack_bottom03 = -1.234182, -2.638397, 0.00, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
}

@PART[mk4nose-docking]
{
@node_stack_bottom = 0.0, 0.0828281, 0.0, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0, 1
}

@PART[mk4intake-radial-2]
{
@node_stack_bottom01 = 0.0, -1.462815, 0.2439967, 0.0, -1.0, 0.0,1
}

So, Are you saying this is a patch to update the Mk4 to 1.0.2?

[Morgan]

Could you describe where that goes?

create a text file, copy and paste the code into it, rename the file to "whateveryoulike.cfg" and place it the KSP folder.

And you need the Module Manager.

So, Are you saying this is a patch to update the Mk4 to 1.0.2?

yep! But just the attach nodes. Just tested it and it looks good so far.

[Faile]

Ah, thanks man. I thought I had to edit that into some .cfg file and was wondering about the format, read up a bit on the MM wiki. Powerful stuff.

[blowfish]

Keep in mind that even with the attach nodes fixed, there is still a lot that won't behave properly in 1.0.2. This includes heating, cargo bays, and air-breathing engines.

[Faile]

For me the mk4cockpit still didn't show up on the parts list.

[Nertea]

So NFT is almost stablilized. I though I'd take a minute to share plans for the next update.

The main change is total rework of the cross section to be more versatile and fix a number of bugs. This will also make the system about 30% larger compared to the old one. It'll be able to haul cargo much more effectively. I have a few design goals that I'll share.

• Reduction in redundant parts: The system will use fuel switchers to switch out contents and textures of fuselages to reduce the number of parts. This will also increase versatility (store monoprop in a cargo bay's side tanks for example).
  
• Compatibility with stock sizes: The new fuselage/cargo bay pieces will match the Mk3 lengths, so it's easier to work with
  
• Reduction in texture size: Improved texture reuse will hopefully cut memory footprints by around 25%.
  
• Better versatility: Less specific parts and more freedom to work with whatever you want.
  

Let's look at today's test of the reworked Mk4 Cockpit. As you can see, it has attach nodes on the 'lumps' now. These are standard 1.25m nodes, so you can attach any manner of air intake there. In addition I'll be making several specific pieces that can fit in that slot, which will bring back the smoother shape of the original cockpit (structural smoothing piece, service hatch/bay and heavy RCS pod are good candidates to start).

This is going to be a pretty involved process. It might take a while - I'm going to have to mostly remap and heavily adjust/redraw the textures of may parts to use the new cross section (adapters in particular). However the results should be worth it! I'll also take the opportunity to tweak some parts - for example the drone core will probably be hollow now.

Work starts nowish, when I have some test parts done for the new cross section I'll point you all to my dev thread.

Edited May 21, 2015 by Nertea

[Kerbas_ad_astra]

So NFT is almost stablilized. I though I'd take a minute to share plans for the next update.

The main change is total rework of the cross section to be more versatile and fix a number of bugs. This will also make the system about 30% larger compared to the old one. It'll be able to haul cargo much more effectively. I have a few design goals that I'll share.

• Reduction in redundant parts: The system will use fuel switchers to switch out contents and textures of fuselages to reduce the number of parts. This will also increase versatility (store monoprop in a cargo bay's side tanks for example).
  
• Compatibility with stock sizes: The new fuselage/cargo bay pieces will match the Mk3 lengths, so it's easier to work with
  
• Reduction in texture size: Improved texture reuse will hopefully cut memory footprints by around 25%.
  
• Better versatility: Less specific parts and more freedom to work with whatever you want.
  

Let's look at today's test of the reworked Mk4 Cockpit. As you can see, it has attach nodes on the 'lumps' now. These are standard 1.25m nodes, so you can attach any manner of air intake there. In addition I'll be making several specific pieces that can fit in that slow, which will bring back the smoother shape of the original cockpit (structural smoothing piece, service hatch/bay and heavy RCS pod are good candidates to start).

http://nertea.the3rdage.net/ksp/mk4plans.jpg

This is going to be a pretty involved process. It might take a while - I'm going to have to mostly remap and heavily adjust/redraw the textures of may parts to use the new cross section (adapters in particular). However the results should be worth it! I'll also take the opportunity to tweak some parts - for example the drone core will probably be hollow now.

Work starts nowish, when I have some test parts done for the new cross section I'll point you all to my dev thread.

My body is not ready! May I request a piece with attach nodes at the bottoms of the lumps? That would be the perfect way to mount VTOL engines:

[Gryphon]

So...

Awesome...

[loppnessmonsta]

Love the new direction, Nertea! Really looking forward to crashing them into planets.

[Raptor9]

...Let's look at today's test of the reworked Mk4 Cockpit. As you can see, it has attach nodes on the 'lumps' now. These are standard 1.25m nodes, so you can attach any manner of air intake there. In addition I'll be making several specific pieces that can fit in that slot, which will bring back the smoother shape of the original cockpit (structural smoothing piece, service hatch/bay and heavy RCS pod are good candidates to start)...

That sounds awesome. Those service bays and heavy RCS pod especially.

[Starbuckminsterfullerton]

What does 30% larger mean for the cargo bay internals? would a 3m part fit now? They look great, although the cockpit seems kinda long. I hope that doesn't mean you have to redo the IVA, they're so much work...

[Faile]

looks awesome! can't wait

[Rhedd]

I like the idea of the new pieces, but I really, REALLY love the old ones, and don't want to see them disappear. Since you're heading in a new direction, is there anything at all broken with the old pieces that can't be fixed in the CFGs? If everything can be updated to 1.x with cfgs and nothing needs to be changed with the models themselves, I'm happy. I can make those changes myself and you can go on to bigger (literally) and better spaceplane parts!

[Nertea]

What does 30% larger mean for the cargo bay internals? would a 3m part fit now? They look great, although the cockpit seems kinda long. I hope that doesn't mean you have to redo the IVA, they're so much work...

Cockpit is identical in length, I only removed the side pods. This makes it look at little longer. I shouldn't have to touch the IVA if I've done everything right...

I like the idea of the new pieces, but I really, REALLY love the old ones, and don't want to see them disappear. Since you're heading in a new direction, is there anything at all broken with the old pieces that can't be fixed in the CFGs? If everything can be updated to 1.x with cfgs and nothing needs to be changed with the models themselves, I'm happy. I can make those changes myself and you can go on to bigger (literally) and better spaceplane parts!

I think that most things can, except possibly cargo bay occlusion. Go ahead and do it, like I said, as long as support calls don't head to me, it's all good .

[Djmellomaniac]

My body is not ready! May I request a piece with attach nodes at the bottoms of the lumps? That would be the perfect way to mount VTOL engines:

I was going to say something about thunderbird two but you beat me to it

[Bomoo]

Let's look at today's test of the reworked Mk4 Cockpit. As you can see, it has attach nodes on the 'lumps' now. These are standard 1.25m nodes, so you can attach any manner of air intake there. In addition I'll be making several specific pieces that can fit in that slot, which will bring back the smoother shape of the original cockpit (structural smoothing piece, service hatch/bay and heavy RCS pod are good candidates to start).

Wooo. Super glad you're rolling that into the new version.

[Toyotawolf]

Are there any plans to include an integrated shielded docking collar in the body section? Much like the mk2 mods have done? Would be cool to have a hatch open on top and dock to the station that way, much like the shuttles used to, maybe something hidden in the cargo bay, just spitballing here.

[PCanas]

So I downloaded this and installed... and the pieces only fit when placed backwards.

Lets say I start with the cockpit. To place the nose cone, I have o place it 180º from it's original orientation, so it's facing the inside of the cockpit (basically, clipping). This also happens with fuselage and fuel tanks, the double and triple engines nacelle, etc.

Is there anything wrong? Am I missing something or doing something wrong?

The installation is [game]/Game Data/MarkIVSystem/[everything else]

[blowfish]

So I downloaded this and installed... and the pieces only fit when placed backwards.

Lets say I start with the cockpit. To place the nose cone, I have o place it 180º from it's original orientation, so it's facing the inside of the cockpit (basically, clipping). This also happens with fuselage and fuel tanks, the double and triple engines nacelle, etc.

Is there anything wrong? Am I missing something or doing something wrong?

The installation is [game]/Game Data/MarkIVSystem/[everything else]

The way that stack nodes work changed in 1.0, and this mod has not been updated yet.

[Neutrinovore]

So I downloaded this and installed... and the pieces only fit when placed backwards.

Lets say I start with the cockpit. To place the nose cone, I have o place it 180º from it's original orientation, so it's facing the inside of the cockpit (basically, clipping). This also happens with fuselage and fuel tanks, the double and triple engines nacelle, etc.

Is there anything wrong? Am I missing something or doing something wrong?

The installation is [game]/Game Data/MarkIVSystem/[everything else]

What Blowfish said, plus:

Open your 'cheat' menu (alt+F12, and click the 'cheats' tab if it doesn't come up by default) and select 'enable non-strict part attachment checks in editor', is how I believe it's phrased. This will allow you to place the Mk4 parts correctly until the mod is updated. Oh, btw, you'll have to do this each time you start the game, the cheat settings aren't saved when the game is shut down, which I think they should be. You hear that, Squad?!?

[PCanas]

Got it. Thanks for the help

[ZewelVonLelek]

So NFT is almost stablilized. I though I'd take a minute to share plans for the next update.

The main change is total rework of the cross section to be more versatile and fix a number of bugs. This will also make the system about 30% larger compared to the old one. It'll be able to haul cargo much more effectively. I have a few design goals that I'll share.

• Reduction in redundant parts: The system will use fuel switchers to switch out contents and textures of fuselages to reduce the number of parts. This will also increase versatility (store monoprop in a cargo bay's side tanks for example).
  
• Compatibility with stock sizes: The new fuselage/cargo bay pieces will match the Mk3 lengths, so it's easier to work with
  
• Reduction in texture size: Improved texture reuse will hopefully cut memory footprints by around 25%.
  
• Better versatility: Less specific parts and more freedom to work with whatever you want.
  

Let's look at today's test of the reworked Mk4 Cockpit. As you can see, it has attach nodes on the 'lumps' now. These are standard 1.25m nodes, so you can attach any manner of air intake there. In addition I'll be making several specific pieces that can fit in that slot, which will bring back the smoother shape of the original cockpit (structural smoothing piece, service hatch/bay and heavy RCS pod are good candidates to start).

http://nertea.the3rdage.net/ksp/mk4plans.jpg

This is going to be a pretty involved process. It might take a while - I'm going to have to mostly remap and heavily adjust/redraw the textures of may parts to use the new cross section (adapters in particular). However the results should be worth it! I'll also take the opportunity to tweak some parts - for example the drone core will probably be hollow now.

Work starts nowish, when I have some test parts done for the new cross section I'll point you all to my dev thread.

Nice

may I give one suggestion, though? The cockpit windows seem to be way too high and placed too far away to back, which might lead to weird/dangerous field of view (Runway wouldn't be seen)...

I suggest moving those windows closer to the front (while retaining the overall shape of the part)... Basically moving pilots forward, closer to the nose...