Project DG-Launcher

[N_Molson]

I always found that burning half the DG's precious hyperthrustium fuel tanks to go to LEO was a waste. Also, I like to play the DG-IV with more-or-less "realistic" settings (engines thrust = 50kN).

The addon will require Velcro Rockets, which is excellent IMHO.

The ultimate goal would be a set of 3 launchers :

- European : LOX/LH2 core with 2x Vulcain-2 engines + 2 LRBs with 1x Vulcain-2 engine.

Slow liftoff and fuel waste at sea-level, but excellent performance in vacuum.

- American : LOX/LH2 core with 1 very powerful engine (RS-68 or SSME if needed) + SRBs (probably GEM60's, have to experiment).

Quick liftoff, little fuel waste thanks to the SRBs. Good performance in vacuum. The SRBs allow to send quickly the main engine in vacuum, but their ISP is poor.

- Russian : LOX/Kerosene core with multiple engines + multiple small LOX/Kerosene boosters.
​

Average ISP, heavy launcher with multiple engines, but fair overall performance.

Here are the first pics of the European launcher (work in progress) :



The tanks size should be quite "realistic", assuming that the LOX/LH2 oxydiser/fuel is stored at 22 psi, like it is on the Space Shuttle ET.

 

[Kendo]

This is a bit different, I like it. I love the shine on those rockets, we need more mods to have this effect. But I really hate those exaust textures, same as the default shuttle, we really need differnt ones. Yes, overall it looks stunning. Well done.

 

[jinglesassy]

Looks awesome

 

[mc_]

Looks good.
And, probably, costs cheaper, than Energia and Delta Tug, usually used for almost the same task.

 

[Loru]

That makes my DG-Booster obsolete i think

 

[N_Molson]

I created a whole new mesh for the core booster, copying the nose design of the Shuttle's ET.

Also made textures, added decals, and LOX/LH2 supply lines for the main engines (that was a lot of work !).

To do : texture for the "orange part", structures to attach the DG & the LRVs, and new meshes for the LRBs (will probably copy the core, scale it down and apply other textures on it). + adding other misc details.

Here are 3 news pics (nice ESA DGIV skin by hmuda, available on Orbithangar) :

 

[tgep]

Very nice work.:thumbup:

 

[mc_]

What about full white core segment?

 

[N_Molson]

The boosters will be full white

 

[mc_]

Then, a Space Shuttle DGIV skin is needed :lol:

 

[N_Molson]

Almost complete ! It begins to look like I wanted

To do : final details (on meshes & textures), edit velcro .scn settings for optimal ascent, creating additionnal .cfg files for dummy Velcro boosters (to simulate engines throttle up/ throttle down during ascent).



Note : that was an expensive photo-shoot ; I rolled the booster to get better lightning, Velcro autopilot didn't liked at all, I finished up separating the DG and heading (rather diving) to Habana, but the slope angle was too high, and despite all my efforts the vessel disintegrated in stratosphere !. :rofl:

 

[Spike Spiegel]

Almost complete ! It begins to look like I wanted

It actually does look very nice now. Good job!

Note : that was an expensive photo-shoot ; I rolled the booster to get better lightning, Velcro autopilot didn't liked at all, I finished up separating the DG and heading (rather diving) to Habana, but the slope angle was too high, and despite all my efforts the vessel disintegrated in stratosphere !. :rofl:

Well, sometimes we must suffer for our art.

 

[santy86]

The 3d model is really gorgeous!

 

[Bendarr]

I'm looking forwards to getting my hands on this little baby when you've got it finished.

 

[N_Molson]

Just have to solve a "touchdownpoints" problem & add a few textures.

 

[PhantomCruiser]

I really like the Orbiter and Spaceflight Now signage. Very nice touch :thumbup:

 

[garyw]

I like this! I think my next lunar DG mission will have boosters :thumbup:

 

[statickid]

oooh shiny!!

 

[N_Molson]

Done. Here's a link to download the thing.

http://www.mediafire.com/?vokdjkc5ony

Will try to upload it to OrbitHangar tomorrow. Thank you for reporting any problems you might encounter.

And Have Fun ! :hail:

 

[PhantomCruiser]

I'll be "field testing" for you tomorrow!