HyperDart - A new spaceplane

[CigDriver]

The Lander will still be int he package. No sense in throwing away what I had completed. It was mainly supposed to be a knid of lifeboat, but the aerodynamics were giving me fits. It does work great on the moon though.

The tug has the hovers to act as a lander in areas with no atmosphere. I thought they would be nice for less dramatic landings than James idea With the landing legs folded the tug fits into the HyperDart.

 

[James.Denholm]

As I always say, when in doubt, use the dangerous option. Anyway.

Those meshes look quite, quite awesome. Out of curiosity, what program are you using to do your modeling? I'm thinking of developing something myself soon, but I'd rather not use Blender, due to it's interface, though that's the only free modelling software* I know.

*Note - Make that legally free.

 

[T.Neo]

but I'd rather not use Blender, due to it's interface, though that's the only free modelling software* I know.

Ever considered using Anim8or?

 

[DaveS]

Ever considered using Anim8or?

Or GMAX?

 

[TSPenguin]

or google?

 

[CigDriver]

I use 3DS Max. I've been using it in its various incarnations since the early 90s. I tried blender and have to agree that the interface is a bit weird. As for free modeling packages, there is the ones listed above plus wings 3D. There used to be a personal learning edition of Maya available. I'm not sure if it is still offered, and more importantly if you can save/export to a format that can be converted to msh.

I would recomend Gmax just because it is a version of 3ds max R3 with the rendering engine stripped out of it. Of course I like it becuase it is familiar. If the PLE Maya is still available it would be a good choice too since it is pro level software.

 

[T.Neo]

I tried blender and have to agree that the interface is a bit weird.

I'm with you on that one. I still can't get my head around it.

 

[jedidia]

I tried blender and have to agree that the interface is a bit weird.

It still is the most capable modeling tool available for 0 bucks I think. The interface is bearable, especially if you don't have any previous experience in other modelling programs (if you do, it's a pain), since you're not allways expecting stuff to be where it isn't.

 

[James.Denholm]

It still is the most capable modeling tool available for 0 bucks I think. The interface is bearable, especially if you don't have any previous experience in other modelling programs (if you do, it's a pain), since you're not allways expecting stuff to be where it isn't.

That's my main problem with it - I've dabbled Maya before, so I'm sort-of used to that.

Anyway, this is going OT quickly.

 

[pilot 2.0]

I can wait to fly it.

 

[CigDriver]

I've put together another public beta. If you downloaded the previous beta you should be able to just overwrite the old install with the new one. The one exception is the scenarios. The old scenarios will load fine, but they were built for a SSTO HyperDart.

Overall this package is MUCH different from the last. The largest difference is the reduction in weight and delta-v in the HyperDart. It is now launched from the XL-70 instead of being SSTO. So far the best launch paramaters I've found are around 20Km at Mach 3.5.

You'll need UMMU from Dan Steph (at orbiter.dansteph.com) and URMS from Yuri Kulchitsky (at orbithangar.com). AeroBrakeMFD is recommended (alaible at orbithangar.com) but not required.

There is some information contained in "HyperDart Manual.pdf" located in the docs directory. It is only a draft version of the manual but does cover the basics.

Get it at:
http://www.animatedexistence.com/orbiter/hyperdart/hyperdart_pb2.zip

The XL-70 has some weird transparancy issues in the VC, this is known and being investigated.

Enjoy and leave feedback!

 

[T.Neo]

The XL-70 has some weird transparancy issues in the VC, this is known and being investigated.

Just a guess, but it may be because meshes are not visible from the inside in Orbiter. Try flipping the meshes.

 

[CigDriver]

It isn't a normals issue, the faces all face the right way. Good suggestion with my bad description though It looks like Orbiter is droping anything that is pure black in the texture to transparent. You'll see little holes in the shadows around the MFDs. I didn't see it on the HyperDart, but I might not have had as dark of shadows in that pit.

 

[the.punk]

Yeah. Thank you for your beta with the XL-70.
Just trying out.



-----Post Added-----


Just tried out. I docked with ISS succsessful.
The launcher is very agil and the air-breathing engines are also good implemented.:speakcool:

 

[Urwumpe]

It still is the most capable modeling tool available for 0 bucks I think. The interface is bearable, especially if you don't have any previous experience in other modelling programs (if you do, it's a pain), since you're not allways expecting stuff to be where it isn't.

Actually, I like the interface of Blender, but I also like the French language. That does not mean I am capable of working with it.

 

[Donamy]

Are you sure you don't have double faces? Orbiter only sees single faces.

 

[CigDriver]

I fixed the texture issue. It looks like it was the pure blacks were droping out. I adjusted the shadow layer in my texture so there wouldn't be any pure black and they work fine now, no more holes in the panels. I'm going to play with the trim and CoG adjustment a bit, they are too equal in effectiveness, I want the trim to be fine tune and the CoG to be the more effective one. I also lowered the jettison velocity of the HyperDart off the XL-70. Since I've cut the mass almost in half it doesn't need the huge boost to get off the back of the XL anymore. Once I get the trim changes sorted I'll put up another beta.

So any comments on flight models, overall package?

 

[IthyStPete]

It's really hard to see the pressure/fuel guages in both the XL-70 and HD virtual cockpits.

 

[CigDriver]

Perhaps I'll rethink the VC layouts if I do another model rebuild. I changed them multiple times as I was building and added new features that I thought would be cool. In the end some things just are not in teh best spots

 

[CigDriver]

After a bit of time away from this project, I'm back working on it. RL was a bit too hectic with crazy hours at work and a new baby. Anyway, I've made the adjustments to the trim functions (COG has more effect now, Elevator trim has less) and I started playing with the textures. I've been trying to get a look like the x-43, but my texture coordinates don't allow the small details I need. So, it looks like I'm going to have to remap the entire exterior of the Dart...not something I'm looking forward to! I tossed around the idea of reworking the cockpit to be a little more ergonomic, but I think I'll leave it for now. It is just more work than I have time to get into now. I'll use the design flaws as lessons learned for the next project .

Once I get the textures sorted out I'll do a new Beta release...no date in mind though, work and the two kids have a habit of blowing any date I set:lol: