The main difference berteen Spacecraft and VB is that Spacecraft gives a simplified version of the underlying Orbiter's API to the user, while VB tries to make the entire Orbiter API available. This means that the best reference for VB functions and parameters are the Orbiter's API themselves, which I strongly suggest to look at for better reference of the various parameters. In this particular case the best way to create a parachute is to define a variable drag element, as gattis correctly guessed. From the Orbiter's API docs (which can be found in the folder /Orbitersdk/doc/API_Reference.pdf or API_Reference.chm, the definition of variable drag elements are:
So you need to create a variable drag element, bind to an animation, define the reference which is where the drag force applies (i suggest fake symmetrical coordinates) and the factor which I suggest to experiment it a bit with. I haven't checked, but I am pretty sure that in the SC4 docs there si the definition of how speedbrakes work there, so it shouldn't be hard to reverse engineering the factors. Give it a try and in case get back here and I will look into it.
For the dCl I suggest you to look into the Orbiter's API at CreateControlSurface function. there it is defined as
I honestly can't remeber now if the shift is intended as a change in magnitude of the lift or as a position shift of the lift vector, I should make a test because too much time has passed and I can't remember it. But it should be written down in the docs or someone here who has confidence with the OAPIs can surely be helpful.
If you need further explanations feel free to ask!
from this post it follows that in order to create a parachute, I will have to perform actions different from those I did before
I know that you have a lot of things to do, and I don't want to distract you, I just have to get out of the comfort zone. your parachute is registered in the DLL module, I can't even imagine how it worksI just did that for Tianwen, tell me, I can send you the code. Also I'd be more than eager to work on Soyuz, its just that my "todo" list is quite full...
I also think to remember that @Urwumpe is quite interested in emulating spacecraft OS/software interface and already did some work on the Soyuz.
the most complete description of the "Sirius" type panel
evolution of instruments there is even a panel of the shuttle Buran
Some years ago I came across the Soyuz simulator software that run on MS-DOS. I think it's this one:emulating spacecraft OS/software interface
I guess the maneuvers and burns would be the same across Soyuz "models".
this project is being developed on an Unreal EngineSome years ago I came across the Soyuz simulator software that run on MS-DOS. I think it's this one: