Technical difficulties delay works

RL has been very busy for me lately, so WIN update dev has been delayed.  I really want to get it done soon though, so I can start work on the Lunar base.

Winged Launch Complex Complete

AIA are proud to announce theat the new Winged Launch Complex (WLC) is complete and was successfully yested today.  With this work done, development of WIN is still on track – the update should be available by next weekend.

Here is a shot of the WLC test-firing the sound supression system in the new Blast Deflection Tunnel.  In the background you can also just see some of the new paving work done at the pre-flight area.

WLC completed, SSS is succesfully tested.

T-1s, Night Launch

Winged Launch Facility redesign

Following initial tests, AIA have decided to revert back to an earlier design of the blast deflection shielding end of the Winged Launch Facility.  The design is arguably more complex, but contains the launch blast more efficiently.  It can also apply the sound suppression system to better effect.  (Plus I think it looks cooler! I wasn’t happy with the look of it previosuly).

Here are shots of the new design, showing it in Clear and Launch Ready configurations.

redesign of blast deflection shields

WIN Launch Structure Development (updated)

Building works on the new winged launch structure for Wideawake International is underway.

The complex will be built over the end of the launch runway.  It will offer a final pre-launch observations and preperation staging area, UMMUFA passenger departure lounge, animated launch blast shields and possible night lighting.  The animated blast shields and UMMUFA building will be a seperate vessel that can integrate into the standard launch structure via the scenario file.

Alongside this development comes a re-paved pre-launch area, corrections to beacon arrays, invisible landing pads for vessel placement and a few other tweaks and fixes to the base in general.

Here is a development pic of the launch structure so far.  Visible is the basic staging area (to which the UMMU building will adjoin) and the transistion to the launch position.  The blast door structure will be added to the far end of the building.

Here is a new dev pics of the blast shielding, in open and closed configuration.  Also visible is the outline for the Launch Control and Passenger Terminal Building.

Further Update, after a lick of paint.  The first test lauch.

Orbiter Racing League is go go go!

AIA is proud to present the Orbiter Racing League, where brave pilots can pit their wits and skills against each other in the most dangerous sport of them all…. rocket powered racing!

The first version of the offline content has been released.  It allows checkpoint racing against the clock, in an effort to get the best time of all orbiter pilots!

This pack includes:-
-Racing Checkpoint MFD (by computerex)
-Baloon Gate, spectator stand and sponsor board meshes
-2 different race types
-4 different races
-XR2 Racing Skins
-Documentation

If there is enough interest I will start up a League Table, either here or on the Orbiter Forum, so people can compete to have the best time.  If you are interested in multiplayer racing, please hunt out the forum group for information on how.

The addon can be downloaded here

Core Module Progress (Dev)

Development of the Core Module is going well.

Here are a few more dev shots showing the progress.  Visible are the new RCS nozels and EVA hand rails.  The radiators can also be seen in retracted configuration, although not mounted into the module.

Toehold Station Core Module (dev)

Here are some development shots of the Toehold Station Core Module.

They show:-

-Docking ports for XR5 and DG class vessels

-Module docks (4 side|1end)

-Docking/Cargo viewport window (module’s cockpit/view location)

-Spinal Robotic Arm (animated)

-Solar array truss in collapsed and extended configurations (animated truss| arrays gimble/rotate)

-Rough concept of how the station will grow

Toehold Project leaves the drawing board

AIA has finally begun building work for the Toehold Project and the first space station module is currently being constructed.  This core module will be the first launched into orbit and will become the heart of the completed station.

Pictures are as yet unavailable, but the following information can be released, the module:

- is designed to utilise the ample lifting capabilites of the XR5 Vanguard.

- will have it’s own substatial solar power arrays.

- will have docking facilities for XR5 and small DG class vessels.

- will have it’s own robotic arm.

- will become the rooting point for further station expansion, with docks for further modules.

(It will be a SC3 coded model with animations and XR5 compatability.)

Rebranding of the Racing Project

Due to powers beyond my control (lawyers), I have been forced to rebrand our Orbiter racing development.  So for now it has been branded the Orbiter Racing Project (ORP), which may change into something sexier later on.

I just want to say to any of those few readers that I have, that this project to-date was never endorsed by the real Rocket Racing League(TM) and was never intended to compete against it… But it seems our uber creative skills at developing free open-source content for a free virtual spaceflight simulator aimed at increasing people’s interest in real space technology and engineering, convinced somebody that we were however.

ho-um.

Quiet again

As any followers of my addon dev will have noticed, I have gone quiet… again.  This happens.  My development comes in fits and starts, partly due to RL, partly due to my creative motivations.  But I’m sure I will return to things in due course, as before.

Thanks for all the downloads and support for my work so far, I’m glad my offerings are used and enjoyed by some.

WHAP