KerbalX

Conversion to 1.7.3: project cancelled, I can’t make the new parts work better than old parts…

V2 Changelog:
- Reworked rotor system, better appearance and performance.
- Reduced collective control sensibility for better flight control.
- Enabled tail rudder for better flight control.
- Now the Juno engines (for the noise) toggles together with main rotor (spacebar), giving clear signal of rotor ON/OFF status.

A gunner? No thanks, I can do that myself.

Introducing my first BG helicopter - also one of my favorite in the real world - the Kamov Ka-50 Black Shark (but in white). Pure stock but non-flyable version: https://kerbalx.com/Juggernoob/Kamov-Ka-50-Static

I think it’s relatively easy and safe to fly, as it hasn’t crash even once during test flights. Just take a look at the Flight Instructions at the bottom. Also, if you are interested in helping me improving its rotor system (which, in current state, works but can’t provide really satisfying performance), don’t hesitate to comment! There’s a lot for me to learn about BG helicopters.

Key Features

• Iconic coaxial rotor system with collective control feature provides simplified helicopter flight control.
• Typical cruise speed: 35-45m/s (holding down W and with proper collective), acceptable maneuverability thanks to reaction wheels.
• Autocannon has muzzle effect for screenshot purpose. (To fire, spam AG1 in appropriate frequency with a >0% throttle and running engines.)

Design Notes

• This is a semi-accurate (examined only with bare eyes), moderately detailed weekend build.
• I feel like 80% of its development time goes into airframe sculpting.
• With little experience with BG helicopter design, currently its maneuverability completely relies on quite many reaction wheels. However, since the whole thing weights 25t, it’s not that unfair to do so…
• The jet engines provide no thrust at all. they are just there so that I feel right, and they make some noise too.
• There is an ore tank in the tail for balancing. It’s currently empty, but with 120 units of ore and some offset, it can shift CoM directly under the main fuel tank and rotor installation point, granting constant CoM regardless of fuel consumption. But later in development, it seemed that the rotor should not be directly above CoM, but should be somewhat behind it…So the ore tank is left empty to move CoM forward.
• Sadly, pilot cannot leave the cockpit, which is fine with a not really practical craft.
• Spaceplane? What spaceplane?

Flight Instructions

• Engage SAS but DO NOT engage brakes, it will lock the rotors as well.
• Press spacebar to activate fuel cells and rotors.
• Wait for it to spin up, then tap I to increase collective and lift off.
• It tends to pitch up, hold W to compensate.
• Fine-tune collective with I/K to achieve stable flight. (collective is limited between 0 and 10 degrees, no worries about oversteering)
• To land, hold K to minimize lift and glide down, press Spacebar to toggle rotors off, engage brakes for a full stop.

Wish you enjoy and happy flying!

Description

A stock aircraft called Kamov Ka-50 Black Shark V2. Built with 200 of the finest parts, its root part is Mark2Cockpit.

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.7.2.

Details

• Type: SPH
• Class: aircraft
• Part Count: 200
• Pure Stock