Ultimate Shuttle IVA

Mr. Glass


Flight Manual

Rev v1.0












Author: GTH


CONTENTS






























INTRODUCTION


Welcome to the Ultimate Shuttle IVA – Mr. Glass Flight manual. In these pages you find the documentation necessary to implement the IVA's multitude of functions during flight from pre-Launch to landing.


The idea for this IVA, and its companion Full RETRO, was to be the culmination of all the best parts of the best IVA's that have been created thus far for the Mk3 Cockpit in KSP. Not only does this IVA have a full complement of props supplied by ASET (currently both powered by MAS and RPM) to enable a true launch to landing experience purely in IVA, but also several enhancements to the look, the feel, and the usefulness of the IVA.


The IVA can seat 6 Kerbals, and hosts a functioning Docking section (useful not only for docking but also for use of robot arms while in IVA) as well as a decorated MidDeck.


Mr. Glass, as the name implies, is based on the Glass cockpit for the United States Space Shuttle Orbiter circa roughly 2011. A fully digital cockpit, it is the epitome of awesome.


There are some deviations however, and these are strictly limited to whats necessary to support KSP's gameplay or because trying to emulate the real thing would be inefficient. Not only in terms of the reward for accomplishing such an effort, but also in the simple fact that a 100% carbon copy of the original pit would not play well on anyone's computer. There are a LOT of individual controls in the Orbiter's pit. I kept it strictly to the one's necessary for KSP.


Further, while it is possible to replicate the real MFD's and what they did, that would be generally boring except for us Flight sim nerds, and even then. So, I kept MAS' default MFD pages as they look fantastic.
















Requirements

&

Known Issues


These are the current requirements for USIVA. These are 100% required. The IVA will not function without these. Links to these requirements are in the release thread.



These mods are not required, but are recommended to experience the full function of the IVA.




Below is a list of the currently known issues with this mod as of this release:









Vehicle

Requirements

Recommendations


This IVA presumes some things about your vehicle, namely that your vehicle is styled similarly to the real Space Shuttle orbiter, or is a KSP version of such. While you aren't going to be hampered if your vehicle is not this, you may have a bit of a less immersive experience otherwise.


If you are not familiar with the real Space Shuttle Orbiter, it looks like this:



Naturally, the only required part will be the Mk.3 Cockpit. You won't get the IVA otherwise (unless you're sneaky). I'd also recommend the following:







If you want to emulate the real Orbiter, there are many options out there, but I recommend using the following:

























Flight Instrument Panel

(FIP)

Introduction


The Flight Instrument Panel (FIP) is where the vast bulk of the cockpits instruments, readouts, and controls are located. Encompassing the forward end of the pit and extending to the sides of the Commanders (CMD) and Pilots (PLT) seat, this is what you'll be staring at for most of your flight.


Centered in front of the CMD and PLT seats, you'll find a pair of large Multi-Function Displays (MFD's) which can be configured for various readouts and augmented instruments. Also included are a set of controls for the vehicle.


On the Center panel, you'll find a set of 5 MFD's, again, configurable for various readouts and augmented instruments. Also included is a Timer, as well as your Indicator panel.


The Center console is, essentially, your flight computer. It composes of a suite of controls for enacting MechJeb autopilot functions, controlling SAS and Attitude, as well as your communications devices for communications and radio navigation.


Inline with the forward windows, you'll find your HUD's, as well as an analog clock and Impact Speed indicator. Also included is a space for attaching various flight manuals.


Above your head you'll find a series of auxiliary controls. These do nothing mostly.


In the rear of the cockpit you'll find the Docking section and its associated controls, and below that you'll find the Mid-Deck.


In the following pages, you'll find more details on each Panel.













CMD Panel



  1. Lighting Control Panel

    Various rotaries for controlling interior lights, and a push-button for exterior lights.

  2. RCS Control and Auxiliary Readout Panel

    Contains RCS Hand controller, and two auxiliary gauges. Left is a Radar Altimeter, right is a Mach Meter.

  3. RCS, Staging and Clock controls.

    Contains controls for staging and RCS, as well as 3 clock readouts.

  4. Primary MFD's (see Instrument Addendum for use of all MFD's)

  5. Vehicle Control Panel

    Various controls for the vehicle, including Abort switch.













Center Panel





  1. Leftside MFD's

  2. Indicator Panel

    Indicator lights for various vehicle functions.

  3. Center MFD's.

  4. Timer and Timer Controls.

  5. Right MFD's.
















PLT Panel




  1. RCS, Staging, and Clock controls

  2. Primary MFD's.

  3. Vehicle Control Panel

  4. Engine Control Panel

  5. Lighting Controls.


















Center Console




Data Entry Pad for MechJEB Flight Computer

    1. Numerical numpad for entry of data to flight computer. See Instrument Addendum for instructions on using this panel.

    2. MechJEB Flight Module and SAS Controls

    Provides direct control of stock SAS as well as several MechJEB Flight modules. See Instrument Addendum for instructions on using this panel.

    3.Communications Panel

    Provides series of controls and radios for communications controls. See Instrument Addendum for instructions on using this panel.












Docking Section



  1. Leftside MFD

  2. Docking Control Panel

  3. Rightside MFD

  4. Docking Auxiliary Panel

    Includes RCS Hand controller, as well as action group and lighting controls. You'll also find two portable timers.



















Instrument Addendum




In the following pages you'll find instructions for using the various instruments and MFD's.


MFD2





This MFD is the primary MFD display. This is a very powerful display and its various modes provide a wealth of data and tools for operating your vehicle. The pages and their functions are listed below.









NAV



The NAV page is used, naturally, for Navigation assistance. You can utilize the Arrow keys to cycle between various waypoints. By utilizing the “Select” function, you can set the selected Waypoint as your target. You can remove the selected waypoint, but selecting the “Clear” function.


On the map, the Blue dotted lines represent your vehicles position on Kerbin.The green dotted lines represent your currently selected waypoint.


From this page, you can also access the Orbit page, and the Standby page by selecting their respective functions.

















LAUNCH

The Launch page consists of two parts.



The first page is a MechJeb integration page. It displays a map of Kerbin with your current position, and provides a series of basic controls for MechJeb. (NOTE: Is currently buggy due to lack of Roll Control from MAS. Recommended, keep the Mechjeb GUI open to launch while utilizing)


By selecting the ALT function, you can use the functions along the bottom row to change the desired Altitude. The same can be done for the INC. function, for setting Inclination. By selecting the AUTO function, you can switch into the second Launch page.



The second launch page provides you a series of readouts regarding your vehicle's situation during Launch, as well as a NAVBall that functions similarly to the retro FDAI.


The page provides the same AUTO function as the first page, allowing you activate Launch Autopilot for MechJeb. By using the Pre- function, you can switch back into the first Launch page to adjust the autopilots parameters. Utilizing Orbit and Stby functions, you can access those respective pages.

















ORBIT



The Orbit page is the primary page where you can access most functions of the MFD. Utilize the top and bottom row functions to access those respective Pages.


On the Orbit page itself, it provides a readout of your vehicles current orbital situation. Also included is another Map, simillar to the NAV function. Along the top of the map, you will see a key indicating what the Dotted line readouts represent.


This page can be used for determining an approximate landing site based on your vehicles ballistic trajectory. When your periapsis has dropped below 0km, the Landing marker lines will activate displaying this landing point. Compare it to the “ownship” marker lines to get an idea of how your trajectory looks.
















NAVBALL



The NAVBALL page, as it implies, provides you with a dedicated NAVBALL page. It works similarly to the retro FDAI. By utilizing the SYNC function, the error indicator lines (Yellow) will synchronize themselves to either your selected SAS function, such as Prograde, Target, etc.
























PLAN



This page is used to control various MechJEB functions. Note that this page is apparently unfinished.


























MANEUVER



Provides a NAVBall page that can be utilized specifically for maneuvers.


























LANDING



This page is utilized for landing purposes. Provides a NAVBall, minimap, and several useful readouts.


Also includes integrated parachute and landing gear controls. Dedicated backups for these controls are located above the primary MFD's on the CMD and PLT panels.





















TARGET



This page is used for selecting a Target and displaying data on the selected target. Cannot recommend using the RADAR function at this time.

























RESOURCE



This page, naturally, is used to display various readouts on vehicle resources. The 3 left readouts are defaulted and locked to Fuel, Monopropellant, and Power. The 3 right readouts can be configured per user preference. Utilize the Arrow keys to select a readout, and then change its resource.























Rendezvous



This page is used for Rendezvous purposes. Provides a NavBall, as well as various readouts for your target. By utilizing the DOCK function, you can switch into the Docking page.

























DOCKING



The docking page is for docking. Duh. Provides a NavBall as well as an X-Pointer display. Provides controls for activating RCS and Precision control. X-pointer display works much like the retro X-pointer, also available in the docking section. See the X-Pointer addendum for more info on the use of this instrument.


System


This page is currently blank.


Camera


This page is obviously a camera display. Utilize the arrow left and right keys to select your camera.












TEST”



The “test” page is in actuality a visualization of your vehicles Orbital trajectory.


























MFD1



This is the secondary MFD. While a little older in style, it does provide other options for monitoring various vehicle states. Most pages are essentially the same as MFD2.
























X-Pointer


The X-Pointer instrument is used to provide lateral velocities or displacements. When configured for landing, the X-Pointer can be used to nullify sideways movement, ensuring a vertical landing. When used for rendezvous, the X-Pointer can be used to place a target directly in front of the vessel, and to cancel any sideways drift relative to the target.

X-Pointer

The instrument consists of the X-Pointer display, the MODE selector switch, the SCALE selector switch, and the X-PTR ERR error indicator.

MODE Selector Switch

The MODE selector switch controls which mode the X-Pointer is operating in.

When used with the ARRT, this instrument can be used to guide a craft to a stable landing (no lateral velocity), or to rendezvous with a target.





SCALE Selector Switch

The SCALE selector switch changes the units being displayed by the X-Pointer. It can be switched to x1/10, x1, or x10. When the X-Pointer is active, the selected scale is displayed below the main window.

X-PTR ERR

This indicator is enabled when the X-Pointer is configured for target for docking while there are no valid targets being tracked.
















MechJEB Flight Module Controls


The MechJEB Flight Module control panel (the bulk of the Center console), is a very powerful tool for controlling MechJeb.


The first section of the console, called the Data Entry Panel, containing the 2 Numerical Keypads, is used for changing key functions of the MechJeb mode you have selected.


To use this, first turn on the Data Entry panel utilizing one of the switches next to the readout. From here, select your desired MechJeb mode from the second section.


Then, use the “Read/Write” button to switch from Read to Write. Enter in your desired change, and then use the “Exec” button to commit the change. It is recommended when complete with the changes to turn off the Data Entry panel.


The next section of the console contains the SAS/Attitude controls, as well as the MechJEB mode controls. Each mode controls a different MechJEB Autopilot, and theres several optiosn for chaging the modes of these autopilots.












Camera Views


The IVA also includes several clickable camera views that you can utilize.


There are four camera views for viewing out of the forward windows. Click on the windows to access them. (Note, the two middle left and right windows do not include views at this time)


The docking section has a camera view, which can be accessed by turning your selected Kerbal's view towards the center aisle, and then clicking towards the roof of the cockpit.


The Mid-Deck has two views currently. They are most easily accessed while in the Docking view. Look to your left or right, and click on the back wall of the IVA towards the middle of the wall.


Finally, there is one more camera view available, accessible by changing your view similar to accessing the Docking section, but rather than clicking towards the roof of the IVA, instead click towards the floor.


This view is nicknamed “Glory”, and for good reason.



























Legalise



This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.


Under no circumstance is this mod, or any derivative of it, authorized to be released on CKAN or any other mod management tool without my express written consent.