Functional All-Weather Bombsight

Hey folks, it’s been a while since I’ve released an actual build- and here I am. This time around I bring something quite awesome: it’s a computerized, functional bombsight that works at any altitude. It’s been designed for ubiquitous use across any payload-armed aircraft. This is only an example of the capabilities that the new input system brings us- and this is my first complex contraption to use it. Without further ado, here’s the build:

Controls

The controls are quite simple- first switch to the camera for the bombsight. Next, refer to this image:

While the bombsight is very accurate for altitudes under 5000m, for anything above 5000m the high-alt reticle will automatically light up. Use that when bombing from high altitudes. Some guidelines when using this bombsight:

1. The bombsight is most accurate when you are flying in a straight, level line. It’s designed to take your plane’s orientation into account, but the errors range increases with more erratic aircraft motion.
2. Do not use bombs with any extra “launch”. This means any detachers with extra force or pylons with extra force won’t get accurate bombing solutions.
3. The bombsight may be slightly more inaccurate when your plane is flying over mountainious terrain. This is due to a way the input is designed.
4. I recommend that you turn off advanced targeting when using this bombsight. Where’s the fun in using advanced targeting?

Installation

The bombsight is simple to install. The ‘cockpit’ is separate from the system, so just grab the system and put it into your subassemblies to install it on other aircraft. For where to install it on your aircraft, I strongly recommend you install it on the belly of your aircraft. That top fuselage part- the ‘baseplate’ has a free installment point on the top for that purpose. Also, make sure that the main body of the bombsight can move freely, or it won’t be able to function properly.
One last thing- this bombsight is sensitive to orientation. Don't alter its orientation when you install it.

Features

It’s an inconspicuously shaped contraption, but it houses a rather complex system.
The system in made up of two parts: the housing and the bombsight. The housing is comprised of a two-plane stabilizer, similar to that on a Norden bombsight. The stabilizer is made up of two rotators, each with an input of: clamp(RollAngle*0.01, -1, 1) and clamp(PitchAngle*0.01, -1, 1). These take the plane’s orientation and counter it, providing a stable platform for the system.

Next is the actual bombsight. It’s regulated by a single hinge rotator- seems simple, right? Yes and no- while I won’t go into detail about how I obtained this bombing solution– go see how I calculated it here– anyway the system takes an input value of

(atan(((IAS*cos(PitchAngle))*((10/491)*(sqrt(25*pow(IAS, 2)*pow(sin(PitchAngle), 2) + 491*AltitudeAgl) + 5*IAS*sin(PitchAngle))))/AltitudeAgl))/90

to regulate how the hinge rotator moves. This causes the hinge rotator to turn a camera in the direction of the projected bombing target.

Comments

It was quite fun to figure out how to build this. I think this is a leap in the field of flight instruments and various equipment in SP, and this bombsight is only the beginning. I think the people who enjoy more of the realism will love this! I think my next project with the new input system will probably be a Fire Control System for Naval Artillery- stay tuned!

As always, have fun!
- SnoWFLakE0s