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[FT SAM] ST-1 Wayfarer

9,259 UltravioletBlood  one month ago
Auto Credit Based on UltravioletBlood's [FT] Simple Waypoint Navigation

My first combat-capable missile guided completely by Funky trees! Is uses only wing parts and rotators for control, a custom detonator as a warhead, an engine for propulsion and a rocket part for the smoke trail. Does not use stock missiles and PID controllers.


ST-1 Wayfarer is a large surface-to-air interception missile. It is relatively precise and maneuverable, although there is a lot of room for improvement (for example, it cannot operate in very close ranges).
To launch, choose the target and press AG1, use high physics setting


How does it work?

Instead of using built-in variables for target heading and elevation, the guidance system first determines the 3D coordinates of the target (code for those here, credit to @bjac0). While more complicated, this makes leading the target easier: the final target coordinates are the sum of current coordinates and their rates of change multiplied by time to impact. The heading and elevation are then calculated manually, multiplied by their rates of change (useful for sharper turns), smoothed by their absolute values to reduce wobble and passed to control rotators.
The detonator activates when two conditions are met: the missile is close to the target and the derivative of distance to target is positive. This means it always detonates in the closest point to target.


There are some issues but i find the missile quite reliable. If you experience issues or have ideas for improvement, share them in the comments.


Also big thanks to @Ku for popularising FT missiles, check out his works!

Spotlights

General Characteristics

  • Predecessor [FT] Simple Waypoint Navigation
  • Created On Windows
  • Wingspan 16.4ft (5.0m)
  • Length 20.3ft (6.2m)
  • Height 26.7ft (8.1m)
  • Empty Weight N/A
  • Loaded Weight 4,275lbs (1,939kg)

Performance

  • Power/Weight Ratio 3.942
  • Wing Loading 227.0lbs/ft2 (1,108.2kg/m2)
  • Wing Area 18.8ft2 (1.8m2)
  • Drag Points 3824

Parts

  • Number of Parts 56
  • Control Surfaces 0
  • Performance Cost 330
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  • Profile image

    @Ku thanks for the suggestions!

    one month ago
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    @Ku npppp

    one month ago
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    17.6k Ku

    @SuperSuperTheSylph oh my bad lol

    +1 one month ago
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    @Ku
    (To avoid confusion,this message below is not for me,it is for you @UltraVioletBlood)

    one month ago
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    17.6k Ku

    @SuperSuperTheSylph Good work on the missile, however I have a couple feedback based on my own experience with FT missile
    1. The symmetrical airfoil wings stall past 13 degrees of aoa, so there's usually no point in deflecting the fins past like 10 degrees; this will almost always give you the best maneuverability
    2. The guidance is very rudimentary and tbh very inaccurate. I would recommend you to look into the kinematic equation in radial coordinates, aka what automatic turrets also use for lead/aim. If you want to take it one step further, I recommend you to look up proportional guidance in the context of missile guidance design.

    That being said, this is a big step for you and I remember taking steps like these 2 years ago.

    one month ago
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    6,632 AirNK

    FT is sooo powerful I feel the need to learn some

    +1 one month ago
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    @Ku

    +1 one month ago
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    57.1k SILVERPANZER

    This is great.
    I remember making FT Landmine using this principle, but landmine easier, considering that landmine is static.

    +2 one month ago