Project VPACC's ODEV System

[KCB]

Introducing VPACC’s ODEV system, VPACC is looking to model in Orbiter. We are new to this game so any comments and feedback are welcome. We are building a set of vehicles we call the ODEV system Orbital Delivery and Exploration Vehicle system. It consists of three main parts a lifting body, an orbiter and an external engine to allow the orbiter to travel beyond LEO, carried in the lifting body.

We are currently in the development and design process. The lifting body and orbiter (MPEV Multi-Purpose Exploration Vehicle) combined into a single vehicle we have called the Seraphim. The payload bay of the Seraphim can carry the EX-EM (External Engine Module). In short it’s a three or two stage vehicle pending mission, horizontal take off single stage to orbit.

We also intend to develop a 3D cockpit. Based on the new Bombardier CSeries Pro-fusion concept for the CS100/300. We are developing a sim-pit version of this cockpit parallel to the 3D model which we hope to have ready by Spring 2017.

 

[PhantomCruiser]

That looks pretty nice!

 

[KCB]

VPACC concept

Some more images of the models including a size comparison of the Seraphim and EX-EM. The EX-EM folds up and is carried in the Seraphim payload bay and includes collapsible soft fuel tanks, folding radiators and solar panels. Also the main structure of the EX-EM collapses down for storage if needed. The concept; once in orbit the EX-EM is deployed, remaining fuel is transferred from Seraphim to EX-EM. The MPEV undocks, rotates and docks, noes first, with the EX-EM becoming a single spacecraft capable of beyond LEO ops to NEOs and Cislunar ops etc.

 

[IronRain]

I must say that this gets me really excited!
Keep up the good work

 

[KCB]

VPACCs MPEV

The MPEV (Multi Purpose Explorational Vehicle) is the center of gravity for VPACC’s entertainment centric approach. All other models and mission architecture are build around the simulated cockpit and cabin that make up this virtual vehicle (MPEV). For that reason the vehicle has to be jack of all trades as an atmospheric aircraft, orbiter, exploration platform, ascent and decent vehicle.

 

[Urwumpe]

Now we can talk business

Some criticism allowed?

1. You have a nose wheel bay, but have no main landing gear or similar functions
2. The solar panel bay doors are pretty large and the solar array struts pretty flimsy in comparison. What is really needed?
3. Why a special aeroshell attachment point and a second docking port stacked on top, if can only use one of both at a time?
4. The laser communications antenna looks like a placeholder and not like a laser communication terminal

Also, the shape looks like a bullet, I can only hope you have a parachute somewhere to land it.

 

[KCB]

Criticism welcome

Criticism more than welcome, we want to build the best models we can bring to the community so let us know what we can do better.

1. Are you referring to the MPEV? The MPEV connects to the Seraphim lifting body for atmospheric flight. So is lifted into orbit and brought back down with the Seraphim it does not land using the landing gear. We are looking at storing comms equipment in the gear bay for use in orbit.

2. We can adjust accordingly, once we have a working model we can reassess.

3. The main docking port is behind the aft cabin or science bay. This places it above the center of the ship, the aero-breaking shield attachment is central so fits below the main docking port. This is largely due to real world restrictions when using simulators to replicate the aft component, we need a linear level between motion platform, static platform (aft cabin) and the airlock at the rear of the aft cabin.

4. Laser comms mostly placeholder right now.

 

[KCB]

VPACCs volunteer art team, working on our models, are in the process of coordinating programs and software and even moving into the DC area which is a really good thing. By the end of this month we will be in a better place and work tempo should pick up.