Difference between revisions of "Advanced Inline Stabilizer"
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|Name=Advanced S.A.S Module | |Name=Advanced S.A.S Module | ||
Revision as of 00:38, 9 February 2012
The Advanced S.A.S. Module is a toggleable module that acts as a sort of Autopilot to stabilize and help keep a rocket on course.
Description
| “ | After many years of research, STEADLER Corps rocket scientists discovered that Kerbal crewmembers just can't be trusted to keep a spacecraft under control. The Advanced S.A.S Module adresses that issue by correcting flight controls continuously. It is highly recommended that crewmembers are kept unaware of the presence of such a device, as experience shows that many Kerbals will see that as a 'challenge to their flying prowess'. — STEADLER Engineering Corps |
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Usage
The Advanced S.A.S. module does not have to be placed anywhere in particular to function, however it will cease to function if jettisoned. Unlike S.A.S. modules, the Advanced S.A.S. does not applies any forces itself. It uses controlable airfoils (like AV-R8 Winglet), RCS and gimbal engines to control the ship's heading and rotation, so you will need to add these elements if you are planning to use Advanced S.A.S. Only one Advanced S.A.S is needed per ship.
Theory
The S.A.S. and Advanced S.A.S. modules use a P.I.D. system, which stands for “Proportional, Integral, Derivative”.
- Proportional means the S.A.S. module applies a turning-force that is proportional to the displacement from the "target" orientation. In other words, the further off-line the ship, the harder the module tries to correct it.
- Derivative means the S.A.S. module takes the rate-of-turn of the ship in to account, and tries to apply a force against the turn. So the faster the ship is pitching, yawing, or rolling, the harder the S.A.S. module tries to stop the turn. This is supposed to dampen the action of the S.A.S module, preventing overshoot, as well as dampening any fast turn or roll.
- Integral means the S.A.S. module increases the corrective force the longer the ship is off-target. So if the ship is constantly "not-quite" on target, the S.A.S. module will ramp up the force used to correct the ship's orientation.
Unlike S.A.S., Advanced S.A.S. module uses other components to control the ship:
- Airfoils - useful only in the atmosphere. Effect depends of the ship's airspeed and component placement.
- RCS - they must be activated and have fuel. Effect also depends on component placement.
- Gimbaling engines - they must be producing non-zero thrust. Effect depends on placement, and current throttle setting.
