Block L for Molniya rocket

Version 1.0

Build: 1 Apr 2008

Orbiter addon by Andrew Thielmann (igel)
atil@pin-plus.ca

Block L is an upper (orbital) stage for the famous Russian rocket known as R-7 family. R-7 with block L is known as Molniya rocket.

Credits

Big thanks to Thorton (Nikita Vtyurin) for wonderful meshes for this and many other addons!

Big thanks to astronavt (Dmitry Pritykin) for the most realistic and sophisticated R-7 rocket family addon!

Big thanks to all participants of the testing for the great attention to details, wonderful feedback, valuable comments and ideas!

Big thanks to the unknown source for the good-looking exhaust texture!

Compatibility

This version is specifically designed for and tested with R-7 project by astronavt. It may [happen to be] compatible with other R-7 addons and maybe even with other rockets.

Payloads

Some famous payloads launched by Molniya rocket using block L:

Luna-9, first soft landing on the Moon;
Luna-10, first satellite around the Moon;
Venera-4 to Venera-8, first soft landing on Venus;
Molniya-1 to Molniya-3, numerous high-elliptical communication satellites.

This addon currently supports fully automated launch into the non-ecliptic translunar trajectory or into Molniya-type trajectory. Planet trajectories are planned for future updates.

What should you know about block L design?

Block L had a run-once non-restartable engine - and so does this addon. Once you stop engine, you can't restart it.
Main engine ignition sequence takes about 40 seconds. The sequence is fully automated.
Ignition sequence relies on the ullage stage called BOZ. Once the engine is ignited, the BOZ stage separates.
For translunar flights, launch timing of the Molniya rocket is very important! The Moon should be in the right place in its orbit to get to the rendezvous point at proper time!

Scenario configuration

Define payload (substitute the payload name and attachment parameters):

  PAYLOAD xxx
  APOINT 0 0 -Z
  PDIR 0 0 -1
  PROT 1 0 0

Trajectory type (skip this parameter for the default translunar trajectory):

  TARGET MOLNIYA

For general Molniys rocket assembly (all the stuff below the block L), use the following vessels specially updated for the Molniya scenarios:

- for fairing mesh
(in fairingProgress vessel description): r7_fairing_molniya_M

- for block I
(third stage): r7_blockI_M

- for launch pad: r7_launchpad_M

Control keys

C	cycle through rockectcams in the cockpit view
M	toggle between manual and autopilot mode;
J	jettison BOZ (ullage stage) or payload;
Ctrl J	toggle focus switching for the following payload jetison;
+	start main engine ignition sequence;
-	stop main engine - forever!

NOTE: Only PROGRADE, RETROGRADE and KILLROT modes work in manual control mode.

* * *

- for fairing mesh (in fairingProgress vessel description):	r7_fairing_molniya_M
- for block I (third stage):	r7_blockI_M
- for launch pad:	r7_launchpad_M