Space Engineers

Space Engineers

"Skyblade" Helicopter & Plane Propellers
Balance compared to vanilla and RL
I see the issue of force balance on these rotors is a sore one.
While I get the "if it were too realistic, people would say it's too hard" approach, I think the current approach is too far removed from realism.
Just to give some perspective, these are the mass values each block can counter (keep at a steady hover) on the Earth-like planet (for simplicity of numbers, g = 10m/s^2):
  • Small, five blades: 75 tonnes
  • Large, five blades: 200 tonnes
  • Medium, four blades: 90 tonnes
  • Large, four blades: 180 tonnes
  • Tail rotor: 45 tonnes
  • Helo small, two blades: 45 tonnes
  • Helo, two blades: 50 tonnes
  • Plane, two blades: 45 tonnes

These numbers are insanely high and completely out of balance compared to vanilla thrusters. As comparison, these are the vanilla equivalents (small grid):
  • Small thruster: 8 tonnes
  • Large thruster: 40 tonnes

You only need to look at RL helicopters to realise how fragile they are. They weigh nothing near these weights and their engines/blades provide nothing remotely close to the numbers above.
There is a reason why larger cargoes are transported by planes. Helicopters are just not capable of providing the required thrust and definitely lack the structural integrity for such loads.

I'm fine with a little bit of exaggeration but let's not take it this far, shall we?
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Showing 1-10 of 10 comments
cybercomplex 6 Apr, 2016 @ 8:55pm 
even though id love for this to remain op. largest helicopter ever built Mil V-12 max lift off weight of 105 tonnes built in 1960s. But hey space engineers is in the future right.
AmbitiousButRubbish 13 Jun, 2016 @ 5:37am 
the power seems fair, especially when you consider the fact that blocks in space engineers weigh far too much. 18 tons for a light aircraft of about 250 blocks . . .
Tumble  [developer] 18 Jul, 2016 @ 2:06pm 
The reason why they have such high numbers, is because ppl kept asking for stronger engines, wouldn't make sense if you needed 10 props on a heli ship would it? These are mostly for aesthetical purposes, as well as being able to lift ships build for them. I'm sorry u don't think it's balanced.
Wokmaster 1 Sep, 2016 @ 7:06pm 
They look really great but are so powerfull that they are not useable at all on a server with modified max velocity. You go to space in no time with just one of the smallest heli propeler on a heavy ship. I'd really love a not so OP version. Until then, can't use. T_T
Last edited by Wokmaster; 1 Sep, 2016 @ 7:06pm
TheGreatPigeon 10 Mar, 2017 @ 1:47pm 
i agree with wokmaster make an update for it and have the "weaker" propellers for people like me that build a helicopter that weighs 3000 kg
Sethran 27 May, 2017 @ 1:09pm 
is there a version of this mod with realistic values? it can be a seperate mod.
just please make it way less.
TheGreatPigeon 27 May, 2017 @ 2:09pm 
yeh
Deffect 12 Oct, 2017 @ 10:38am 
Daym Tumble i will pray for the gods for you if you will make 2x weakier or more as a balance wersion iven if i'm an ametist.
Or drammatic increace of power consumption as another variant.
Those as i see them must be compered to smallest atm engine 2x-2.5x more powerfull than smallest prop, but eat more power and have less efficiency on high alt but less recouce cost.
If you read this dont take it as harm, just suggestion. GL we all allways need people like you <3
Last edited by Deffect; 12 Oct, 2017 @ 10:54am
Basil 17 Mar, 2019 @ 7:42am 
this mod is retardedly overpowered, use this instead https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1463667637
Sunburnt Dog Turd 20 Mar, 2020 @ 11:09am 
I see only two solutions....
For those comparing to vanilla thrusters - Use vanilla thrusters!
And for those unhappy with the thrust/balance issues - Learn to make mods and make your own.

For me personally, thanks for going to the time and effort of creating an amazingly cool looking mod (modification) for basically no pay (or gratitude it would seem). You made something you are happy with and kindly shared. How bloody dare you!!!
I like it : )
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