ELA-4 for Ariane 6 v.260519

Ariane Launch Complex N.4
(in French : Ensemble de Lancement n°4 pour Ariane 6)

For Orbiter 2024 and 2016

This is the English version. (update 24/02/2026)
A French version is available on Papy's Hangar site.



This add-on is designed for use with the Ariane 6 European rocket
( available HERE )
This add-on does not include a rocket. So, if you want a rocket with this Launch Complex, install the Ariane 6 add-on.

This add-on provides a few scenarios, but just to discover the area and its infrastructure.



DESCRIPTION :
The first Ariane 6 rocket was launched on July 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. UT from the ELA 4 Launch Complex
of the Guiana Space Center (C.S.G.) in Kourou.
This site was built specifically for this rocket and is located at the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana, between the ELA-3 and ELS launch complexes.
The complex includes a Launch Pad with its Launch Platform, a mobile Assembly Tower (or Gantry), and a Launcher Assembly Building (BAL).

New features compared to the Orbiter 2016 version :

• The Assembly Tower and the Launch Umbilical Mast have been redesigned.
• The scenery elements (except the BAL) have also been re-modeled.
• The ground texture is new (grass has grown).
• A new detailed area (near the small lake) has some 21-resolution tiles.

All details, explanations, and command keys for the Mobile Assembly Tower animations are in
the ELA-4.pdf file located in the ...\Doc folder.

This add-on contains some detailed Surface Tiles for the ELA-4 area, as well as (non-detailed) tiles for the CSG and all of the French Guiana.
However, if you want more detailed coverage of the other Launch Complexes and for the French Guiana, install the "FRENCH GUIANA SURFACE TILES v2" add-on (it is not mandatory).


INSTALLATION :
Just extract the "zip" file into the main root folder of your Orbiter.
If you have already installed CSG - Kourou, certain files will (and must) be overwritten: accept the permission.
I advise against installing my old add-ons in OpenOrbiter 2024.
Keep your trusty old Orbiter 2016 for them.


RECOMMENDED ADD-ONS :
- the ARIANE 6 rocket - flight 262
A Launch complex without a rocket is like Tintin without Snowy : something's missing...

- FRENCH GUIANA SURFACE TILES version 2
Tiles are included in this "ELA4" add-on, but only for the relevant area.
To get a better look at French Guiana wherever you go, install this add-on.
If you install it after "ELA-4 for Ariane 6," many Tiles will be overwritten. This is normal: grant permission.

Note :
If you have installed the KOUROU CSG Space Center add-on and/or FRENCH GUIANA SURFACE TILES (version 1) in Orbiter 2016 (which I hope you have!),
installing this add-on will overwrite several files (tiles, meshes, textures, etc.).
Don't worry, this is completely normal. Grant permission.

An essential module is included in this add-on :
- VesselBuilder by Fred18
It works very well with Orbiter 2024 (and of course with Orbiter 2016)

Don't forget to "create symbolic links" (see page 18 of the Ariane 6 rocket documentation).

- Many thanks to BrianJ, who helped me take my first steps in C++.
Thanks to him, the Umbilical Mast has several animations that are automatically triggered when the rocket lift off.
- I thank Pappy2 for the documentation he provided me, and for all the tests he carried out.

Here's a preview of what's new (24/02/2026).
The full list can be found in the documentation (located in the .../Doc/Ariane6 folder)

This lauch complex is not yet finished and will be improved gradually : some buildings are missing, and few (many ?) details
concerning the mobile gantry, the umbilical mast, the BAL need to be added or modified.
There will be some updates in the future.

And if you want send a little word on the forum, don't hesitate, it's always a pleasure.
Also, if you find any issues, you can send me informations.