I had been under the impression that such variable already existed but i cant find it anywhere

I can see this being useful for gun mounts. Will add.

i had thought you said that a variable for such would be implemented with the addition of being able to place parts on the ground, but i guess i had been mistaken?

I do recall saying that I would add such a thing, but looking though the code I confirm that I did not. I must've forgotten.

Implemented in 22.5.0.