(Is this even possible?) Solar powered to orbit

[ihtoit]

you read that right. I've used a variation on Scott Manley's solar powered ion-driven plane to get into a 70x70 orbit (it took fifteen (real!) hours but hey!), I wonder if anyone else can improve on time-to-orbit or come up with a better design philosophy?

The slowest horizontal takeoff speed I've ever achieved: 16m/s! This puppy has five ion engines and LOTS of wing.

No restrictions except no ridiculous TWR cheats/mods, no infiniglide, no null gravity or any of that rubbish. NO BOOSTER STAGES ALLOWED. In fact, let's make it interesting: only permitted means of propulsion is the stock ion engine. Scoring is 0 (didn't make orbit) or 1 (made orbit). You will need both solar panels and batteries because I guarantee you at least some of your ascent will take place at night. I'm looking for interesting solutions, folks.

[maccollo]

Even just those 3 control surfaces probably add more acceleration those ion engines. I realized this when I tried to make my own ion glider. No matter how few control surfaces I used they would always contribute a significant amount. So basically, you can't do this challenge unless you add control surfaces to the restrictions.

[ihtoit]

odd... I'd just been sat there on the runway and tried flapping the flaps... and ended up falling off the back of the runway. So how does a control surface contribute to a shy-of-three-ton aircraft's thrust capability, exactly?

Also: I tried with no control surfaces and ended up doing vertical stalls on takeoff - every time. So if anything, the control surfaces induce drag not lift or thrust.

[astropapi1]

Ever heard of "infiniglide"?

[ihtoit]

yes I have - and it doesn't seem to work with just three control surfaces on a three and a half ton ion jet

[Kappa73]

i am fairly sure you sir are trolling and should be ignored by everyone. i know i will.

[ihtoit]

i am fairly sure you sir are trolling and should be ignored by everyone. i know i will.

ah, the retort of one who has nothing relevant to add to the conversation... who's the troll again?