Reviewing this article again for the fourth time now, I still don't get it: what's the use for the Skiff?
Compared to the Bobcat, it's only two small advantages are its slightly smaller weight, and the slightly better vacuum ISP, in all other aspects the Bobcat is better. And that slightly better vacuum ISP, not relevant for an ASL engine at all. Why pay more for an inferior engine?
So what do I miss here???
Well, the Skiff's vacuum Isp isn't just a little better, it's a lot better. So the Skiff is a good choice for anything in a certain size range that you light up off the launchpad but still in atmosphere, or even, like the OP said, if it's a long-burning center stage that lifts off the pad aided by boosters. You probably wouldn't do that with a Poodle or Wolfhound!
[edit: I mean, let's be honest, the launchpad Isp of 265, which is unchanged, already suggested it was never meant to be best in class during the actual liftoff. Its specialty is having the best vacuum Isp among engines that aren't total garbage on the pad. In other words, mid-atmospheric performance.]
Tuning changes in 1.6
in Developer Articles
Posted · Edited by FinalFan
edit
Well, the Skiff's vacuum Isp isn't just a little better, it's a lot better. So the Skiff is a good choice for anything in a certain size range that you light up off the launchpad but still in atmosphere, or even, like the OP said, if it's a long-burning center stage that lifts off the pad aided by boosters. You probably wouldn't do that with a Poodle or Wolfhound!
[edit: I mean, let's be honest, the launchpad Isp of 265, which is unchanged, already suggested it was never meant to be best in class during the actual liftoff. Its specialty is having the best vacuum Isp among engines that aren't total garbage on the pad. In other words, mid-atmospheric performance.]