Butterfly - VTOL Trainer

[FlipNascar]

This little thing is a happy accident, that is just such a charm to fly I had to share it. Not only does it look like a butterfly, but it's so docile in its handling that it is a great training VTOL craft. In fact its so docile that you don't need to use SAS (Note: VTOL thrust optimised for Dry CoM - some pitch trim will get you going just fine though if you're a keyboard user) naturally life is easier with SAS engaged. I can't stop just buzzing around the KSC in it.

Features a spotlight because I felt like it and 55 parts is better than 54 right?

AG1 - Toggle Gimbal for VTOL Engines

AG2 - Tongue Toggle

AG3 - Toggle Ladder

AG9 - Toggle VTOL engines

AG10 - Toggle HOTOL engine

For HOTOL flights activate rear control surfaces for pitch to ensure optimum controllability.

If you use Take Command - stage and go! If not, there's a command pod attached so that you can spawn and climb aboard the beast!

For VTOL ops at Max Take Off Weight around 2/3rds (a smidge above) will get you airborne.

Feedback, comments or criticisms, positive or negative or bland, are welcomed and encouraged. I'm tempted to make a rocket version for use as a moon lander of some sort...

Download from KerbalX

Not all pictures are representative of the final product... Some of the test craft have superfluous control surfaces!

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[Arugela]

It sure does have balls! 8D

[Rune]

Hummm... you have the aerodynamic control surfaces locked, or do the front wings try to flip you when doing some speed?

Rune. Last I heard, the still turn the wrong way if you put them backwards.

[FlipNascar]

Hummm... you have the aerodynamic control surfaces locked, or do the front wings try to flip you when doing some speed?

Rune. Last I heard, the still turn the wrong way if you put them backwards.

You are correct, if you enable them for roll they go the wrong way. As it stands, all of the [visible] control surfaces are locked because I went for aesthetics in the wing setup. There are some roll only elevons tucked away on the CoM. Tried with hidden pitch elevons, but couldn't position them well enough. Through 99.9% of the flight envelope the torque wheels are adequate. However using the rearmost's wings for controlling pitch provides a lot of extra pitch authority (that isn't really needed) if you struggle a bit.

Speedwise, I've not managed more than about 190m/s, in a dive, at full power. So depends on the definition of some speed eh?

[AxleMC131]

Haha, cute! Looks fun to fly.