Jump to content

Kerbal Express Airlines - Regional Jet Challenge (Reboot Continued)


Recommended Posts

1 minute ago, TheTripleAce3 said:

If KSP ever requires an internet connection then I'll be helically wrapped around an axis.

You'll be twisted? 

You could say you'd be stabbed by a helically wrapped axis with a head and grooves to insert a screwdriver if you meant screwed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, Kernel Kraken said:

You'll be twisted? 

You could say you'd be stabbed by a helically wrapped axis with a head and grooves to insert a screwdriver if you meant screwed.

+1

Just now, NightshineRecorralis said:

Is that a big bang theory reference?

Yep.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 6/24/2018 at 4:48 PM, panzerknoef said:

Test Pilot Review: @SLAMOVNIK989's Aerobus Industries - Kerbus K200

2YjhPLo.jpg

Figures as Tested:

  • Price: 91.940.000
  • Fuel: 4780kallons
  • Cruising speed: 1330m/s
  • Cruising altitude: 18.000m
  • Fuel burn rate: 1.9kal/s
  • Range:  3200km

Review Notes:

The design of this aircraft somewhat reminded us of a certain military aircraft with the designation SR-71, only longer and with more engines. We recon that's a good thing though, since a lot of little Kerbals have got posters of that aircraft hanging on their bedroom walls. Having kids put up posters of our aircraft with it would be a considerable advertisement. 

The thing has 4 engines... As soon as that fact was known, we couldn't stop Jeb from running towards it as fast as he possibly could to take a closer look, and get in the cockpit. We decided to just let him have his ways since the plane wasn't actually fueled yet, and sure enough a few moments later a bamboozled Jeb exited the plane and asked if the plane was broken before we even tried it. Soon after we got it all fueled up and started the engines. The massive noise it produced instantly destroyed some glass and the ears of several bystanders. The plane quickly started picking up pace and took to the sky. In the manual it was mentioned we should fly it at 50% throttle but that was so dreadfully slow that we went with 3/4 instead. The plane makes altitude very easily and arrives at 18000m in less than 3 minutes. A very useful trait since you don't want this thing low over inhabited areas for any longer than is absolutely necessary. Flying at 400m/s up at 18000m did throw up a problem though, the AoA we had to maintain to keep our altitude was very steep, so steep in fact that we couldn't pick up more speed at all. Easily resolved though, as we just put it horizontal, made some speed in a very shallow descent and flew right back up again, this time at proper speed. The plane can stay at its cruising speed of 1330m/s with the throttle at 3/4, we can absolutely not call the plane fuel efficient though, since it used 1.9 units a second. We've tried turning off the engines in pairs but it definitely needs all 4 engines to be running if it wants to stay at speed. Maneuverability is quite average for a supersonic jet, it performs solidly at all altitudes, given that you are flying the speed you should be flying at said altitude. The brochure warned us of flying over 1000m/s under 6000m because the plane could disintegrate, curious as we are, we tried it. The plane doesn't disintegrate at all, in fact nothing happens. Nothing does really mean nothing though, you can't actually pull up or pitch down at all. You can just watch as the ground approaches you quickly while there's nothing you can do about it. We agree with the brochure, don't fly that fast under 6000m. 

The plane is an absolute joy to fly with though. Despite the ear shattering noise on the outside, the inside is fairly quiet thanks to the use of the more expensive mk2 cabins. Apart from superior noise suppression they're also more spacious than a mk1 cabin, making the entire flight a first class experience...more or less. The ramjets  mounted on the wings get all their vibrations filtered out by the distance and the sheer amount of surface to absorb the vibrations. However, the 2 centerline mounted rapiers do create a significant amount of vibrations, as a result we discourage serving drinks and meals on board, it could get a bit messy. We do think we can hide all this by saying the plane has special massage seats, extra luxurious, right?

All this luxury does come at a price. 91.940.000 to be exact. Whilst definitely not the most expensive supersonic jet we've ever seen, it is on the higher side of the spectrum. 64 parts is surprisingly low for a plane of its size and capabilities, we expected way worse of that to be honest. That doesn't mean the maintenance won't be high though, there's still 4 engines of 2 different types, meaning that we don't only need a lot of maintenance on the engines, we also need a wider expertise to maintain it. Finally there's the cost of fuel... This plane literally erases fuel faster than Jeb can eat sandwiches, and that's not a good thing.

The Verdict:

The K-200 is a boys dream. It's big, extremely loud and very fast. Though admittedly the boy would probably cry if he heard the plane in the flesh since it's just so loud. However, you do get a plane with an exceptionally luxurious flight (though I better hope you like massages) for 72 people, and you will get those people to where they want to be in no time at all. We'd like to order a set of 5 for first class supersonic routes. 

Based on report above, Aerobus Industries will continue development on fuel efficiency, loudness and vibration issues caused by R.A.P.I.E.R.s.

Since we also plan to produce 2 another supersonic airplanes and 1 multi-purpose Jumbo airplane, problems may be fixed till the end of July.

Sincerely, SLAMOVNIK989,
CEO of Aerobus Industries.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Douglas Aircraft Company presents the new transcontinental passenger aircraft, the DC-3, for the Turboprop Category.

PgxehM9.jpg

https://kerbalx.com/AwkwardNoah/Douglas-DC-3 (changed to KerbalX)

The DC-3 starts at $48,759,000. With a tested range of 1,390km at a cruising speed of 138m/s at an altitude of 6000m, the DC-3 provides an inexpensive means to provide 24 passengers long-range travel. With ticket pricing set to $370 per passenger Kerbal Express Airlines can recoup the costs of a single DC-3 in only 5,490 flights, this does not include package shipping which can also decrease the number of flights. We here at Douglas ACC have rated that a DC-3 can have a lifespan of either 600,000 flights or hours, this also does not include complete overhauls which can double or triple this estimate. Another variant is also available in the form of a passenger only form which can hold 48 passengers. If Kerbal Express Airlines wish for this variant you can happily ask for it. The recommended crew is 2 pilots and 2 flight attendants. Due to the simplicity of a radial propellor engine maintenance costs are quite minuscule compared to jet turbine aircraft. Jet turbine aircraft also cannot land or takeoff effectively on dirt runways, allowing the DC-3 to fill a niche market of rural airstrips and remote regions such as Alaskerb.

 

So ask yourself this, what's the point of flying if you don't enjoy it. The DC-3 offers gourmet meals and luxuries such as cocktails.

(AG1 is flaps for landing only!! AG2 is engine reverse, I really shouldn't have to say landing only on this one but Kerbals. Also, can I suggest a cargo plane category?)

Edited by AwkwardNoah
forgot AGs
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Pilot Review: @Haruspex's KF-57 F Tern

 5N0jOr1.png

Figures as Tested:

  • Price: 33,116,000
  • Fuel: 1,2800 kallons
  • Cruising speed: 800m/s
  • Cruising altitude: 18,000m
  • Fuel burn rate: 0.32 kal/s
  • Range: 3,200km

Review Notes:

The KF-57 F shares the same unorthodox wing structure as the rest of the KF-57 family. Unlike its siblings though, the F model is fitted with two engines, one on each wingtip. Our engineers were quick to warn the test pilots that such an arrangement would probably yield very sluggish roll response because of the high moment of inertia, and that engine out scenarios would probably be fatal. Oh, boy were they wrong though!

The plane takes off in a very reasonable, though not entirely exceptional space, reaching a respectable 60m/s before lifting off. Our pilots were happy to report that the takeoff was quite uneventful, and tailstikes seemed practically impossible. They did note however that considerable up trim was necessary to keep the plane from nose diving at all speeds, and suggested that the horizontal stabilizers have some of that trim angle built in from the factory.

When it comes to flight characteristics though, this plane has a really bad case of the everythings. All of the control surfaces respond to every control input. It does not help that 50% of the lifting surfaces on this plane is control surfaces. There is a strong  adverse yaw effect causing the plane to wallow around in a haphazard fashion if the pilots are not very active with the rudder pedals every time they try to roll the airplane.

Rather contrary to the engineers warnings, the pilots found the aircraft to be super maneuverable. In Fact our test pilots estimated the roll rate to be approximately 600 degrees per second. And the plane was quite happy to pull 30G turns. Not exactly the kind of flight characteristics you expect from a passenger jet. Though the pilots had a great time making spiraling smoke trails.

Now despite this super maneuverability the pilots reported that it was nearly impossible to put the plane into an unrecoverable condition, even with just a single engine running the plane remained  quite controllable. The engineers being quite flummoxed by all of this, claimed that they must have overlooked the yawrate-complexion caused by the intermedian-flux-vorticies interacting with the flowrate-angle of the duplex-swept wings. It is a very rare phenomenon though, they claimed, and said not many even know about it, but they assured, it is totally a real thing.

During cruise testing it was found that the plane would do both the advertised 800m/s and 20km of altitude just fine, but not both at the same time. It was decided that 800m/s at 18km would be a close enough substitute. It was noted that the plane flew with a considerable nose up attitude, and so we would recommend  that RFK Co. look into adjusting the angle of incidence on the lifting surfaces to counteract this tendency. And although the aircraft already has plenty of range, we think it could be improved even further.

Now for the landing performance. The pilots reported that with the flaps deployed the aircraft was quite easy to land, both on water and land, well as long as they could avoid getting into pilot induced oscillations that is. Avoiding those PIOs was admittedly required substantial training. The plane touched down at 50m/s, and came to a stop in about the same distance it took to take off, quite respectable in other words.

As for the passenger comfort though, that bag was certainly shaken, not stirred. With the engines mounted all the way out on the wingtips and far back, the flight was quiet, and almost free of vibrations. However the cabin crew complained that, while the serving carts went down the aisle quite readily, they didn’t really want to go back up again. And serving the drinks in flight also proved quite challenging. Now getting the drinks out of the can was not at all difficult, getting it into the cups however proved to be quite an exciting exercise, with the plane being thrown around by the pilots all the time. And the passengers reported much the same. Getting the contents out of the cup was quite easy, but convincing the drinks to go into their mouths and stay there proved quite a challenge.

At 39 parts and two engines this plane is about as average as it gets, when it comes to maintenance for supersonic jets. Much the same can be said about the purchase price and fuel economy. Pilot training is going to be quite extensive, to tame the wild handling characteristics of this plane. With the otherwise good comfort though, we do think we could offset that by selling only first class tickets.

The Verdict:

A promising supersonic for the comfort oriented passengers, that is let down by it’s super maneuverability. We will be leasing 2 as a pilot project. If it turns out to be profitable we will probably buy 4 of them to fly between the large business centers of the world. Though we leave our options open for more if RFK Co. can deliver an updated model with more manageable handling characteristics.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, TheTripleAce3 said:

Is there a name for that wing design or would it be a modified box wing?

Nope; when two wings are aligned, the turbulence of the first makes the second useless. (in real life)

There is, of course, exception. ex: body lift design

Edited by Mathrilord
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Mathrilord said:

Nope; when two wings are aligned, the turbulence of the first makes the second useless. (in real life)

There is, of course, exception. ex: body lift design

So the second wing is aerodynamically useless but probably serves some structural use?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, tonimark said:

ONE MORE QUESTION is fuel wings allowed it doesn't give any parts but gives extra fuel (and i also i need it to introduce my mc Donell douglas dc-3) (i know that there is already one but i take a look) 

Yes, as long as it’s part of the mods allowed. There are 3 stock wings with fuel and iirc app also has a couple.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks a lot that help me a lot of making planes check also some models here douglas dc-3 https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1429330014

beechcraft 1900d https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1427113923

they are not and the best aircraft but they are also available in real life 

i also forgot to mention that they are both turboprop category with 24 passengers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, tonimark said:

ONE MORE QUESTION is fuel wings allowed it doesn't give any parts but gives extra fuel (and i also i need it to introduce my mc Donell douglas dc-3) (i know that there is already one but i take a look) 

Fuel Wings the mod itself is not allowed, as it is not in the approved mod list. 

8 hours ago, Mathrilord said:

Nope; when two wings are aligned, the turbulence of the first makes the second useless. (in real life)

There is, of course, exception. ex: body lift design

Seems to work for the Proteus, which has little stagger between wing height.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scaled_Composites_Proteus

Edited by Box of Stardust
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This thread is quite old. Please consider starting a new thread rather than reviving this one.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...