The Truman Kerman Craftyard

[Hotel26]

Intruder

Craftyard

Invader

Kite

Description:
5:release/chutes 6:gen

A Bon Voyage-capable rover called Intruder.  Built with 34 of the finest parts, its root part is structuralIBeam2.

Rather than upgrade Invader, which was intended to be fitted after-market with the excellent mod, Bon Voyage, I’ve made an exception to my no-mods policy and released Intruder pre-fitted with Bon Voyage.

Bon Voyage does not support fuel cells, so the 6 fuel cells on Invader have been changed out for 6 PB-NUKs, retaining 2 of the fuel cells.

Please note also, Ursa (which carries 2x Intruder), Triop R1 and Valkyrie Invader, which are able to carry either type of rover (Intruder or Invader) for airborne deployment.

Wiki wiki!!

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.3.1.  NOTE: requires Bon Voyage.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Jolly Roger

Craftyard

MiG 15b

Nemesis

Description:
1:engines 2:mode 3:NERV 4:dock 5:ladder

A stock spaceplane called Jolly Roger.  Built with 43 of the finest parts, its root part is mk2Cockpit.Standard.

Jolly Roger was reverse-engineered from screenshots of Cavscout’s Pumera, for which I owe a debt of thanks.  Some changes have been made since, most notably the use of dual NERV engines.  Acknowledgement is due also to XLJedi, particularly for his very fine SP06B Star Ranger, which was the inspiration for Pumera (as I later discovered). The Star Ranger has many features (that Jolly Roger does not attempt) so it is definitely worth checking out.

For this class of SSTO spaceplane with a 6 Kerbal crew, capable of interplanetary missions, I wish also to recommend Atkara’s SSTO Mk1, which I regard as best-in-class, powered by 2x NERV and 2x Whiplash engines.  Learning to fly this machine to orbit will make you a better pilot!

Jolly Roger cruises in the atmosphere at 1,570 m/s @ 22.km for a draw of 1.24 kal/sec. Fundamentally though, its mission is in space.  Have fun!

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.3.1.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Nemesis

Craftyard

Jolly Roger

Description:
1:engines 2:flaps 3:chute 4:ladder

A stock aircraft called Nemesis.  Built with 24 of the finest parts, its root part is mk2Cockpit.Standard.

A medium-range Mach 4+ VSTOL rescue mission aircraft, 2 crew, 4 pax.  Extremely short take-off and landing.

1275m/s @ 21km / 0.41 kal/sec.

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.3.1.

 

This is not Nemesis preparing for take-off...   ...this is Nemesis just landed...

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Spunk

Craftyard

Escort

Methuselah

Description:
9:struts 0:gimbals Abort:cut chutes

A stock, reusable lifter called Spunk.   Built with 61 of the finest parts, its root part is ServiceBay.250.

Credit to pthigrivi for the original design!  Brikoleur consulted on tuning the craft for a stock rendition.  I balanced Spunk aerodynamically to make it glide to land.  A real team effort!  Thanks, comrades!!

Spunk will take 15 tons to orbit.  It’ll take a larger load to a 70+ km apoapsis provided that load can circularize itself. Just switch back to Spunk and land it: it’s reusable!

A standard ascent trajectory to 70km will place your landing on the next promontory east of KSC.  I’ve set up a recovery area there specifically for first-stage boosters like Spunk.

Or, if you do take Spunk all the way to orbit, you can bring it home to land at KSC…

Spunk lands on tail struts or – if you’re made of the Right Stuff – you can attempt a gear-down landing just like the Space Cadet’s Handbook says you should!

Deorbiting:

1. fuel in the big tank for rear-first entry.
2. Lock off a small amount of fuel in another tank to keep it in reserve.
3. Lower your Pe to 50km.
4. Burn hard when ready to nail the landing area (and before you lose control of the tail.) Pump fuel forward and turn prograde.
5. Once slowed to maneuvering speed, DO NOT FORGET to pump all remaining fuel amidships (big tank) for landing.

This little bird has real spunk!  Happy New Year!!

Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.3.1.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Sparrow

Craftyard

Tick

Description:
1: engines

A stock tug called Sparrow.  Built with 26 of the finest parts, its root part is probeStackLarge.

Sparrow is a lightweight, efficient companion to Hawk and Crab.  It’s surprisingly capable.  Every space station should have one.  Or two.

The Klaw is an optional extra and can be left parked, embedded in the side of your station.  The jump seat can be manned by a thrill-seeker Kerbal or simply used as a control point to provide a reference for docking with the Klaw.

I use Sparrow, for example, to dock to my Swordfish spaceliner (coming soon!) and bring it home to dock.

Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.3.1.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Esprit

Craftyard

Peregrine

Batwing

Description:
1:engines 2:ladder

A stock supersonic aircraft called Esprit.  Built with 44 of the finest parts, its root part is mk2Cockpit.Standard.

Esprit is loosely modeled on Concorde, of course, and I might have called it that if I’d worked a little more on the vertical stabilizer…

It’s difficult to do justice to the inimitable Concorde, especially in stock; so more tasteful to simply allude, n'est-ce pas?…

Trim +4 for take-off/landing; rotate after 80 m/s.  815 m/s @ 14km.

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.3.1.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Methuselah

Craftyard

Spunk

Description:
0:Rhino gimbals

A stock lifter called Methuselah.  Built with 65 of the finest parts, its root part is Size3LargeTank.

With 7 Mammoths hauling the first stage and a Rhino taking up the bit in the second, Methuselah packs a punch and finishes with a bonus: your mission gets to keep the Rhino after circularization, if useful.

Your load will have to provide command & control as Methuselah does not include a probe core.  (This may mean you need to use ancillary equipment to deorbit the trash after use or you can add a probe core, if desired.)

No figures on exact load-bearing capacity, but call it a medium-heavy lifter and versatile, too.

Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.3.1.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Pegasus 3

Craftyard

 

Ursa

Aquarius

Description:

1:engines 2:reversers 3:flaps 4:chute 5:ladder

A stock tanker called Pegasus 3. Built with 26 of the finest parts, its root part is mk3Cockpit.Shuttle.

My original rescue Pegasus saw two further developments, increasing total fuel carrying capacity, culminating in this, the Pegasus 3.

Pegasus 3 is capable of constituting a pop-up airport in which it can act as mother ship on the ground to refuel other craft at e.g. a rescue operation base camp.

LF: 7,185 OX:7315 MP 1,100 Cruise: 240m/s @ 10km (520 m/s when lightly loaded).

Pegasus 3 has a nose dock to allow ground transfer of replenishment fuel from one Peg to another. Recommended for use in conjunction with a Chrysalis or Vodka Daiquiri…

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.3.1.

 

 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Hobgoblin

Craftyard

Goblin

Description
5:drill 6:mine 7:gen

A stock rover called Hobgoblin.  Built with 37 of the finest parts, its root part is fuelTank2-2.

This is Gimlet upgraded from 2 drills to 4. 

Use Valkyrie Hobgoblin for airdrop delivery...

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.3.1.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Valkyrie Hobgoblin

Craftyard

Pandora

Description
1:engines 2:drop 3:chute 4:ladder

A stock aircraft called Valkyrie Hobgoblin.  Built with 99 of the finest parts, its root part is mk2Cockpit.Standard.

A supersonic transporter to airdrop a heavy-duty mining rover at any location on Kerbin.

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.3.1.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Salamander

Craftyard

NerfJet 2019

Super Paxjet

Description
1: vert thrust/dir¨2: horz thrust/dir¨3:Dart¨4:Puff reversers¨5:bay doors/fuel cell¨6:dock/ladder¨Executive lunar conference jet.

An Executive lunar conference jet, named Salamander, built entirely with KSP 1.3.1 stock parts: a lunar personnel-carrier for 12 VIPs plus 2 crew.

To lift-off and fly away:

1. Engage Vert mode [AG1] and select SFC Radial Out; apply thrust to clear the surface
2. Turn to heading; touch ‘F’ to select SAS Hold; engage Horz mode [AG2]; raise the nose to climb attitude hitting ‘F’ to Hold the attitude
3. Deselect Vert mode [AG1] but then hit AG2 twice to re-establish full Horz mode
4. Go full throttle

Sub-orbital is the most efficient way to get around but this craft is loaded with oxidizer for the vertical thrusters to allow low-altitude (a couple of km for ground clearance) scenic cruise.

De-orbiting to land can use retrograde horz thrust (including the Dart) to get low. Then re-establish level flight and/or hover.

A stock spacejet called Salamander (formerly XP Luna Luxury Liner).  Built with 45 of the finest parts, its root part is mk2Cockpit.Standard.

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.3.1.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Gryphon

Craftyard

Aquarius

Manta

Description
1:engines 2:chute 3:ladder 5:release/chutes

A stock transporter called Harp Gryphon.  Built with 42 of the finest parts, its root part is probeStackSmall.

Gryphon is an aerial fuel resupply device, bearing 445 kallons LF and 55 OX; perfect for resupplying rovers on long-distance treks; the initial, long-range deployment of short-range aircraft; or simply to aid distressed aircraft, stranded outfield, but still with sufficient fuel to taxi to a Gryphon dropped nearby for fuel resupply.

The chutes and claws will deploy upon release from the transporter.  The HORZ claw is useful for rovers, while the VERT claw can be used with almost any size aircraft. If necessary, park a larger craft over the VERT claw and then simply retract its nose-gear.

Gryphon comes packaged herein with my trusty Harp transporter, but you may easily, of course, detach the two and use either as you will. I trust they will be useful in your adventures!!

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.6.0.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[RealKerbal3x]

@Hotel26 Nice craft

Just a thing though: the KerbalX page says the ‘Gryphon’ was built in 1.6.0. Is there a reason you haven’t updated to 1.6.1 yet? I don’t think it’s broken anything.

Or I could be an idiot and you’re already on .1. In that case ignore me

[Hotel26]

18 hours ago, RealKerbal3x said:

Is there a reason you haven’t updated to 1.6.1 yet?

Ha ha, good question!  When 1.4 came out in March 2018, I was on 1.3.1 and predicted then that it would take me until the end of 2018 to upgrade.  Well, it finally happened, January 2019 and I skipped 1.4.5 straight to 1.6.  I guess I'm just a slow learner!!    [And I recall that it was actually @RealKerbal3x who gave me the final shove to upgrade.    Thank you very much.  It has been OK, so far.]

In any case, one thing about publishing craft from 1.3 is it gives access to a wider audience.  But I am on 1.6 (.0) now.    I think you might know that KSP will happily convert older craft versions for you.

So I haven't set a schedule for the next upgrade.  I guess all the mods that work for 1.6 will also work for 1.6.1.  I did actually download it a few days ago...

Edited January 29, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

NerfJet 2019

Craftyard

Four Of Diamonds

Salamander

Description
1: engines 2:dock 3:ladder 0:gimbals

An executive spacejet called NerfJet 2019. Built with 90 of the finest parts, its root part is mk3Cockpit.Shuttle.

The all-new, 2019 model of NerfJet is here! 50% less engines for better m.p.g., lower emissions and replete with cockpit airbags/oxygen masks for pilots taken by surprise by NerfJet’s eco-friendly, reduced power. The major feature of the redesign is the elimination of the Mk3 cargo bay.

NerfJet comes herein, packaged atop a Zephyr booster to get you into space pronto (but, certainly, remount it on your own, preferred delivery vehicle).

NerfJet is equipped with leather seating, plush wall-to-wall carpeting, smoke suppressors and a fully-stocked bar. It was designed to roam the orbital lanes carrying top space agency executives in comfort and provide in-flight conference facilities. Its perfect also for navigating the inner Kerbin system (Mun, Minmus).

Land gear-extended on the tail on a lunar surface and then tip it down onto its gear for easier pax egress. (Just ensure there is a nearby hill/incline to use for departure…)

Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.6.0.

 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Manta

Craftyard

Gryphon

Pandora

Description
Hotel26 is most happy and proud to publish Manta, which is the result of a collaboration between the illustrious FleshJeb and myself.

Manta is a super-heavy, fuel transporter that accomplishes a "pop-up" fuel depot at any airport/operations site on Kerbin, for the purpose of refueling many client aircraft/rovers.

Please do note that this craft, as posted, has been completely/expertly remade over by FleshJeb and is now faithfully published here, untouched by other, grimy hands [e.g. those of Hotel26].

A stock transporter called Manta, designed and implemented by FleshJeb, and based on a crackpot idea conceived by Hotel26. Built with 62 of the finest parts, its root part is mk3Cockpit.Shuttle.

Manta employs its front claw (combined with retraction of its nose gear) to dock with client craft. Do also be advised, that a parallel, related engineering effort is ongoing to devise a Gryphon III,  which will slip into Manta's cargo bay and provide ensured capability for truly universal docking.

Please do note that Manta is no toy aircraft. Whilst engineered for reliability/accuracy (e.g. CoM/CoL do not shift co-relatively, wet to   dry),  Manta is a super-heavy/super-powerful machine packing a giant wallop.  Getting it to cruise altitude/speed requires a deft hand, like guiding a pod of beached whales back into their natural element; but once feeling that thin/cold air of the upper atmosphere, Manta revels in cruising effortlessly at speeds in excess of 1.1 km/sec.

May I remark that Collaboration may be one of the few "final frontiers" of KSP and there is nothing quite like the enjoyment/satisfaction of working in concert with another like-minded, but also talented, engineer!

Verily: "I have learned a thing or two"!   Grazie, FleshJeb!

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.6.0.

 

 

 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Aquarius

Craftyard

Pegasus 3

Gryphon

Description
1:engines 2:bay 3:ladder

A stock aircraft called Aquarius.  Built with 33 of the finest parts, its root part is mk2CargoBayL.

Aquarius is a high-speed, military, classified-cargo transporter.  Twin Mk2 cargo bays for transporting potent devices at high-speed.  Medium range.

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.6.0.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[4472TJ]

Hello, I'm a fellow craft maker and I have always had an issue in naming my craft. Your names sound great so I'm wondering how you get a name for them?

[Hotel26]

Four Of Diamonds

Craftyard

Cruciform

NerfJet 2019

Description

1:RAPIER 2:boost 3:NERV 4:dock

A stock SSTO called Four Of Diamonds. Built with 46 of the finest parts, its root part is Mark1Cockpit.

For take-off at KSC, fly it off the end of the runway and then rotate for a very shallow initial climb.  Climb as best you can and level off somewhere around 3km for a speed run.  Engage the NERVs to go supersonic.  Then climb at 10-15 degrees until reaching about 12-1300 m/sec.  Establish 20 deg climb.  Cut out the RAPIER as soon as you are confident you can make orbit on the NERVs alone.

This machine prefers tail-first re-entry to prevent the cockpit over-heating. Pump fuel to the aft tanks.  On the opposite side of Kerbin, reduce periapsis to 50km.  Fly Surface Radial Out to allow drag to reduce the periapsis to about zero and then turn Retrograde.  Use thrust to decelerate to less than 2km/s when the empennage shows any sign of over-heating. Then pump fuel for'ard and turn prograde.

Based on an original idea of @JacobTheFoxx. 

NOTES:
1. Use a lower-than-usual de-orbit periapsis to hasten re-entry (or follow the procedure described above)
2. If your excursion proceeds on from LKO without refueling, a 2x RAPIER/single-NERV version may get you to space with more dV in the tank.

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.6.0.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

On 2/22/2019 at 2:58 AM, 4472TJ said:

Your names sound great so I'm wondering how you get a name for them?

Hi 4472TJ and thank you.

I wish I could tell you, but it's a right-brain thing and/or an over-active imagination: I'll often scoop the first thing that pops into my head, and sometimes that first thought won't feel right, so I'll know another one will follow before I get to publication.

Case in point is the craft I just published above.  The working title was Dart, which is not that imaginative, since the shape suggests it.  But a stern shot would show that the RAPIER is mounted with a signature twist.

(Here's an example of playing with engine orientation:

)

In the case of Four Of Diamonds, it was simply the particular orientation of the RAPIER that suggested a playing card to me. 

Another example, is my Gimlet mining rig was named after the gimlet boring device that is something like a corkscrew.  (It was also a nickname in the Biggles series of books.)  So, my fuel tanker, Vodka, (high-octane) turned that into a pun and the smaller version of Vodka became Vodka Daiquiri.  Pretty silly, in retrospect, but distinctive, no doubt.

Edited February 23, 2019 by Hotel26

[4472TJ]

Thanks for that! Really useful

[Hotel26]

Road Runner

Craftyard

Pacemaker

Description

A stock rally endurance rover known as Road Runner.  Built with 51 of the finest parts, its root part is probeCoreOcto2.v2.

This one is dedicated to my valiant friend, @Triop, one of the last of a breed of intrepid explorers.

Beep!  Beep!!

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.6.0.

 

 

On 2/24/2019 at 7:13 PM, Hotel26 said:

Road Runner

I have to say, I know nothing about rovers or rovering.  I built Road Runner so that -- even Triop -- couldn't roll it over.

But I suspect it's top speed (37.3 m/s on the level) is limited by drag.  The best way to build this might be some kind of duocoque design, like a Catamaran, with two hulls.

The main requirement is simply to get a wide wheelbase.  And a reasonably low CoM.  And less drag.  Lots of electricity.  Not too many hefty batteries!  And a place to keep lunch and a beer cold...  Explorers don't care about rain and that sort of thing.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

@Triop, I put two extra, rear wheels on this and it does 43 m/s.  Factoring in time NOT lost due to turn-overs and other accidents, this might have a pretty optimal average speed.

[Hotel26]

Pandora

Craftyard

Manta

Valkyrie Hobgoblin

Description
1:Wheesleys 2:reverse 3:claw

A stock hydrofoil called Pandora.  Built with 39 of the finest parts, its root part is mk2Cockpit.Inline.

Pandora was designed specifically to ferry my Road Runner endurance rally rover but it works with my Invader/Intruder rovers, too.

Retract the rear gear to allow a rover to embark/disembark.

In the water, engage SAS, throttle up and wait patiently for the machine to rise onto its hydroplanes. Once at speed, do NOT disengage SAS.

I, Hotel26, am going to give you an electronic guarantee that you will have fun with this "Jet Ski"! (Or your money back.)

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.6.0.

 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Pacemaker

Craftyard

Kite	Road Runner

Description
1:gen

A stock endurance rally rover called Pacemaker.  Built with 31 of the finest parts, its root part is mk2Cockpit.Standard.

Testing ideas for a high-speed endurance rally entrant, I wondered how fast Atkara’s 8-wheeled science Rover Mk1 would go with all the science gear stripped out. Fast!  48 m/s on the KSC green.  I’m seriously considering taking on a 3,600km trek.

I drive this with SAS off but my right index finger on the ‘F’ key so that I can strategically ‘Hold’ the attitude when the machine leaves the ground so as to be nicely aligned for landing and/or to arrest a tumble.

Tip of the hat to Atkara…

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.6.0.

 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Hotel26