[FAR] When to drop fairings

[rpayne88]

Please see title. I fly my rockets using FAR and KW fairings. When is it best to drop them. In other words, where does it begin to cost me in delta v to carry the mass of the fairings more than I gain from the decreased drag. Currently, I am carrying them up to 70km and dropping them.

[Johnno]

Please consider carefully where you place new threads, this one was in the wrong subforum. Rule 2.4 is in effect.

Thread moved.

[regex]

Once atmospheric drag is 0, I would suppose. You could probably drop them at around 60km and be safe, but 70km is a good rule.

[KerbMav]

I usually drop them as soon as the pressure indicator at the top of the screen leaves the second brightest blue marking.

Sometimes I keep carrying them around for roleplaying reasons - to protect the sensitive equipment until it reaches its destination.

[Ralathon]

If you want it exact it depends on how much drag your payload has and your ascent path. In general though, I tend to drop them around 40km

[Spanier]

I usually drop them at 50-55km

[KvickFlygarn87]

I would go on and drop them right before circularizing, so they will not leave orbit but won't cost you drag. They can't be that heavy!

[Deathsoul097]

I only ever use FAR with the rescaled solar system mod, but it is my experience that no matter the payload, it is best to drop them once you have exited the darkest blue segment of the bar to minimize drag losses. I guess that that may not be necessary with a standard kerbin though.

[7499275]

I drop fairings and extend panels and radios at around 50km I have had no bad affects yet.