Dobrodav

Wow, really nice - thank you.

For calculating TWR there is an excellent 'Engineere' part. Be aware, it requires 0,15 version. http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/forum/index.php?topic=9917.0 For good awareness of flight situation and some autopilot function, look for Mech Jeb part. (No demo compatibility) http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/forum/index.php?topic=8021.0 For basic understanding and calculating of orbital mechanics and as source of basic astronomical info i can recommend KSP Orbit Mechanic 1.2a java program. http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/forum/index.php?topic=4707.0 PS: about SSTO. We are closing now to moment when it will be possible, BUT, maintaining that system in service will be ridiculously high in cost. To return back in space, we should turn to the principles that KSP illustrates - not so good, not so optimized, with common materials in use, but dirty CHEAP. I can recommend you to read this: LEO on the cheap http://www.dunnspace.com/leo-1-10.pdf

OMG, it maybe a key to a shape shifted wings. And shape shifted wings are key to everything ... ??? :-[

Well, its big. This is a bright side. Does not sounds like a big achievement, but i know how hard to build (and especially, edit, in the process), so its actually is an achievement. Congratz.

0,15 KSP stock, no compatibility with demo version. Hello, here is anther plane named 'Albatros', but heh, its at least looks like Albatros, so i did not changed name. Sorry m8 with vintage 3-plane (its actually cool). As post name says, that plane can fly around Kerbin in atmosphere (no suborbit, or other ballistics involved) and consist from one stage (no any solid boosters at liftoff, etc) . And yes - it is a plane, not some balloon, . Only 0,15 stock parts are used. Basic principles: 1) Better is enemy of good enough (folklore wisdom). 2) Going slower - going further (another one piece of wisdom). 3) As much fuel as possible, as much lift power as possible, and just enough thrust (Kerbin principle for long range planes). Here is some pics from flight, that was started as first test flight, and turns in around Kerbin travel in process. Just after lift off: (Its actually do this without any remarks, easy and steady) Wievs: From ground: From above: Maximum speed test with half burned fuel: Somewhere in a middle of travel: Closing KSC (to overestimate fuel flow, and have no much time to burn it out): Runaway: That is my third attempt to build SSAKA plane, First was a total disaster (only 1900 km and incredibly hard to control. second was already able to do this, but with to many glides, - that drastically slows done whole flight.) It was made as proof of concept, and therefore was build in a hurry. Close look at wings surfaces can scare any seasoned rocket builder. But simplicity of concept and big size of construction, withstand that flaws. Flight plan. As test flight, my time for was not so good due to unnecessary testing maneuvers and well, it was my first time flying that plane. It took about 6 hours and 24 minutes of game time. That time could be lessened to a 5 hours at least. That abot 3800 km on always 90 degreas course. That direction drastically reduces flight path, virtually adding speed at your actual speed, due to Kerbin rotation. So i will just try to give some recommendations. Full thrust at liftoff, drop 2 thrust clicks after gear retracting. Go to 10 - 11 km height band (actually lesser, when full, but try to aim that numbers), Maintain height and lower your thrust as fuel burns out, keeping your eyes on AOA, try to keep it under 20 degrees and not less than 15 (not less than 10 when half of fuel burns out). That should work. If you afraid that you will burn out of fuel, keep in mind, that i had around 1/3 of last 3 fuel tanks, when ended travel. Also, on full thrust 1 tank of fuel burns out in 20 minutes if used by one Turbo Jet Engine. So, its about 1 hour 20 minutes on 1/4 of thrust, Last 6 tanks burns out really slow, because they provide enough power for optimal flight speed on 1/4 of thrust. And last thing to keep in mind - You can always glide with power off, if needed. From 11 km to 1 km height Albatros glides about 2 hours With at least 400 km glide path (its painfully slow to relay on this, but, hey,- on 90 deagres course - just glide and let the Kerbin rotate beneath you ). Next things in mind - Around Kerbin travel through the poles and SSAKA all the way full throttle plane. Not sure that is even possible, but ... Sorry for my bad english. PS: Not sure about all this things about 90 degrease course and rotating Kerbin. Actually atmosphere rotates too. So its actually another flight in west direction needed, or vote of more qualified person. Here is a plane:

Oh yes, sure, was somehow inpatient and did not read clearly the rules, my mistake.

I would be glad to be involved in this mun base developing. Please add me to the list. I want to deliver some moon rover, or other cart of the same capabilities. I will use only stock parts (except of cart), and no electronic hardware, as mechjeb autopilot and such. I am discovered autopilots to late, and just don`t trust them. Looking forward to enjoy that mission. Best regards.