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Out-of universe notes will be in cursive As you know, in 1.12 fireworks were added to KSP. What you might not know is that you can overclock fireworks using a KAL controller. These overpowered fireworks can be used for propulsion, if you're careful enough. FROM THE DECLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS OF THE KERBAL AEROSPACE FORCE: THE ORION DRIVE Ever since kerbals created explosives, they've wondered: can I fly with it? The question had been answered a long time ago by solid-fuel motors, but some kept thinking if there was more to it. That day, they proved there was. The Orion test vehicle was sitting on the launchpad, waiting for further commands. Daredevil pilot Jebediah Kerman was sitting inside. Even Jeb, the famous Kerbal With No Fear, was pondering the absurdity of this idea. A couple tons of explosives were going to be shot out of a hole at supersonic speeds, an Jeb was going to ride the shockwave. Suddenly, he heard a command from Ground Control. CAPTAIN KERMAN, PREPARE FOR LIFTOFF IN 3, 2, 1... And like that, Project Orion was born. Not with a whimper, but with a bang. Jeb felt the vehicle accelerate rapidly. He struggled with his breath, and his ears were ringing. COMMANDER KERMAN, WE HAVE LIFTOFF, I REPEAT, WE HAVE... BANG! and another one and another one Getting used to this is gonna be hard, Jeb thought. 28 more explosions followed. WE HAVE REACHED 100 m/s, Mission Control stated. Beginning descent, Jeb replied. Commander Kerman parachuted to safety. While his vehicle was being recovered, his brother Gene, head of Kerbal Aerospace Forces, called him to his office. Great job, Jeb, he said. We've officially started the Orion Program, and the investors are impressed. We're going to need you again soon, Jeb. Do you want to continue? Oh boy, more explosions? Jeb replied with excitement. Count me in! I need a vacation, though, my back hurts from all the gees now. I knew you would be interested. We'll call you. Jeb, the Orion Rider. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Gene finished. Okay, I'm tired, I'll publish the next part later today or tomorrow, I hope. I have all the pictures ready. Did you like this? Any criticism, questions or recommendations? Please reply! Here are some bonus photos. They'll come with every episode. They are not canon, consider them bloopers. NEXT UP ON THUNDERSTRUCK: WHO PUT ORION ON A PLANE?

Hello experienced KSPers and fellow pseudo-aeronautical engineers! My question is about building sub-orbital aircraft. Specifically, is the functionality of elevons or control surfaces negatively impacted if the part is partially offset (i.e. clipping) into another part? For example, using the FAT55 stock wings and attached control surfaces, but part of the elevons are clipping into the engine housing (for aesthetic reasons). Does this occlude anything or prevent any range of motion? I'm playing on Xbox (otherwise I'd share screenshots). Appreciate the inputs!

I built the X-3 Stiletto in Kerbal Space Program. It is an old aircraft that worked in between 1952 to 1956.The X-3 Stiletto was manufactured by the Douglas Aircraft Company, It was designed to be very aerodynamic and to go past supersonic speeds, 2000 m/h to be exact. The craft failed to do what it was supposed to achieve, supersonic speed, but the information that was gained from it helped make some of today's military aircraft. Here it is! The X-3 Stiletto in KSP Top View The real aircraft. On the runway. On flight. More on flight. The model I made, like the real aircraft, fails to reach supersonic speeds, it goes up to 213.3 m/s. Takes off at a speed of about 110 m/s which isn't that good. It can climb up to around 6000 meters in altitude with minor stalling. What surprises me is that it is very controllable and aerodynamic, despite its two small wings. It is only controlled from the rear of the craft, and a remote guidance unit. I had to make it very light and small for those small engines to be able to carry it into the sky. It can easily change its prograde which makes it a nice stunt plane and it just looks pretty cool! It is also EXTREMELY easy to land even though its two back wheels are not that spread out. Aircraft Information Crew Crew Count: 1 Parts Part Count: 33 Mass Total Mass: 4.717 Fuel Mass: 1.5 Dry Mass: 3.217 Size Height: 3.7 Width: 5.5 Length: 15.0 Fuel Total Fuel Tanks: 6 Fuel Tanks Per Engine: 3 Total Fuel: 300 Fuel Per Engine: 150 Engine Total Engines: 2 Air-Breathing Engines: 2 Liquid Fuel Engines: 0 Total Maximum Thrust: 41.2 Download I recommend trying it out yourself, its quite fun to fly! Craft File: https://kerbalx.com/RonnieThePotoat/X-3-Stiletto Tip: If the craft's landing gear explodes at take off due to stress, set the wheel's spring strength to about 0.75. Thanks for viewing! I hope you have fun with this craft!

Heres my first go at a tutorial. Today i show how i build a fighter jet style aircraft explaining how to use basic and slightly more advanced tools on KSP I hope you like it

So this will happen I turn on SAS after flying a super light, long distance glider plane completely straight and horizontal. The wings are slightly curved dihedral, which provides some balancing. They're also mounted above the center of mass to take advatage of additional balancing advantage from the keel effect. SAS doesn't care, it starts gently turning the rudder elevon more and more to the right. Also I chose elevons for tail wings to save mass. It shouldn't make it particularly manoeuvrable, but this is a glider so manoeuvrability should not be an issue. Either way, elevons are not a great choice for lift purposes, but I think the wing placement relative to center of mass should compensate for the lack of that. Either way, I don't think it should affect my vector in SAS. So what is going on here? What could I do to fix it? Craft file: http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?file_id=94594297542320929992 Note: The landing gear are a bit poorly placed, but with reaction control it should be easy enough to prevent it from tipping during takeoff.