Blackbird SSTO

[Scarecrow88]

This wasn't designed specifically to be a replica of the SR71 Blackbird, but it ended up looking a bit like one, so that's what I called it. As per the title, this is a SSTO craft, that has a cargo bay fitted that will allow small payloads to be carried in to orbit. It also has a junior docking port fitted to the underside, should you wish to use it for transferring crew to an orbiting space station.

The craft is quite stable and not particularly difficult to fly, just requiring a standard SSTO flight profile to get in to orbit. I usually go for an Apo of 100k before turning off the engines to coast. This results in an Apo of around 95k by the time you actually leave the atmosphere. There is enough fuel on board if you want to push this a bit higher, but remember to leave enough for your de-orbit burn.

Action keys are:

1: Toggle rocket engine

2: Toggle 2 jet engines

4: Toggle pilot's ladder

5: Toggle cargo bay door

7: Toggle nose wheel steering

Craft file

Take off for next mission

Initial climb established

Rocket power for orbital insertion

Ready to release the payload

Payload away

Re-entry burn near home

Lining up on the runway

Home again

[Yukon0009]

Nice design mate.

[Rune]

Aesthetics hint: punt one of the cone adapters at the end, then stick the engine to that and sink it with the translation gizmo: the nozzle will just come out of it all nice and flush.

Rune. Also works to hide nukes.

[eorin]

not a replica like you already said in your post, but still a nice looking plane, simple and neat, gj!