1.02 LF&O engine comparo

[GoSlash27]

So LV-n is totaly worthless now ?

Maukse,

I went ahead and did a quick and dirty comparo between the LV-N and LV-909 to find where each has the advantage.

When designing for 0.5G acceleration, the LV-N becomes more mass efficient than the LV-909 at 1500 m/sec DV or more when pushing 6.8 tonnes of payload per engine. For lower DV budgets and lighter payloads, use the LV-909. For higher DV budgets and heavier payloads, use the LV-N.

When designing for 1G acceleration, the LV-N is *never* more mass efficient than the LV-909, regardless of DV budget or payload mass.

Therefore, the LV-N should never be used in any stage that's intended to accelerate at 1G.

*edit* The "unloaded" max DV of both engines is virtually identical at .8G acceleration. The LV-N should therefore never be used at acceleration rates at or above .8G.

Best,

-Slashy

Edited May 7, 2015 by GoSlash27