NRAM Griffon P3 - two full orange fuel tanks to LKO! (SSTO)

[Aanker]

NRAM Griffon Prototype 3

NRAM, Inc. is proud to present its latest aerospace product: the Griffon transatmospheric cargo plane. While many cargo spaceplanes will require multiple launches to put all the necessary infrastructural components of a larger project into orbit, the Griffon can handle most such transports in one launch. Capable of a maximum payload of 72.4t (equivalent to two full orange fuel tanks) to an 85x85 LKO, it is best suited to missions where something big and bulky must be assembled in orbit, in one launch. The currently marketed version is the latest prototype (the P3), which will be enhanced in future versions.

SPECIFICATIONS

This craft will require substantial computing power.

Parts: 327

Unloaded mass: 334.9t

Maximally loaded mass: 407.3t

Maximum cargo weight: 72.4t

Crew: 2

Passengers: 8

Height: 11.3m

Wingspan: 19.3m

Length: 29.0m

Powerplant(s): 16x OS-E F1 Taurus Engine(s) (2x Turbojets, 1x R.A.P.I.E.R per engine)

Maximum SL Speed: 950 m/s (breakup at 1000 m/s)

Maximum Speed: LKO capable

OPERATIONAL GUIDE

As long as the Griffon is properly loaded with fuel and cargo, it is a very stable and gentle aircraft, which even under significant asymmetrical engine flame-outs will stay on its rails and deliver a pleasant flying experience. It is therefore possible to push the airframe to its limits under certain conditions, especially when handling the maximum cargo weight.

Commands

1. Toggle Taurus Engine R.A.P.I.E.R mode

2. Close air intakes

3. Toggle cargo bay doors

4. Deploy drogue chute

5. Cut drogue chute

Takeoff

The Griffon is stable on the runway and will not deviate, but do attempt rotation after accelerating beyond 100 m/s. Immediately pitch up to +20 degrees and, especially when flying with the maximum cargo load, allow the aircraft to automatically adjust this angle as it ascends and gains speed.

Ascent

Do not interfere with the natural pitch up tendency of the aircraft. It will stay within reasonable bounds from 20 degrees. Switch the R.A.P.I.E.R mode to closed cycle after achieving a velocity between 1000-1100 m/s, there may be some flame-outs before this but the aircraft should be able to keep accelerating and hold its course regardless. It is advisable to have considerable piloting skills for flying the maximum cargo load, but anything lighter should be relatively easy to bring into orbit.

Preparation for reentry

Make sure to refuel at to a level of at least 1/4-1/3 before attempting reentry. Remember that this must be the fuel remaining after the reentry burn. Distribute this fuel into the forward tanks. Use airbrakes to slow down in the upper atmosphere, but do not stall.

Landing

Land as gently as possible. Approach from a distance at 200 m/s. Slow down to 140 m/s before final approach. Land carefully and at as low a descent rate as possible with between 100-120 m/s of speed. Land early on the runway and apply brakes throughout. Deploy the drogue chute for extra deceleration.

LINK

http://kerbal.curseforge.com/shareables/230783-nram-griffon-p3-stock-ssto

ALBUM

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NRAM

FUTURE SOLUTIONS TODAY

Edited May 24, 2015 by Aanker

[Roflcopterkklol]

It was 2 full tanks awesome ! Cronus gets a stable mate ima download it now, and only 327 parts neato man well done

[SHiftER2O]

I'd like to say, real motherships have curves? XD

+rep man now I have a slightly .... way of getting meh tanks to orbit xD

[Majorjim!]

Wow man. I thought SSTOs where harder now.. This is amazing!

[stardog573]

HaHa, who will refuse oversized ship? rep for this beauty.

[Screeno]

Oh my god its beautiful! And 2 orange tanks to lko... Wow. I didn't think it was possible! +rep !

[Roflcopterkklol]

Oh my god its beautiful! And 2 orange tanks to lko... Wow. I didn't think it was possible! +rep !

Ahem, it was proven possible a while ago now

http://kerbalx.com/Roflcopterkklol/Cronus---Titan-hauler-SSTO

[ZLM-Master]

This is a must have SSTO + 2 orange tank LKO , wow , really impressive !

GJ !

[Kagame]

A second two-tank-to-LKO beast. Well done, my good man. Well stinking done. If a ...bit.... hideous. Oh, well, 'tis the price we must pay for large payloads. xD

[Rune]

Whoa that's big! TWR?

Rune. Because that comment about holding 20º going up is weird.

[Aanker]

A second two-tank-to-LKO beast. Well done, my good man. Well stinking done. If a ...bit.... hideous. Oh, well, 'tis the price we must pay for large payloads. xD

Curves. It's called curves.

Whoa that's big! TWR?

Rune. Because that comment about holding 20º going up is weird.

Well, I just noticed the OP was wrong on the engine numbers (in fact it's double!), but going off the factory shelf numbers (e.g. the engineer's report presented in the OP and statistics for the engines)...

16x RAPIERs @ maximum 1189 kN Mach 3.7

32x Turbojets @ maximum 1039 kN Mach 3.0

So at Mach 3ish for a fully loaded Griffon that would be something like... 117 kN/t?

PS. I'm sure there is a more efficient way of getting it into orbit - but when I develop the spaceplanes I usually do so much testing that I want the ascent to be very rapid I'm the trial and error type of guy

Edited May 24, 2015 by Aanker