New Mk3 SSTO prototype... is it cheaty?

[stardog573]

Hey guys, I wanna have some opinions for this.

When I make SSTOs, I always try to make simple ascend profile. Just like this, you know.

To do this, vehicle should be capable to break sonic barrier at low altitude. But... Drag from Mk3 parts was not a joke, really.

So what i've done is, putting Mk3 parts inside of 2.5m fairing. I doubted but it worked, and capable to lift 40t payload to LKO with significantly reduced drag.

But I'm not sure, is it cheaty? or did I ruined 'pureness' of SSTO?

Now I'm working on polishing the craft (everything is crude yet) so I'll thankful for any advice.

[11of10]

I think I picked up somewhere on the forums that Mk3 cargo bays are bugged in new aerodynamics, and generate additional drag. Check up on it.

[stardog573]

I think I picked up somewhere on the forums that Mk3 cargo bays are bugged in new aerodynamics, and generate additional drag. Check up on it.

I didn't know that. Maybe It's better to wait for bug patch than make some odd and ugly spaceship. Thanks!

[Roflcopterkklol]

I didn't know that. Maybe It's better to wait for bug patch than make some odd and ugly spaceship. Thanks!

All drag can be overcome with more power, Just slap an extra few engines on what ever design and itell work, thats the only reason Cronus can take 80 tons to orbit.

Admitted Cronus does have i think 60 engines to do that, 45 of which are air breathers.

Edited June 18, 2015 by Roflcopterkklol

[SHiftER2O]

http://i.imgur.com/CDNtL5O.png

http://i.imgur.com/d1YkyCb.png

http://i.imgur.com/FrgqnmT.png

Hey guys, I wanna have some opinions for this.

When I make SSTOs, I always try to make simple ascend profile. Just like this, you know.

http://i.imgur.com/BODHv5A.png

To do this, vehicle should be capable to break sonic barrier at low altitude. But... Drag from Mk3 parts was not a joke, really.

So what i've done is, putting Mk3 parts inside of 2.5m fairing. I doubted but it worked, and capable to lift 40t payload to LKO with significantly reduced drag.

But I'm not sure, is it cheaty? or did I ruined 'pureness' of SSTO?

Now I'm working on polishing the craft (everything is crude yet) so I'll thankful for any advice.

I'd say innovative than cheaty, it works in stock and technically staging a fairing is more or less opening a cargo bay... permanently.

Note to SHiftER; Use fairings, they're there for a reason.

[xtoro]

Cheaty? No. But reusable? Also no. For career gameplay's sake, I believe the usual purpose of having an SSTO is to be able to refuel it and reuse it over and over again. At least in my career game it is.

[clivman]

Stock Bugfix Modules ain't cheaty.