Relatively new still!

[Virtual Flyboy]

Posted a little already, but never really introduced myself as I intend to stay given the awesome community here. I've played around 800 hours of KSP, but given my playstyle and interests the furthest from Kerbin I've ever been is Duna, twice. I tend to stick to designing jets and SSTOs with various mods like Ferram Aerospace Research, Advanced Jet Engine, Procedural Parts, B9 Wings, Intake Build Aid, Pilot Assistant, etc. I like to think I have a good enough grasp on plane and spaceplane design principals (in KSP-land) to assist some of the other members here, so I will be trying to give back to the community accordingly. However I'll definitely need some help in furthering my exploration of the Kerbin system! However my grand goal of the game, something I've wanted to do since I've learned it was even possible is to fly an SSTO from the KCC runway to a Laythe landing and back. Refueling is allowed, but I might limit myself to only launching/assembling fuel depots with SSTOs. Rockets are for losers right?

[Starhawk]

Hello Virtual Flyboy, and welcome to the forums!

I guess you already know how great this community is, so you know where to ask and find answers to questions.

Have you seen the SSTO to Laythe and Beyond thread in the challenges section? It's not easy, but it can be done.

I have to say I can't agree with the 'Rockets are for losers' statement there. There are a few holy flame wars around here and that statement could just set one off.

I love spaceplanes, and they are often the main focus of my program, but I love rockets too. My first several months of play were exclusively with rockets until I learned enough to start building useable spaceplanes.

Happy landings!

[Dman979]

Are rockets for losers? I don't think so. Spaceplanes tend to get more rep, but a well-built rocket has a lot of charm.

Good luck on getting to Laythe!

[Virtual Flyboy]

I have not seen that challenge thread, so thanks for pointing me in the right direction, definitely some good ideas in there! While it is certainly possible to go there and back without any refueling, it doesn't seem to be practical for any crew onboard, which is something I consider in my selectively "realistic" mindset. Often means SSTOs/any craft become bloated with extra, unoccupied cabin space if the trip is anywhere outside the Kerbin SOI. There are still plenty of things I wish to explore before that grand feat, so I hope to get squeeze some gravity assist practice in to make sure my burns out there are as minimal as possible.

Here is a very small album of some recent KSP adventures. Currently on a newish save right now, first thing I did was set up a com-sat network using my KD-A3 Pegasus, an SSTO with ability to deploy small payloads into LKO.

Javascript is disabled. View full album

Regarding my rockets are for losers statement, I definitely love them and continue to use them, I just find it funny to try and get by without them in a game that is essentially about them, proving the sandbox nature of KSP. Being an aviation nut doesn't help either. I can only hope people don't take a silly statement like that as anything more than what it is, a joking prod. I also stream on occasion, but I'll find the appropriate outlet to post that in whenever I'm active, as it is rare enough.

But yeah, feels nice to find a forum that is all about the game you love, and the topics it involves. I've been part of a Halo forum for 10 years, moderating 1/3 of that time. Surviving community was small and solid, but also stagnant, as many of us literally outgrew the game that brought us together, leading to mostly OT discussion, with me often talking aviation or space. Seems like I was definitely fishing in the wrong hole!

Edited July 31, 2015 by Virtual Flyboy

[Starhawk]

To embed your imgur album, use this syntax with square brackets instead of curly ones. {IMGUR}TVufd{/IMGUR}

Nice pics, BTW.

As far as the rockets vs. spaceplanes thing, no worries. It was clear that you were joking.

There are a few folks around who get roused and riled if their particular personal preference is disagreed with (Never ask whether using MechJeb is cheating! ).

Anyway, there are sections of the forum for science discussions, and there's always talk about the latest space news.

See you around.

Happy landings!

[Claw]

Haha. No worries, I've spent most of my time around Kerbin also. Why spend time away from home when it's so fun right here?!

Welcome to the forums! :

Cheers,

-Claw

[Seaview123]

Hello VF. A sharp looking space plane you've got there. Thanks for the help on my 'jumping Kerbal' thread, too. See you 'round the site, and looking forward to more pictures of interesting craft.