[1.x] Kerbal Dynamics: Thrust KSC Land Speed Record 2.0

[ihtoit]

This is a bit like the old challenge that brought so many of you such joy and much video, but updated for the new stock aero model and the new default engine settings, and some rule changes. That said...

Following the continuing failure of Werner von Kerman to design and build a supersonic airbreathing jet that didn't use the still highly experimental and shockingly expensive Procedural Fairing technology, it was decided that the developments he did come up with were to be put to a more sporting pursuit: that of land speed records.

The Challenge:

Build a car for a speed run along the length of the KSC runway.

Rules:

- MUST start and finish on the runway.

- MUST have at least one Kerbal on board. Probe cores permitted, but you better have a Kerbal in an armchair if you do.

- MUST use a liquid fuel rocket (nukes allowed this time round) as your primary method of thrust.

- MUST NOT at any point leave the runway surface. The instant it does, your run is over.

- MUST NOT go off the end of the runway - your speed run must leave enough runway to slow to a stop while still on the tarmac. You may use retro rockets, however these MUST be the solid fuel rockets that burn until they run out.

- Your speed run MUST finish with your car fully intact: no jettisoning parts (if you armchair your Kerbal, launch him in another vehicle and park him off the runway first, launch your sled and then move him to his seat), no clamps.

- NO welding, unbreakable joints, or any other anti-vehicle-shattering mod. Bits falling off is a run-ender, welding them together is cheating.

- NO infinite fuel.

- No physicsless parts with the exception of stock (eg cubic octagonal struts) and MechJeb. Almost everything else is golden. If in doubt, ask.

- NO procedural fairings. Mach 4.stupid dragsters is not the idea here, unless you can achieve this without artificially zeroing parts drag AND stop before you fly off the planet.

- Please indicate if you use MechJeb or any other active flight control system.

- I am aware that FAR drastically alters drag characteristics, I am also aware that it alters lift characteristics to a similar degree. Both advantages in flight, total disadvantages on wheels. Or skids. Hence I will NOT be running separate scoreboards this time. The rule here is: NO FAR. Stock aero model ONLY.

Scoring:

Post-run F3 screenshot and a shot of your vehicle at the start and end of its run. Video would be nice, especially if you have a spectacular run.

Bonus 100 points if you make an immediate turnaround and successful return run of at least 75% of your West/East (outward) run speed.

Speed in m/s.

 

LEADERBOARDS!

One-Way:

1. Kirrim_K in the Unnamed (409m/s)

2. Gojira in the Monkeywrench Engineering Dragster Mk.II (365m/s)

Return:

1.

Honourable Mentions:

1. Gojira in the Monkeywrench Engineering Dragster Mk.I (218m/s but only 104 on the return)

Edited January 3, 2016 by ihtoit

[SpaceplaneAddict]

ME LIKEY

 

Attempting now.

[Gojira1000]

Oh, this I have to do.

There we go - 218 m/s. Not terribly fast. But it did go both directions.

Much better, I can start the New Year with Mach 1 on the runway (365 m/s), but no return.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLmW8m_uTqs&feature=youtu.be

 

Edited January 1, 2016 by Gojira1000

[Kirrim_K]

409 m/s! That worked pretty well, and I got to use my favorite engine.

https://youtu.be/v7xE2L2fIIQ