Beat my speed record

[sdj64]

@Majorjim glad you got it to work.  I also had some success nullifying the roll torque by deploying the outermost ailerons in the other direction.  Without symmetry, setting them to about 50 authority will let it fly mostly straight, and you can reduce the authority as it speeds up.

I tried speeding it up with more engines clipped in but didn't get more than a few m/s extra, I think the diameter of the engine is limiting now.  Might have to go Mk3!  I also built an electric version of my plane, it has similar performance to the gas powered one with better acceleration but lower top speed.

[Pds314]

I might make an entry if I can figure out why my engines get very low top speeds even with small props and high (~400 with cap removed) RPM. Basically, I get ludicrously good thrust up to about 30 m/s, which is just too slow to take off.

Edited June 17, 2016 by Pds314

[Azimech]

Gentlemen, you're not using the latest technology ... you're still using a fixed pitch propeller!

Suggestion: download my Curious Chakora from KerbalX and study it's tech :-)

[Gman_builder]

6 hours ago, Pds314 said:

I might make an entry if I can figure out why my engines get very low top speeds even with small props and high (~400 with cap removed) RPM. Basically, I get ludicrously good thrust up to about 30 m/s, which is just too slow to take off.

You have to change the pitch of the prop. If your prop is set at a low angle, it will give high thrust at lower speeds. If it is set at a higher angle, it will give thrust at higher speed. So if your engine does well up to 30 m/s, increase the pitch on your prop. It will go faster.

[EpicSpaceTroll139]

 @Koro

^ How do I remove this on mobile?

@sdj64 I've found success with making one wing longer than the other in order to counteract torque.

[Majorjim!]

9 hours ago, sdj64 said:

@Majorjim glad you got it to work.  I also had some success nullifying the roll torque by deploying the outermost ailerons in the other direction.  Without symmetry, setting them to about 50 authority will let it fly mostly straight, and you can reduce the authority as it speeds up.

I tried speeding it up with more engines clipped in but didn't get more than a few m/s extra, I think the diameter of the engine is limiting now.  Might have to go Mk3!  I also built an electric version of my plane, it has similar performance to the gas powered one with better acceleration but lower top speed.

I didn't get it to work man as I am not keen to change the game physics to make stock built craft work, but that is a topic for another day. I was keen to see what you did with my thermo hinges and the one you made is great for props, so props to you!

 It may even work well for other types of craft. Custom reaction wheel driven wheels or 'turbo-prop' driven wheel systems. Nice work!

 I have not done any research into these kinds of craft yet but maybe after my current project.

 

Edited June 17, 2016 by Majorjim

[Pds314]

9 hours ago, Gman_builder said:

You have to change the pitch of the prop. If your prop is set at a low angle, it will give high thrust at lower speeds. If it is set at a higher angle, it will give thrust at higher speed. So if your engine does well up to 30 m/s, increase the pitch on your prop. It will go faster.

I'm using variable pitch and increasing it after that speed with little result. The engine just doesn't seem to generate enough power, this is with static thrusts of hundreds of kN to 1000+

Edited June 17, 2016 by Pds314

[Gman_builder]

4 hours ago, Pds314 said:

I'm using variable pitch and increasing it after that speed with little result. The engine just doesn't seem to generate enough power, this is with static thrusts of hundreds of kN to 1000+

Welp, I tried

[Azimech]

5 hours ago, Pds314 said:

I'm using variable pitch and increasing it after that speed with little result. The engine just doesn't seem to generate enough power, this is with static thrusts of hundreds of kN to 1000+

Sounds to me collider friction is really giving you a bad day although I might be wrong. Anyway ... why don't you try a MK3 cargo bay with landing gears and see what It gets ya. I feel the needle bearing is nice for slow craft and light helicopters but won't be able to handle the torque and force of high speeds.

Edited June 17, 2016 by Azimech