[STOCK] Hyperstable Hypertransport (piggyback orbiter spaceplane + launch jet)

[torus]

Probably one of the more interesting challenges for me has been to build the ultimate carrier/space plane. A plane that carries a smaller spaceplane into the upper atmosphere, where it launches into orbit.

My previous attempt was fairly similar to this one, but I\'ve made improvements. The carrier is still large, but it is more streamlined, and now uses atmospheric jets to conserve fuel. The carrier jet is far more fuel efficient, and now can stay in the upper atmosphere for quite a long time.

It is also very stable, with no wobble due to support struts. (unless SAS is enabled- SAS causes vibration, but the craft stays together just fine, even at 2x). The launch vehicle will no longer tip backwards uncontrollably, it can fly almost vertically without tipping, or fly horizontally.

The orbiter vehicle now includes RCS thrusters which push it away from the launch vehicle.

The orbiter can get to a high orbit with fuel remaining in the last tank. It is also a stable plane on it\'s own to glide to re-entry.

How to fly

Liftoff is very straightforward, maximum throttle on the runway, pulling up. The plane takes off before the end of the runway. Make sure not to pull up too hard, or you can shear off the rear engine.

Fly to 14000 feet, then level off. Cut engines, enable RCS, trigger stage decoupling. Then pull up to boost away from the launch vehicle.

Throttle up rocket engine, fly to orbit.

[ToadDude]

Pretty, I\'m at my Cottage so I can\'t download it, (KSP, y u no on iPhone) but I will when I\'m home. You also mixed up the last two pictures ;P

[torus]

Thanks for the reply. I love feedback, but I think my insistence on using stock parts makes people uninterested.

Custom parts can be cool, but I feel that they can sometimes eliminate the constraints that make the game challenging and fun.

[fowlplaychiken]

Looks good. Whats your weight to orbit? Can it achieve stable orbit? Can it make it beyond orbit?

I love stats!

[torus]

Looks good. Whats your weight to orbit? Can it achieve stable orbit? Can it make it beyond orbit?

I love stats!

How do I find out weight? It can achieve a stable circular orbit easily. I don\'t think it can make it out of orbit (well, it can probably escape Kerbin, but not with enough fuel to do anything).

I just added a final stage with a parachute attached to the rear vertical stabilizer, which lets the orbiter make it safely back to Kerbin.

[torus]

18 downloads and 2 comments?

Has anyone actually tried it?

[darnocslew]

I just added a final stage with a parachute attached to the rear vertical stabilizer, which lets the orbiter make it safely back to Kerbin.

[torus]

Launch vehicle + orbiter is 52.7 tons, orbiter is 16.3 tons.

[torus]

Another action shot of the orbiter separating from the launch vehicle.

[fowlplaychiken]

You need to attach mechjeb to find out the weight stats sadly.

[torus]

Yea, not a big deal, looks like the mechjeb parts dont really affect the construction at all, so I\'m fine with keeping them there for the stats