Rayna I B High Altitude Utility Aircraft

[ImmortalDoor]

Thank you all for coming, the itinerary for this weeks board meeting is as follows. We will discuss the deployment of the upcoming Duna mission. We will also need to allocate funding for new additions to the Drax Communications Array to expand the KSC's global coverage. Finally, with the completion of Project Rayna, the KSC needs to place an order for aircraft. That said, I will hand over the floor to Dinkelstein Kermin of the manufacturing department.

Thanks Eumon, as you all are aware, there has been an increased demand for atmospheric science data and the growing need to deploy equipment across Kerbin's service. The KSC has been in desperate need of a capable utility vehicle to carry out these missions. A few months ago you provided the R&D department with a one million funds budget to develop a capable aircraft. Your investment has not gone to waste; the department is proud to say that after months of design revisions and tests, Wernher von Kermin and his team have produced some of their best work yet.

Designated Project Rayna, the Rayna I pushes the boundaries of modern aerospace engineering. Using a hybrid drive system, the Rayna I is as efficient as a jet yet as fast as the alleged SR-71 Blackbird. Twin Goliath Turbofans bare the brunt of the work at low speeds and altitude allowing the Rayna I to fly like any normal jet. However, throttle up the quad Whiplash Ramjets and the Rayna I is propelled to speeds exceeding 3700km/h at altitudes over 20km. This high flight ceiling and speed allow the Rayna I to be wheels down anywhere on Kerbin within 30 minutes. Given the 5 ton cargo capacity, a large array of scientific equipment can be deployed with short notice. With a 5000km range, there is no face on Kerbin that the Rayna I cannot reach.

Wernher von Kermin and his team certainly have exceeded the KSC's expectations with Project Rayna. Gene Kermin of the flight division has estimated annual operation costs around 300k funds with an initial purchase of three aircraft at 400k funds. Given the capabilities of this aircraft, we expect high returns from contract work and a payoff period of roughly one year.

For those board members that are of the more technical frame of mind, a specification sheet has been provided for you below.

 

Rayna IB specifications:

Engines:

- Twin Goliath Turbofans

- Quad Whiplash Ramjets

Fuel: 9000 L

Fuel Consumption: 120 L/minute (@19.2km Altitude)

Flight:

- Cruising Altitude: 18km – 21km

- Cruising Speed: 3600 km/h

- Takeoff Speed: 460 km/h

- Aircraft Mass (fully fueled): 85 tons

- GVWR: 90 tons

- Crew: 4

 

Pictures below were taken during circumnavigation flight and payload tests.

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