Reusable Rocket Initiative - Stock parts

[RPX]

So.. I've had KSP for a few months now, and having seen (maybe too many) YouTube tutorials on SSTOs and reusable rockets, I've taken the plunge. 

Note: These rockets are developed for GPP, so to help translate to stock planets I'll be including a payload capability and dV chart, when I get the time to draw them up.

Note 2: The recovery techniques used here work with stock aerodynamics; I haven't tested with FAR, so if anyone can let me know that'd be great!

First Gen: Bart series(Tier 4 tech)

The Bart line of launchers is great for those who want a reusable, yet utilitarian, simple and cheap launch vehicle. It is an attempt at a 1.25 m class reusable rocket family, just not SpaceX style.

 

Starting with the Bart, which can put approx. 2-3 t in low Gael/Kerbin orbit, depending on how you fly it. It's ideal if you want to launch a one-seater command pod to send a single Kerbal to L(G/K)O, which could be used for short tourist/servicing missions. It's also useful for launching light comsats (around 0.5-1 t).

Album of Bart LV.

Cost-wise, the Bart is over 90% cheaper than the expendable option(in stock KSP, GPP has much lower recovery value from what I've seen, but still very economical), so you'll see a minimal impact on funds, which is vital in early gameplay.

Recovering the core is pretty straightforward; fly it to a 75-80km ApA suborbital trajectory, stage normally and orbit the upper stage. Immediately switch to the booster(shown as debris in Map view) and watch it parachute down automatically.

Download: https://kerbalx.com/RPX/L1-Bart

 

The upgraded version, the Bart Heavy, is a slightly more powerful rocket. It can put a max. of 9 t in low orbit, and the default exploration capsule can land on Ceti/Minmus and return, although Ceti's tight on fuel. An upgraded version is provided for Mun landings as the original is a little low on dV, especially for inexperienced players.

Album a/pvfz4 will appear when post is submitted

Flying: Fly to a stable orbit of 75-80km, stage boosters when empty. Upon reaching orbit, switch to the boosters immediately(they'll show up as debris) and they'll parachute automatically.

For recovering the core, deorbit the entire stack. Stage the core and use the upper stage engine(s) to reorbit. Then switch to the core debris and it'll also land like the boosters.

Recovery economics are similar to the Bart, and the high payload capacity should be able to fuel some pretty extensive missions to the moons of Kerbin/Gael.

Download: https://kerbalx.com/RPX/L1A-Bart-Heavy

 

Will be updating this post as I develop more boosters. Cheers!

Edited November 9, 2017 by RPX
Added craft links.