Kerbal Express Airlines - Regional Jet Challenge (Reboot Continued)

[TheFlyingKerman]

14 hours ago, Bottle Rocketeer 500 said:

Also, it must have spoilers and/or other devices to slow the plane down in the air.

That should not be necessary if you start slowing down form a sufficiently long distance. The ~30km distance between KSC and the island airfield means there is not enough distance to accelerate to cruising speed and then slow down. Indeed, most submissions here don't have spoilers (and none of my plane do - my submissions are highly optimized for efficiency). Also there is no requirement for the plane to be able to land on the island airfield.

[Bottle Rocketeer 500]

1 minute ago, TheFlyingKerman said:

That should not be necessary if you start slowing down form a sufficiently long distance. The ~30km distance between KSC and the island airfield means there is not enough distance to accelerate to cruising speed and then slow down. Indeed, most submissions here don't have spoilers (and none of my plane do - my submissions are highly optimized for efficiency). Also there is no requirement for the plane to be able to land on the island airfield.

Remember that the SK 787-10 is so overpowered that after a normal descent, it will be flying at about 330 m/s.

[TheFlyingKerman]

Not sure what do you mean by normal descent. It is not uncommon for a hypersonic plane to be able to glide 100km+ from cruising height/speed. You should turn the throttle way down so that you don't pick up speed during the descend, then level off to bleed more speed.

[Bottle Rocketeer 500]

2 minutes ago, TheFlyingKerman said:

Not sure what do you mean by normal descent. It is not uncommon for a hypersonic plane to be able to glide 100km+ from cruising height/speed. You should turn the throttle way down so that you don't pick up speed during the descend, then level off to bleed more speed.

When you try to glide for a descent, it speeds up. Then, when you level off and apply enough thrust for it to stay in the air, it starts speeding up again to crazy speeds.

[TheFlyingKerman]

That seems to indicate a different problem like being nose heavy. Using SAS stability should help and that is the default for most submissions.

[Bottle Rocketeer 500]

3 minutes ago, TheFlyingKerman said:

That seems to indicate a different problem like being nose heavy. Using SAS stability should help and that is the default for most submissions.

I did use SAS.

[TheFlyingKerman]

OK. Maybe the plane is difficult to control at low speed (and the submission indicated it is mainly built for looks). Not sure adding spoilers would help.

[hoioh]

32 minutes ago, TheFlyingKerman said:

OK. Maybe the plane is difficult to control at low speed (and the submission indicated it is mainly built for looks). Not sure adding spoilers would help.

The flaps are located on the wings, in front of the COM, so the pitch authority should be better with the flaps deployed considering Jeb had to pull back so hard on the wheel

[NightshineRecorralis]

@Bottle Rocketeer 500

Great job on your first review!

As @neistridlar said, the range in generally rounded, not to mention the tested range and calculated range are different (I believe you took the calculated range and plugged that in for the actual range?)

There was good detail on takeoff, landing, and cruise, but a little more info on handling might be helpful. I liked the part about landing at the island but no, it is not required. I look forward to seeing what you come up with next! I'm sure those nuances in writing will come naturally.

An important note is that you cannot fly the plane like it is your own design - we all design aircraft with subtle (or not so subtle) differences that can have a huge impact on handling and maneuverability. So don't just fly it once and run off to take notes, spend a little time with it and get used to it, then note what you had to learn in order to fly it the way it was intended  

 

[epicman81]

10 hours ago, Bottle Rocketeer 500 said:

@epicman81 What is your plane called?

I submitted the VT L-900 and the VT SP-100

[MaverickSawyer]

On 11/30/2018 at 7:43 PM, epicman81 said:

~~Still no review for my plane~~

It... takes a while. Like, at least six months.

[NightshineRecorralis]

Test Pilot Review: @EpicSpaceTroll139's PassTranz Aviation Co. PT-704 "Lambda"

Figures as Tested:

• Price: 303,632,000
• Fuel: 7205 kallons
• Cruising speed: 260m/s
• Cruising altitude: 5000m
• Fuel burn rate: .38kal/s
• Range:  4600km usually, 5000km Max

Review Notes:

Hey, what’s this? It appears that we’ve been delivered a rather standard looking jumbo jet for the holidays! With our pilots and engineers practically begging to be let go for break we were forced to make this one quick. Our friends over at PassTranz Aviation seemed aware of our plight when they sent this craft over, as it was quite easy to just hop in and go. The Lambda is powered by 2 J-90 “Goliath” turbofans, each producing 360kN of thrust. The cabin is large and spacious for the passengers, and the plane was overall a delight to fly. Will that be enough to counter the high asking price? Let’s find out.

Overview:

The Lambda is quite powerful, and when equipped with plenty of large control surfaces this makes it maneuverable and easy to control. The flaps were able to generously slow the airplane down in conjunction with the airbrakes, and combined with the thrust reversers makes landing a breeze. We wish the brakes were a little more powerful, though, as many airports have strict noise regulations and thrust reversers may not be available.

PassTranz Aviation designed the Lambda is a standard and conventional way. It also comes with a state-of-the-art cockpit and the entire aircraft shows a general passenger-concentric attitude. The cabin is comfortable, and was able to combat the engine noise at cruise. All the window seats are given a nice view at the relatively low altitude of 5000m, but the high cruise speed seems to make up for the lower altitude.

Safety is also a big selling point. The dual engine layout means there’s redundancy in case of a failure, and the sturdy construction of both the fuselage and the undercarriage means emergency landings on land and water are possible. Maintenance isn’t a  big deal either, though it is slightly costlier than some competitors. There are structural reinforcements that protect against tail and engine strikes, which is something we don’t see often and is greatly appreciated. Glad to see PassTranz Aviation going the extra mile for that 5 star safety rating.

We have to say that the range is a little underwhelming, as it means the Lambda cannot compete in the ultra-long-range flights where its much better comfort will undoubtedly shine. Given that the Lambda isn’t as efficient as its competitors, the only redeeming qualities of this aircraft seem to be overshadowed by the large compromises we’d have to make by placing it into service.

The Verdict:

Despite the high price tag, the Lambda is squarely within its own niche - a high performing, high passenger count aircraft that is capable of taking on any situation we throw at it, and it does this without sacrificing any passenger comfort. The Lambda seems to be aimed at premium but difficult routes, and while it is expensive, it is much more efficient than others in its price class. Placing an order for 3 with 3 options.

Edited December 2, 2018 by NightshineRecorralis

[NightshineRecorralis]

Test Pilot Review: @Steel Starling's Starling Industries SI-XR-19 "HexWingMk2"

 Figures as Tested:

• Price: 191,200,000
• Fuel: 19,200 kallons
• Cruising speed: 1240m/s
• Cruising altitude: 17,500m
• Fuel burn rate: 2.30kal/s
• Range:  11,900km Max, <2000km usually

Review Notes:

After a government mandated 24 hour break, our pilots and engineers returned, spirits high, to continue reviewing aircraft for KEA. When they were greeted by the HexWing (as we’ll be abbreviating it), the was a collective shriek, of horror from the engineers, and of joy from the pilots. As we’ll eventually find out, however, the pilots would agree with the engineers. The HexWing is ludicrously overpowered with 16 J-X4 “Whiplash” turboramjets and has a fuel load to match. The cabins appear to be standard fare, albeit close to the engines, and the landing gear is rather unconventional.

At this point we would normally continue with the review, but on our first flight we saw that apparently, Starling Industries neglected to check how the CoM of the HexWing shifts in flight. This results in a very unstable aircraft after even just a few minutes of flight, though with diligent piloting with the aid of a computer, we were able to fly for about 2000km. We found that the HexWing was not able to maintain 1240m/s at cruise without the outboard engines while fully fueled, but the efficiency didn't suffer, unlike the cabin experience.

While the Hexwing has some nice qualities like its maneuverability, the high cost and abysmal stability had us question if we were even sent the right airframe. The landing gear setup is beyond weird, and just asking for trouble in the long term. There’s also the 16 engines to maintain, and the noise and vibration that stem from them.

The Verdict:

 It shouldn’t be surprising that we would not wish this upon our worst enemy, and as for KEA, well, this plane should never have seen the light of day, never mind passenger service. It’s a great design in theory, but Starling Industries will have to make a few changes before this plane is safe to fly.

Edited December 2, 2018 by NightshineRecorralis

[antbin]

Obsessive Technologies presents: our model 303 "Oak Smoke"

This wonder of 20th century technology has just enough of everything, at a price that can't be beat.  Our team of world class engineers is quite sure they can't unbolt anything else without it not flying anymore.

• Passengers: 72 + hitch-hiker in cockpit
• Engines: 3 x J-33 "Wheezly"  (Extreme Edition)
• Fuel: 1460 kallons
• Parts: just 32!  Separate ailerons can be removed at your own risk.
• Ladder included!  (can be removed, but then you have to jump off)

The same dead-simple aircraft can be painted two different colors and serve your fleet in as either (or both) a:

1. Medium Regional Jet
   1. Cruising speed: 250m/s
   2. Cruising altitude: 8500m
   3. Fuel burn rate: .21kal/s
   4. Range:  1725km
2. Supersonic Jet
   1. Cruising speed: 530m/s
   2. Cruising altitude: 5600m
   3. Fuel burn rate: .28kal/s
   4. Range:  2750km

Comes with three handy action groups to help your underpaid staff fly it right:

• Action Group 1:  Flaps.  Deploy for takeoff and landing.  Don't use while supersonic.
• Brakes:  Brakes.  Also deploys the air brake.
• "Abort": Thrust reversers.  For use in case the brakes don't work.  Also, it came free with the engines.

The supersonic mode requires a microtransaction DLC, or else flying full throttle at around 2000m until you break 450m/s (or the plane).  Supersonic climbs and cruise needs a smooth hand or fly-by-trim adjustment - too much swerving and you'll fall off the speedwagon. Super- or normal cruise is at a leisurely 90% throttle, with passengers protected from noise by the wings and the rear fuel tank.

All for the surprisingly low price of 62,652,000 kerbucks!  ( Download today! )

[NightshineRecorralis]

@Lo Var Lachland

Hey I was going to review your "Lark" but I'll have to ask you to return to the drawing board due to the way fuel tanks and batteries are clipped into the passenger cabins.

I believe this would violate the spirit of the challenge:

Please fix this as soon as possible, and do know that this will not affect where you are currently in the queue! Thanks!

[neistridlar]

2 hours ago, NightshineRecorralis said:

I believe this would violate the spirit of the challenge

Agreed. Also @Lo Var Lachland doing stud like that is bad for stock aerodynamics. It is exactly the same as sticking them on the outside. Lengthening the engine nacelles would probably be a better solution.

[Kerbinchaser]

@NightshineRecorralis

At this point I am unable to play KSP, therefore making this impossible. It disappoints me much, seeing I've waited this long. 

If you would like, by all means, get rid of those suckers. I would do it, but I just cannot due to school, work, etc.
(Sorry. )

Edited December 6, 2018 by Lo Var Lachland

[TheFlyingKerman]

There are some planes in the old thread still not being reviewed...

[Lapis]

In our submissions can we tell you specific instructions for our aircraft?

 

[hoioh]

3 hours ago, lapis999 said:

In our submissions can we tell you specific instructions for our aircraft?

 

Yes absolutely! And please do, it makes discovering the craft a lot easier

[Lapis]

ok thanks, I am working on a small airliner. it has 4 engines but only 2 are on the entire flight

p.s.

is a google drive link ok? the kerbalx mod is not working for me.

 

Edited December 6, 2018 by lapis999

[hoioh]

2 hours ago, lapis999 said:

it has 4 engines but only 2 are on the entire flight

That does not spund very efficient

2 hours ago, lapis999 said:

is a google drive link ok?

It's been done before and works just fine

The kerbalx website may also be an option, I personally prefer it over the mod

[Lapis]

ok thank you.will have it up soon. 

[Potato flavored waffles]

Introducing the first of our 800 series lineup: the transky 800 hyper-jet.

The hyper-jet is a hyper-sonic aircraft that carries 64 passengers at a speed so high, that it needs space grade materials to protect from the fiery atmospheric friction at 950 meters per second (or mach 2.86. Even though this airplane is literally on fire at cruise, it is a very comfortable and stable airplane with very versatile design allowing it to land anywhere except mountains and water.

Now for the statistics.

This aircraft carries 2046 kallons and sipping it along at a rate of .96 kallons per second.

Engines: 2 J-X4 whiplash ramjets. Rear mounted.

Cruise details: Altitude of 12 km and speed of 950 meters per second

Price: $162,482,000

 

KerbalX: https://kerbalx.com/The_Kerbal_That_Builds_Enormous_planes/TS-800

                                 

Edited February 16, 2019 by Potato flavored waffles

[neistridlar]

@Potato flavored waffles you can embed images from imgur by copying and pasting the direct link from imgur into your post. (go to images, and click the image, you should get a bunch of links on the side).