Skylon Experimental One Stage Space Plane STOCK [0.16]

[Dr. Reekus]

I present to you the Skylon Space Plane!

The real thing.

The Skylon spacecraft is a British experimental space plane. I based my design off the real craft, even though it's still just design specs! I've decided to try and create single stage space planes in Kerbal. This is the first design I've had luck with. You have to be very fuel efficient with this design. It is able to make an orbit but not with a whole lot of fuel left. It's pretty hard bringing it back down for a landing, it doesn't have a whole lot of lift so it enjoys spinning out around 2000 meters. I've only come close to one successful landing. I left RCS out of the design since it only adds weight and since it's a small ship it doesn't need it! I'm open to any advice on how to make the Skylon better or any techniques on how to maximize fuel carriage into orbit.

Here's the .craft file to download, if you want to try it out for yourself!

http://www./?rkyrzvu4w9w14d7

Edited August 29, 2012 by Dr. Reekus

[Giggleplex777]

Nice first post!

[ltpeanuts]

If you're taking off from the runway, then what I'd do is strap on some jet engines to gain low atmo speed and then turn upwards and eject them when they flame out. Doing that would help you get through the thickest air easier.

[Exelcior_esp]

I think that you can add one more fuel tank and the spaceplane will orbit with more fuel without alter the ship stability....

[Kasterfin]

you could replace those liquid engines with aerospike ones - they tend to be more efficient

[Exelcior_esp]

you could replace those liquid engines with aerospike ones - they tend to be more efficient

And they tend to be buggy too....

[JMBuilder]

The aerospikes are only buggy when it comes to placing them. Try rotating it to fit on the tanks. Otherwise, the aerospikes are the best rocket engines available.

Also, Reekus, you should add some mobility enhancers for more interesting EVAs.

[Dr. Reekus]

Thanks for advice! I used the aerospike engines. I had trouble at first since, I guess I positioned them wrong because it gave the craft an awkward list towards the left. I fixed it though! I plan on uploading EVA pictures soon.

[L99thebeaver]

I'm not sure if its a stock part, but c7's mod includes a tank with an extra 750(units?) of fuel, so if you use that in replace of the original 500 tanks, you can maximize the fuel on your plane...

[Commander Zoom]

Great design! I think your interpretation may even improve on the original, in looks at least (IMO).

[Dr. Reekus]

It's all stock parts. I forgot that in the title xD