Airbreathers only -- how fast can you go?

[Guest]

We still have a bit of a window before atmospheric heating takes the fun out of this, so... how fast can you go using airbreathing engines only? 

Rule: Only mode of propulsion is airbreathing engines. RAPIERs in airbreathing mode are fine but not in closed-cycle mode (no oxidizer allowed on board). No rockets, K-drives, console cheats, or other similar shenanigans allowed anywhere in the craft. (Implicitly this means Kerbin only as there's no way to get to Laythe on airbreathers. That I know of.)

Other than that, anything goes, and highest top speed wins. Doesn't have to be straight and level, you can dive.

I got to 1811 m/s before running into an inconvenient mountain.

Edit: Leaderboard

1. @Aeolica -- 1991 m/s
2. @Real rocket manufacturer -- 1868 m/s
3. @Periple -- 1811 m/s

 

Edited November 30, 2023 by Periple

[Real rocket manufacturer]

https://ibb.co/vcWDp0K

 

I reached1868 m/s, there is a bug in the image so i couldn't show of the picture directly.

[Dakitess]

Seems in the range of KSP1 for "legit record" which is nice. I guess the allowance to be nose down and plunging and the no-requirement to recover successfully the craft can help reaching 1900+m/s but I did not try it so far.

Thing is, in KSP1, you could go WAY faster in low atmosphere and thermal was the limit to play with. Is it still the case here ?

Would your craft go past 2000m/s at horizontal flight and sea level with 1, 2 or 3 rapiers, @Periple ?

[Guest]

I haven’t been able to crack 1900 m/s. I got close with a 3-engine configuration though. 

[Aeolica]

Edited November 30, 2023 by Aeolica

[Guest]

Daaaaaaamn!