Amphibious VTOLSSTO (Image heavy)

[Levelord]

This is now updated for 0.23

Love this craft!

However is this still functional in .23? the final downloaded file has some fuel lines that are detached and whatnot. Is there an updated version?

As per request, I've made an updated version for 0.23. I've fixed the fuel lines being broken in the transfer between versions and I've also rebalanced the VTOL engines a bit to account for the change in SAS weights in the new version. It also balances better horizontally when thrusting in space with the LV-909's.

The ascent profile is still the same. The plane should also still be compatible with the hyperspace ring.

Although I do have to say that since the 0.23 update, one-sided engine flameouts (in other planes) are not as severe as it was before, so having the inline jet engines in the VTOLSSTO might not be necessary anymore.

Hotkeys:

1: Activate LV-909

2: Activate horizontal ramjet engines

3: Nothing

4: Activate VTOL engines

5: Extend Antennas

Amphibious VTOLSSTO for 0.23

Pre-0.23 versions:

Seems my account disappeared with all of it's threads following the recent server move. Here's the return of the VTOLSSTO for those of you who still want to download it.

Water landing and takeoff

VTOLSSTO .craft file: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/16683090/KSP/Amphibious%20VTOLSSTO%20%28Stock%29.rar

Here is the Hyperspace ring for interplanetary transport. Once you've launched it, it's 100% re-usable. I've been re-using the same ring for transporting 5 different craft sent to Duna and Laythe.

Hyperspace Ring .craft: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/16683090/KSP/Hyperspace%20Ring%202%20%28Stock%29.rar

Upcoming prototypes at the Kerbal Testing Labs:

3-man Bus version (you can edit the current craft for this simple change):

The design was made as a response for a Duna rescue of 2 stranded crew. It was a complete success!

5-man heavy Bus version:

craft: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/16683090/KSP/Amphibious%20VTOLSSTO%20BUS%202.rar

Kethane bus. (Currently on permanent refuel ferry duty on Laythe.)

(Probes not included)

craft: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/16683090/KSP/AVTOLSSTO%20BUS%20Kethane%20%5Brelease%5D.rar

Detachable Rover+probe Version:

Protip: After the rover is detached, press 0 to activate the third VTOL engine to lift off at a balanced pitch.

craft: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/16683090/KSP/AVTOLSSTO%20Rover%202_2%20%5Bstock%5D.rar

Edited January 4, 2014 by Levelord

[Rune]

I'm going to comments this, if only to get enough posts to be able to re-create my old threads. And because this thing is still cool as boop, too.

Rune. A minute of silence for all the cool stuff we will never get back.

[KissSh0t]

Very cool design... I'm going to analyse it to come up with my own VTOL aircraft

[Skyhawk]

I cant make a VTOL or an SSTO, and a VTOLSSTO with rover is just insane.

[oggylt]

this looks so cool! and that interplanetary ring is really great idea

[Climberfx]

Man, i need to try do one of this Vtol SSTO. It's amazing.

And the rescue was perfect.

Good job!

[Watchmann]

Beautiful.

[bulletrhli]

Unique, never seen an amphibious vtol before so thanks for that. Honestly, I actually enjoyed the transporter you had and would like to see a little more of that. It was very nice and different!

[denester]

wow, great job on that!

[automcdonough]

I like it.

[Jenteb07]

I like the space ring idea very much, good job!

[sodopro]

Nice little SSTO. VTOL is great too.

[Mick777Oz]

A brilliantly versatile craft.

[Christian365]

The inter-planetary ring is an awesome idea. Haven't seen one before. Nice job

[Climberfx]

Fenomenal, with Rover!

[Pyromaniacal]

That's pretty neat. Is there a variant with VTOL engines for vacuum?

[paranoidsystems]

how did you attach those vtol engines ??

[Captain_Party]

This is one of the coolest things I have ever seen.

[Staccio]

I can't wait to use this on my Duna base!

[Scoundrel]

He attached the vtol engines using the BZ-52 Radial Attachment Point through the wings. It's a pretty cool little trick.

Overall, this ship gets my vote for most versatile.

[Pyromaniacal]

I had the opportunity to watch the video, and first let me say that this is the coolest stock craft ever. Because, damn.

Thoughts on the aircraft: Is that one turbojet in the centerline of the aircraft really there? Does the part directly behind it overheat?

Is there a version of this aircraft that I can use to land VTOL style on planets with no atmosphere? I mean this thing looks like more fun than a barrel of monkeys on acid on planets like Laythe, but what if I want to use it to ferry fuel from Mün to my orbiting fuel station in local Kerbin space? Yes. I could probably make the switch from that one center jet to an aerospike, but still. I might screw up the balance, and to take that away from a masterpiece such as this is wrong.

Lastly, If I wanted to split hairs, that looked more like a VTSL (Vertical Takeoff, Short Landing) to me.

[Levelord]

I had the opportunity to watch the video, and first let me say that this is the coolest stock craft ever. Because, damn.

Thoughts on the aircraft: Is that one turbojet in the centerline of the aircraft really there? Does the part directly behind it overheat?

Is there a version of this aircraft that I can use to land VTOL style on planets with no atmosphere? I mean this thing looks like more fun than a barrel of monkeys on acid on planets like Laythe, but what if I want to use it to ferry fuel from Mün to my orbiting fuel station in local Kerbin space? Yes. I could probably make the switch from that one center jet to an aerospike, but still. I might screw up the balance, and to take that away from a masterpiece such as this is wrong.

Lastly, If I wanted to split hairs, that looked more like a VTSL (Vertical Takeoff, Short Landing) to me.

Yes, that is indeed the turbojet in the middle, it doesn't damage anything even at full thrust

I have a version that uses aerospikes for vacuum VTOL. I tested it for it's SSTO capabilities because of the increased weight, and it ends up in orbit with a fair bit of fuel left. Around 560 units of fuel.

Using the VTOL engines in a vacuum is indeed viable. The original placing of the jet VTOL engines run directly through the center of mass. Therefore any changes, like changing engines or adding pods on these attachment points makes it easy because it doesn't shift the center of mass.

For testing purposes, I've enabled infinite fuel to get into a Munar orbit. You can use either the LV-909 engines, or the aerospike engines. Either one runs through the center of mass, the only difference is where you choose the control to be from. The docking port on the top is directly in line with the VTOL aerospikes.

Because there is no air in space to affect the lift and balance of the wings, the ship can be controlled from the docking port and the plane controlled exactly like a standard lunar lander.

It balances perfectly for a descent and lands comfortably.

My conclusion is that gimballing engines are not important for this ship because of it's small size and the torque that enables it to change pitch and yaw quickly in a vacuum. You can make these simple changes yourself, or if you would like, I'll upload my version by request.

[Wrench Head]

One word "SWEET"

[Pyromaniacal]

Well, those are my concerns addressed. When you release the Kethane rig Imma have to snag it!

One word "SWEET"

I love how your signature is 4 times bigger than your post.

[Levelord]

Well, those are my concerns addressed. When you release the Kethane rig Imma have to snag it!

I love how your signature is 4 times bigger than your post.

My current Kethane plane is designed for atmospheric flights because it just barely makes orbit because of it's weight. If you want a design for vacuum landings, I'll do a re-design. It might take a while Most likely I will remove the command pods and make it a single seater craft to save on weight.