VTOL SSTO Spaceplane

[bsalis]

This is a stock VTOL SSTO Spaceplane.

Craft here (v0.19.1)

Version in screenshots below has a MechJeb radial attached. I have flown it without it - works fine. The craft linked above is all stock.

Key stats...

* Full mass 25.5 tons

* Full mass (rocket tanks only & minimal RCS) 22.5 tons = 2962 m/s dV (using LV-909s only)

* Dry mass 10.37 tons

* Can get to LKO with 700-800 m/s dV

Some pictures from the maiden flight...

Here we go!

Couple of jets under the wings keeping us aloft.

Ascent on jets.

Ascent on rockets.

Pe 100Km.

Does not look bad either...

Re-entry.

Landing.

Landed.

Happy to provide guidance on how to fly this if anyone is interested.

Edited May 14, 2013 by bsalis

[BossSquirrelz]

Looks kinda cool. I'll check it out!

[Atomiccarrot]

The download link is weird... it isn't a craft download.

[bsalis]

The download link is weird... it isn't a craft download.

Hmm, I right-clicked and "Save link as...", then loaded into a game instance and it seems fine to me. I know in Chrome if you click on it, then it just shown the text content.

[erGo]

Looks good! I was wondering what function does those Rockomax 24-77 have?

[bsalis]

Looks good! I was wondering what function does those Rockomax 24-77 have?

Well, the LV-909s do not have enough thrust alone. So I augmented the thrust with four 24-77s. I only use them when the extra thrust is needed, since they are not efficient. I tried using a couple of Spikes instead of 909s, but they had too much thrust really. More importantly, they unbalanced the craft too much.

Also, if anyone is interested. I blogged a video of flying this as a demo/trainer - see http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/blog.php/32949

[AnalogAddict]

Looks legitimate to me, did you have to use part clipping to make it?

Watched your vid, great job bringing that thing in for a vertical landing. I'm trying to get mine to a point where I can bring her in like that.

Edited May 23, 2013 by AnalogAddict

[bsalis]

Looks legitimate to me, did you have to use part clipping to make it?

Yes it's legit! Craft file is there if you want to try it. There is no clipping, not with the Debug Menu option anyhow. It has 5 air intakes, 2 engines.

If you are trying something like this yourself, and having difficulties landing, you might want to read my comments on the blog entry where the video is posted. Also, the CoM needs to stay in the same place after the rocket fuel+oxidiser is all gone.

[box_brain]

Your spaceplane is very easy to control! Im very happy with it:D, could you however tell me what the action groups are for this spaceplane?? thx.

[bsalis]

In the SPH, you can look at the Action Groups. Can't remember them off the top of my head.

You can always change them suit your needs. I work from right numbers (0) to left (1), but i think that is uncommon.

[mk78123]

How do you land it vertically? I try to kill horizontal velocity, and it usually results in a nose dive which doesn't work out well for jeb;.;

I can fly it very nicely otherwise and can comfortably achieve orbit. Nice design!

[brobel]

Yes it's legit! Craft file is there if you want to try it. There is no clipping, not with the Debug Menu option anyhow. It has 5 air intakes, 2 engines.

If you are trying something like this yourself, and having difficulties landing, you might want to read my comments on the blog entry where the video is posted. Also, the CoM needs to stay in the same place after the rocket fuel+oxidiser is all gone.

i dont git it is part clipping really cheating. all it does is make the plane look more compact but all the forces are still being imposed on those parts. (ksp physics ).

and i do like the ship. looks nice to.

[AustralianFries]

That looks freaking sick. Awesome craft, mate!