Question about space planes and Duna.

[Odo]

So I have finally made a really good plane design, and figured out how exactly to steer a plane. And I was wondering if I were to get this thing to Duna, would it work? Duna has a very thin atmosphere so Id probably have to use a turbojet, but the low gravity would make up for it. Anyone know the answer?

[Themohawkninja]

Jets don't work in the atmosphere of Duna, because it contains no oxygen. Jet engines only work in Laythe and Kerbin's atmosphere.

[Alavarien-46]

Planes can fly quite well in Duna's atmosphere but atmospheric engines don't work because of the lack of oxygen. They only provide thrust on Kerbin and on Laythe. Your desing must be a glider or be rocket powered.

[Odo]

It's a glider. Should I replace its basic engine with a 909?

[Themohawkninja]

It's a glider. Should I replace its basic engine with a 909?

That should work quite well.

[w4rlord117]

I recommend using the Nuclear engine, because of how fuel efficient it is

[Odo]

I recommend using the Nuclear engine, because of how fuel efficient it is

True, the efficiency is un equalled, but the length of it makes landing and taking off hard :C

[Spaceisbeautifulul]

Actually the Ion engine is the most efficient, but the nuclear is the most practical.

And the Ant engine is kind of in the middle.

Edit: You can only fly them in Kerbin and Laythe?

No more Eve airlines?

Nooo! I worked so hard on those designs!

Edit numero dos: I tried gliding on Duna once, and it is hard enough to keep it pointed the right direction, let alone glide because Duna's atmosphere is so thin, I think the 909 engine will be used a lot, so pack a reasonable amount of fuel, and maybe some RCS in case of spin outs.

Edited June 23, 2013 by Spaceisbeautifulul

[antiquark]

If you aim for the low-lying areas (the brown plains) of Duna, a plane that flies OK on Kerbin should work fine on Duna.

Edited June 23, 2013 by antiquark