Jool C-2 to C-8 (Saturnish Analogs)

[m1919]

Saturn V analogs are pretty numerous around here, so I've decided to go a sort of different direction. I always liked the design proposals for various Saturn variants, so I thought I'd go ahead and approximate and expand upon what I've seen. This will be a work in progress thread that I'll post in as I go along. Most of what I'm working with are KWRockets parts in combination with FASA parts and some Bobcat parts, as well as a few other parts packs here and there. I've got plans in the works to produce my own Saturn and SLS inspired parts packs at some point in the future, but for now these will hold me over and serve as my proof of concept stuff before I get to the real meat of modeling from scratch.

First up is the Jool C-3. I have no specs on this thing yet as I'm working my way along the entire vehicle, but the original proposal specified that the C-3 would have been used to loft the CSM and the Lander in two separate launches for a Earth Orbit Rendezvous mission profile. I'm going to be shooting for about the same performance. The original design called for two F-1s on the first stage, four J-2s on the the second stage, six RL10s on the third. For the most part I'll be sticking to similar engines in that regard, but I'll be taking some liberties in future variations. One in particular I have in mind will have an S-IV-B inspired third stage subbed in for the S-IV inspired stage for a simpler launch vehicle and probably a bit more payload. I've also got some solid-booster assisted designs similar to the Saturn INT concepts in mind, which could be useful for launching satellites or individual mission modules for Duna missions etc.

Jool C-3

First Stage Variants

S-1A-2

This is based heavily on the graphic above found on astronautix.com, with some liberties. Haven't yet found out what to replicate the upper engine skirt with, so I just reproduced the flared portion for now.

S-1B-2

This variant is based on a model I saw on another forum where the engines are space far enough apart that a future variant can accommodate a third engine if more lifting capacity is required. This can also be expanded to four engines for a Saturn C-4 style launch vehicle.

Edited July 2, 2013 by m1919