The Longtail. 6 Kerbals to 100x100 SSTO.

[littlebattler]

Because Rune's 7 kerbal minibus is still more awesome than this.

Ignore the Kerbal Engineer on those pictures, it's been taken off.

Javascript is disabled. View full album

The Longtail

6 Kerbals to 100x100 orbit, plenty of gas left if you decide on a lower parking orbit. No intake spamming, just high TWR with the jets (1.3) to bruteforce its way as high and fast as possible in the atmosphere, relying only on the NERVAs' efficiency to do the rest. Some piloting skills required, as this thing's operational ceiling while on jets is somewhat on the low side (25k if you still want to be able to pitch up before the rocket switch), but the good thing is that you only need 1500m/s before the switch. After activating rockets, immediately pull up to a 45 degree angle and just stay there until you reach your desired apoapsis. 100x100 is the most I'd recommend but if you put more intakes on it it should be able to go higher.

Oh btw, if you put it to a spin, don't open the chutes and expect it to save your kerbals. Those are for landing assists, not emergency. It WILL break the ship if it's spinning.

[Rune]

Because Rune's 7 kerbal minibus is still more awesome than this.

LOL! I'm glad you think so, but this is quite awesome in itself. Could use just a bit more fuel and wing, I think, but it looks good,k and the tail is a very nice touch.

[littlebattler]

LOL! I'm glad you think so, but this is quite awesome in itself. Could use just a bit more fuel and wing, I think, but it looks good,k and the tail is a very nice touch.

I guess I got complacent by using FAR . I went for highest TWR while carrying twin NERVAs, which explains the lack of fuel and wings. On the other hand, my trial runs were mostly imperfect (losing altitude at around 15km because of stall) and the plane still manages to get to orbit, so I don't think fuel is a problem. I think an open deck version might work even better, but comfort is important

[Captain Sierra]

8 kerbals to 75x75 then dock with station at 120x120.

Granted, it can't fly under FAR (wing snapage) but it does a good job at, well, it's job.

[littlebattler]

8 kerbals to 75x75 then dock with station at 120x120.

Granted, it can't fly under FAR (wing snapage) but it does a good job at, well, it's job.

Yeah, B9 has parts better suited for heavy SSTOs. I do use B9 ships for personal use but the TinyBuilders brand only makes stock crafts