Live-Fire Rover/Skycrane Challenge (or the Revenge of Johnny Cash)

[capi3101]

Greetings, fellow Kerbonauts. Had this idea for a challenge last night while having some fun trying out a new rover design.

Here's the challenge: To design a rover/skycrane combination, then detach the rover from the skycrane and complete as many laps as you can before the skycrane takes off.

To constitute as a lap:

1) The combined craft begins on the launch pad.

2) The skycrane must have its engines running at full throttle prior to rover release. At no other point during the attempt are you allowed in any way, shape or form to take control over the skycrane.

3) The rover must drive off the east end of the launch pad.

4) The rover must then circle back around to the ramp on the west end of the launch pad.

5) The rover must pass directly under the skycrane with its engines lit, without hitting it, and without taking damage from the burning engines.

6) The skycrane must still be on the ground when the rover passes underneath it.

If you want to try this from the runway, go right ahead. You have to drive off the east end of the runway, circle back around without getting back on the runway, then enter from the west end of the runway before passing under the skycrane. I'll keep a different leaderboard for folks who try it from the SPH.

The following will disqualify an attempt at this challenge:

1) The skycrane has to be able to take off and fly under its own power for at least ten seconds at some point during the attempt. If it doesn't fly for at least that long, the attempt is disqualified.

2) If parts break off the rover or the skycrane for any reason whatsoever (other than the skycrane completing its burn and crashing back down to the surface), the attempt is disqualified.

2A) Busted tires count as damage.

2B) If the rover is manned, the attempt is disqualified if any Kerbals die.

3) You must put up a picture of your flight status at the end of your run (F3). If any damage whatsoever is indicated, the attempt is disqualified.

4) Pics or it didn't happen.

You are allowed to use mods (I'm not aware of any that affect rover speed or handling though - this may change if such a mod does in fact exist).

100 points per lap completed before the skycrane takes off.

I'll also give honorable mentions to fastest rover design and fastest lap time.

Good luck.

CURRENT LEADERS (VAB):

CURRENT LEADERS (SPH):

FASTEST LAP TIME:

FASTEST ROVER:

I swear I completed one lap last night...but as taking my word for it violates Rule #4 for disqualification......

Edited August 8, 2013 by capi3101