[SHOWCASE] Bring out your LANDERS!!

[Zamolxes77]

I used many different designs of landers, here is my latest form.

 

Is constructed around 4 Nerv atomic engines and has the possibility of "loitering", flying from one biome to another. Its ample tanks give you 6k dV. It also carries 4 distinct capsules, its main function being an experiment hog, that quadruples the experiments. When touching down in one biome, all 6 instrument experiments plus the 3 reports and surface sample, are repeated 4 times, each batch of experiments is stored in one of the 4 capsules, until all 4 are full.

Later, experiments are flown out and distributed: one copy gets sent back to Kerbin for recovery, a second copy gets uploaded to local science lab in orbit of the planet where experiments occurred, the other 2 sets of copies are sent to science labs across Kerbol system, as the need for data arises.

Here's the craft paired up with its standard science lab, in orbit:

Note that its not entirely a stock build, the science lab module and the RCS thrusters on the lander are the ones provided by Interstellar-E, but they can be switched out quite easily for their stock counterparts.

During operation, several flaws have been discovered. Access to equipment bay is very difficult and the work becomes tedious when trying to stock reports all over the body of the craft. ANY "encounter" between a kerbonaut with the landing struts leads to an explosion, looks like the R&D department packed all the landing struts cylinders full with nitroglycerin. Due to that, the entire concept has to be redesigned, placing the 4 capsules close to each other, possibly connected, and the science package needs to placed extremely close, preferably in a spot that doesn't require the kerbonaut to move around to access the capsules. Access to the ground should also be extremely easy, far from any landing struts and with no possibility for our personnel getting their head stuck into crannies, looking for snacks.

[Hydrothermalventclam]

This is probably the best lander I have ever made.  The rover was completely KAS/KIS assembled on site, from parts that were on the lander.  The lander was two stage, with a small monoprop powered asent stage, because I did not want to haul the empty kas containers back to orbit.

[Spartwo]

This was a good thread, hope it sticks around for another while.

[algwat]

the EGG on Moon in SSRSS....

[Omegagoldfish]

My first Duna lander.

 

Edited August 15, 2016 by Omegagoldfish

[Haruspex]

White Pawn (manned)

 

 

White Pawn (unmanned)

 

 

White Bishop

 

Can refuel themselves. Also serve as long-range nuclear tugs. Usage on bodies with gravity higher than Munar not recommended. Atmospheric entry is possible if done carefully, but one-way only.

Edited August 29, 2016 by Haruspex

[JadeOfMaar]

Coincidentally, following @Haruspex Catholic theme for ship names, lol, I have this.

The Missionary.

Inspired by the colony frigate in your favorite space RTS, her purpose is to deploy the first surface base wherever she lands. So far she's only done so on Mun and Minmus. In the distance is a support lander. It carries a lot of MaterialKits and some RocketParts to expedite base construction. Its presence is not vital but she always has one with her anyway.

The first expansion craft that needs to be built is a mining + material storage rig under 5 tons in weight. Then comes battery power and an extra drill to work through the nights. Then everything else.

Edited September 28, 2016 by JadeOfMaar