2 challenges (10k and grass strip time trial) 1 plane design

[Apache600]

Hey everyone. I'm sure this has been done before, but if not, I'd like to start it! Here's the challenge:

- Build 1 plane design (stock parts only, and no mods) for 2 different time trial flights.

Flight 1 = Take off, reach 10k meters, land at KSP runway (full stop).

Flight 2 = Take off, land at grass strip (full stop), then take off from grass strip, land at KSP runway (full stop)

To be eligible, screenshots or video must be taken. Pictures for 10k need to show the log after landing. Pictures for grass strip and back need to show full stop at grass strip, and log after landing at KSP. And pictures of the aircraft during flight are always fun (but not required) so we can marvel at your superior engineering skills, or in the case of my aircraft, have a good laugh.

No changes or modifications can be made to the aircraft between flights. It must be the EXACT same aircraft (on take off) for each flight.

Definitions:

For "Plane" definition, Aircraft must be piloted by a Kerbal (what's the fun if someone can't tell about the experiences?). Decoupling/staging is allowed if you so choose to go that route, and all parts in the stock inventory are also allowed. Aircraft can be powered by any power source (booster, rocket, jet, ion, electric, faith/hope/prayer). There is no weight or part number limitation.

For "Take off" definition, it can be done at either the runway or the lauch pad, vertical or horizontal. If departing from the launch pad (or runway for that matter), use of TT18-A Launch Stability Enhancer is allowed unless the support structure is standing at a height taller than the launch vehicle stands vertical (i.e. If vehicle is 30m tall, TT18-A LSA is not to be taller than 30m)

For "Full stop" definition, I understand that the speed can jump around, so it will be defined in this challenge as anything 0.4m/s or less. The aircraft can be in any status at the end of the flight (i.e. airworthy or complete wreck), as long as the Kerbal lives to tell the tale. (Remember though, for Flight 2, you have to do 2 take offs and 2 landings.) Aircraft, or capsule containing Kerbal, must come to "full stop" on the runway.

For "Runway" definition, it is the raised, flat surface, above the normal landscape that will be defined as the runway. The slopes on the sides do not count.

Scores will be on a points per second basis.

For Flight 1 (10k), 4:00 is 0 points, and every second before 4:00 is 15 points. Example: 2:40 = 1200 points (80x15)

For Flight 2 (grass), 10:00 is 0 points, and every second before 10:00 is 8 points. Example : 6:30 = 1680 points (210x8)

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Record Holder's:

Flight 1 / Flight 2 / Points / Pilot

1) 1:40 / 3:39 / 5148 / likulapa

2) 1:43 / 4:24 / 4743 / Apache 600

3) -:-- / -:-- / ---- /

4) -:-- / -:-- / ---- /

5) -:-- / -:-- / ---- /

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My Flight with the "Mini-Valkyrie"

On the roll out

Flight 1, 10k, log

Headed into the grass strip for Flight 2

Grass strip full stop, squeaked it in at the end of the runway

Full stop at KSP in 4:24

- Apache600

Edited August 19, 2013 by Apache600

[Johnno]

I was going to head off to build for this challenge, but realized I'd like clarifications on a few things.

How do you define 'plane' ?

Are any parts from the stock selection prohibited for this challenge?

How do you define landing, is there any prohibited way to come to a full stop if the craft is unharmed?

Does the 'plane' have to be in a single part throughout the flights or are you allowed to decouple/separate parts?

Does it have to be manned?

[Apache600]

Thanks for the questions Johnno, Post has been updated.

[Aphobius]

Can't wait to try this tomorrow (I'm at work right now ).

But your rules allow for some very ... unconventional designs.

I suggest you to change them to allow only runway takeoffs and landings, without any separation and without any damage to the aircraft being allowed ... in case you want something more serious. (since your plane looks kinda ... serious)

If you like crazy stuff, that's fine too, I already have some ideas and I'll enjoy it more than using a ... conventional design.

[Smoke]

No wings required on the plane and landing with parachutes is ok? Here are screens of my test flights (using mods):

Javascript is disabled. View full album

I used the "Editor Extensions" mod to launch a craft with rocket symmetry from the runway, so it's not by the rules. I took 1:20 to go to 10km and return Huski Kerman alive and 3:52 to go to the grass strip and crash land Husdki on the runway.

Anyway: The times Apache600 posted are really challenging using "normal" planes with normal landings (on wheels without half the craft exploding). I'd be quite surprised if we see any better entry with a "serious" plane.

And a free tip for all who want try this: going to the grass strip quickly is the real challenge, so don't start your attempt spending a lot of time optimizing only for the 10km part.

[Apache600]

Nice work Smoke!!!! that thing looks pretty cool. Thanks for being honest with the mod usage. (btw ... how do you do that picture gallery with imgur?)

On a side note, I think that "unconventional designs" are going to be rather difficult since the scope of the 2 missions require different things. Shedding parts may work for the 10k flight, but maybe not the grass strip flight. And a crash, yet survivable landing, is not controlled, and could roll off the runway (just make sure you don't wreck on the grass strip ... cause good looks aren't going to get you back home)

I personally think that "serious" designs may win out here. But hey, it's Kerbal ... who knows! lol

[Aphobius]

You are going to be surprised. I can't wait until tomorrow.

[Apache600]

Haha! looking forward to it!

[likulapa]

Here is my entry: http://imgur.com/a/naPUJ#9