TEL Challenge, Version 2!

[MaverickSawyer]

Some of you here might recall the Transporter Erector Launcher Challenge I started back in October before The Purge.

If not, here's a link to the original thread: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/22877-Transporter-Erector-Launcher-%28TEL%29-Challenge

Anyway, Now that we have stock rover parts in the inventory, I feel it's time to give this a whirl again.

Rules are simple:

-Spawn on either the launchpad or the runway.

-Drive 5 km from the starting point (more than the previous version's 1 km, to increase the challenge)

-Launch your rocket to 100 km minimum altitude (again, increased to boost the challenge)

This is an unscored challenge, and is intended to drive your creativity and make you think outside the box.

Recommended mods:

-MSI Infernal Robotics (allows for tilting your rocket to the vertical after transport.)

[Captain Sierra]

Can we use the catarpillar tracks mod? They come in loads of handy.

[SirJodelstein]

Launched a rocket from the mountain range west of KSC during the rover challenges some weeks ago. The rocket can pu about 4 tons payload to orbit using only stock parts + Engineer Redux. However, success rate during the steep parts of the climb is rather low, wouldn't recommend this without the F5+F9 safety net :-)

[MaverickSawyer]

Can we use the catarpillar tracks mod? They come in loads of handy.

Sure! I'd love to see how other people tackle this challenge.

[MaverickSawyer]

For comparison purposes, here's my attempt at this:

I used the Kerbal Attachment System winch up front to keep the transporter from tipping during the process of raising the rocket to vertical.

Ready to launch, demonstrating the ground travel so far.

Climbing like the proverbial winged rodent!

Crossing 100 km, as advertised.

After burnout.

[GraviTykillz]

Im interested in this think i will give it a shot ..so to speak.

[Read have Read]

I like this challenge. I used the Trailer sub-assembly that I made for a mobile surface base just yesterday. I encountered some funny bugs with the protective fairing, hinge and struts on them - always something or another in KSP!

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[Francesco]

Some time ago I had built a stationary erector which could turn a SPH-assembled rocket in vertical position.

Now, reaction wheels make it even easier add some rover wheels and you've got this:

100% stock.

Full gallery here http://francesc0.minus.com/mZoOlb0E7FKJ8

[M.Wolfy]

0.o

I think I'll give this a try, tommorow

Oh, and tilting? that can easily be done stock and without infernal robotics (I've done ramps before!)

Edited September 28, 2013 by M.Wolfy

[sgt_flyer]

took me some time to do my entry, a mün rocket TEL - and it's all stock ! (took quite some time designing a mün rocket lightweight a sturdy enough to be able to be tilted)

there's still a few bugs (mainly with the SPH symmetry , there are some things which duplicated too much, and the lander fuel lines are not working yet , i had to manually transfer my fuel from the lander's drop tanks to the return spacecraft tanks ) but overall, the tilting process works here, fully stock - basically, i added a pivot point centered on the rocket's COM, pivot which rest on a support structure deployed by the rover. once the support structure is separated from the vehicle, it's the vehicle itself, by moving forward, which will 'grab' the rocket's pad and tilt the rocket upwards - once the rocket is upward, the support structure raise it's legs, allowing the rocket to rest on the ground vertically - at this point, the rocket's pivots are ejected, and the rocket can liftoff for it's mün mission.

here is the full mission album :

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Edited October 1, 2013 by sgt_flyer