Vulcan Mk II Apollo Replica (uses KW parts, previously Munshot)

[Sovek]

Ok, so first off, this has been something of a hobby of mine lately. Seeing how close I can replicate the Saturn V rocket without actually downloading a mod that gives me an EXACT Saturn V. The result is the "Vulcan" series. What project of mine will not be is an "EXACT" replica of the Saturn V. An exact replica requires real world numbers and figures. Since the Kerbal system is scaled down, and KW parts differ from RL parts, an artistic license will be taken. There are currently two things that WILL NOT be replicated in exactness, and that will be the number of engines and three various stage diameters. KW does not currently have any 5m parts, and TBH, you dont really need 5m parts unless they include ALOT less fuel. Otherwise, you could probably get to orbit on 1 5m stage.

So, with that said, on to flying this sucker.

Instruction Manual (you may not be going to the Mun otherwise)

Much like the real life Apollo rocket, this massive contraption is capable of getting you to the Mun and back, or Minmus if you are daring enough. Warranty void if it includes the numbers 1, 12 and/or 13.

Flight Instructions.

The Vulcan Mk II is a two stage rocket capable of reaching even Minmus with a separate Command Service Module and Munar Excursion Module.

Due to limited fuel, this rocket requires an ascent profile using 4.9 Km/s ÃŽâ€V or less. This is to avoid leaving debris in orbit from the second stage. If a probe (such as a Mechjeb AR202) is placed on the second stage, its engines can be fired to bring it smashing into the Munar surface, assuming its pointed retro grade prior to remove the MEM. Otherwise, ensure a sufficient trajectory to bring it re-entering Kerbin's atmosphere.

Launch Instructions.

Enable ASAS and activate engines and bring to full power gradually. At 50% throttle release the upper launch clamps, upon reaching 100%, release the lower four holding the rocket to the pad. After clearing the tower start your roll program to the 90° mark. Once that is complete pitch over 5° and hold until reaching 8.5Km. After passing 8.5Km, pitch over to 45° and hold, until AP reaches 30K or better. Staging should happen shortly after passing 11Km altitude. Second stage separation is handled by four Ullage motors, fired after the inter-stage coupler releases. After motors have fired, activate the Maverick-V Engine and continue ascent. After confirming a good engine start, jettison the Launch Escape System (hotkey 2). As you continue to climb, start throttling back to keep your AP from getting too far ahead of you. Continue to your parking orbit (125km is good). Stabilize your orbit as needed. After your orbit is established you should have 1.2 Km/s of ÃŽâ€V remaining.

Once your planes are aligned with your target, set up your TMI node, and execute it. Use a FRT for best effect (tip, use your RAD+ handle, and time of the node). Once you have finished your TMI burn, you can go ahead and dock up with the MEM. Release of the CSM is achieved by Hotkey 3. Proceed to dock up. Once you have captured the MEM, point the engine of the second stage towards its retro grade and extract the MEM by using Hotkey 4. An electrical uplink is provided from the MEM to the CSM which allows the MEM solar panels to recharge and power the batteries on the CSM. After deploying your solar panels, Move the linked CSM/MEM out of the path of the second stage and fire the second stage engine long enough to bring it smashing into the Munar surface. Continue on to your Munar Mission.

The MEM has enough fuel to land gently, and more than enough to link back up to the orbiting CSM. After linking back up, time your Ejection burn to land you in an ocean and enjoy the ride home. your Kerbin PE should not below 19km as G-forces WILL exceed 5g, due to entering Kerbin's atmosphere at over 3.2 Km/s. Entering the atmosphere voids the heatshield warranty.

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The file can be found here

Change log

Vulcan Mk II: Reduced from 3 to two stages. Uses slightly fewer parts. First stage uses 4x Maverick V engines. Second stages uses a single Maverick V. Added a LES tower. CSM/MEM not altered in any way.

Munshot Mk I: Initial release.

Edited October 5, 2013 by Sovek
Update of Craft file.

[Nephf]

Sooo.... there are about 10 millions of Apollo-Replicas, three of them on the first page of the Spacecraft exchange, including Mulbins STOCK Munbug. It is simply not necesarry to upload an Apollo-Replica to this forum.

[John FX]

Sooo.... there are about 10 millions of Apollo-Replicas, three of them on the first page of the Spacecraft exchange, including Mulbins STOCK Munbug. It is simply not necesarry to upload an Apollo-Replica to this forum.

Now that is just mean. I want you to go to your room and think about what you have done.

To post an IMGUR album you put a [ then `IMGUR` and then ] followed by the code for your album usually something like 9ad5r then another [ with `/IMGUR` followed by ]

I don`t know how to post the code without the forum thinking it is an IMGUR album, sorry. Hope my instructions make sense. It would be good to see your lander and the craft in flight.

[Nephf]

Now that is just mean. I want you to go to your room and think about what you have done.

Well, I for myself uploaded also an Apollo replica some time ago, and the Replies were so devestating that I deleted it. So that's my opinion.

[Rune]

Sooo.... there are about 10 millions of Apollo-Replicas, three of them on the first page of the Spacecraft exchange, including Mulbins STOCK Munbug. It is simply not necesarry to upload an Apollo-Replica to this forum.

Speaking as one of the guys with one of those replicas, I say the more the merrier. Some might be lost in time, but watching how different people take different inventive ways to do the same thing teaches me a lot. And it's fun to compare as long as we don't fall into name-calling.

Now about this one, I have one tiny nugget of criticism... don't suppose you can tweak tank diameters so the S-IVb and payload are slightly narrower than the rest? Oh, and show us the guts, please! I want to see the engine choice. Imgur albums are embedded like this: [imgur*]the stupid string of letters and numbers at the end of the url adress for your album, usually 5 or six never the entire url adress[/imgur*] (* added so it shows on the forum).

Rune. BTW, nice job on yours overall!

[Sovek]

Sooo.... there are about 10 millions of Apollo-Replicas, three of them on the first page of the Spacecraft exchange, including Mulbins STOCK Munbug. It is simply not necesarry to upload an Apollo-Replica to this forum.

And this is the first I've seen that gets anywhere close to looking like the real thing, without trying to shake itself apart and/or a conglomeration of parts. The Munbug craft, while innovative, is FAR too big to play with, I mean come on, 1K parts? I did alot of the same with 170. The rest is pretty much Apollo/Saturn V in name only, only because a separate Mun Lander is below the CM.

Speaking as one of the guys with one of those replicas, I say the more the merrier. Some might be lost in time, but watching how different people take different inventive ways to do the same thing teaches me a lot. And it's fun to compare as long as we don't fall into name-calling.

Now about this one, I have one tiny nugget of criticism... don't suppose you can tweak tank diameters so the S-IVb and payload are slightly narrower than the rest? Oh, and show us the guts, please! I want to see the engine choice.

Rune. BTW, nice job on yours overall!

Thanks. No, the S-IVB stage cannot be tapered unless you go with a Mk1 Landercan. This is due to the MEM's landing legs protruding outside the 2.5m Interstage. If someone could design a lander in the 5.5t range (there is no current margin on this, 5.5t or less) or provide tips, I'm willing to listen. Believe me, I've tried, due to just how heavy 3.75m tanks are. As for the guts, I'm planning on doing some further tweaks (including 4x2.5m engines for the first stage) and will get some pictures. To really see how it comes together, download it and pull it up in the VAB.

Edited October 3, 2013 by Sovek

[Sovek]

Updated the craft, and renamed to the Vulcan series.

[Sovek]

This weekends project is the MK III version, I planning on putting back in a third stage, and using a smaller, lighter MEM, using two Mk1 Lander Cans. Will be "Hard Mode" compliant, meaning you can fly this thing in space via RCS and not rely on rotational wheels.

Attempts at "flaring" the S-IVB stage has been scrapped, as I'm dealing with two sizes here, and not three like Apollo. In KSP terms, the S-I and S-II stages were 5m, S-IVB 3.75m, with the CSM being 2.5m. Only other options is to taper down to 1.25m, but that means single kerbal flights. Not going to happen.

To Do List.

1. Rework staging to include a third stage

2. Finish new, lighter MEM. It also looks cool

3. Remove cubic struts on the CSM, as they are most likely not needed since the wobble in the CSM was from the way too heavy LES in the Mk I

4. Test to see if the stock struts are strong enough.

5. Add the fins back in and enable "Hard Mode"

6. Use a docking port to separate the MEM from the "V-IVB" This is so you don't alter your trajectory during TMI.

7. Test to see if the first stage 2.5m adapters fail on a regular basis during launch.

8. Add ullage motors underneath the stage instead of the outside. Will look into retro-firing as well.

9. Look into the option of docking with the MEM while in IVA. If its too troublesome to impliment, it will be tabled.

Till then, I present a pic of the upcoming MEM ascent stage.

Edited October 5, 2013 by Sovek

[Javster]

Sooo.... there are about 10 millions of Apollo-Replicas, three of them on the first page of the Spacecraft exchange, including Mulbins STOCK Munbug. It is simply not necesarry to upload an Apollo-Replica to this forum.

Nasty, but I relate.