FuelStar02 - Fuel Tanker - 10k+ fuel to orbit in 1 launch.

[Neotician]

So, i've seen a few posts asking for ways to get large amounts of fuel into orbit, and it's also been a problem of my own.

The isn't exactly pleasing to the eye, but given the weight, i didn't want to unnecessary extra weight, except for the tail (not really sure why i wanted that).

Anyhow, All stats are in the first screenshot, but a quick summary would be:

Stats after 100k orbit has been achieved

10.9k LiF

13.3k oxidizer

300 Monopropellant

note: This is purely stock, Mechjeb was only used to show a readout of stats.

Note2: Do not use Mechjeb for launch, it will break apart. Also, you don't want to go above 80% thrust until the first 2 stages has been separated.

Here's the .craft for those interested, i can upload a version without MechJeb if anyone requests it, the craft will work the same with or without.

https://mega.co.nz/#!9gNDxSjS!CjQdTHgyT0q82rrbNdWyBlH4UuocZYBH2me0J0o0PSw

Edited October 12, 2013 by Neotician

[DerekL1963]

How much does that central core weigh for heaven's sake? You've got way more booster than four orange tanks should require.

[Neotician]

How much does that central core weigh for heaven's sake? You've got way more booster than four orange tanks should require.

The actual ship (4 Jumbos, 2 T800's, 3 R25 RCS tanks and a cockpit) weighs 168 Tons, the launch stages combined have 4307 m/s of deltaV, of the minimal 4500 m/s required to each orbit.

If you got a smaller Stock launcher that can get 168 tons into orbit, i'd love to see it

[DerekL1963]

Temstar's Supernova (part of his Zenith family of boosters) can put 750 mono, 11520 LiF, and 14080 oxidizer (four orange tanks, 160t) into a 75km orbit.

My own Superlifter II (in final testing) can put 300 mono, 14400 Lif, and 17600 oxidizer (five orange tanks, 198t) into a 100km orbit.

[Arendey]

Here is my largest design (9.5 orange tanks to orbit) The MkIIa has 969 parts, and the MkIIb and 769 parts at launch. Maybe you can use this as a template to create your own or just use it, ill include links for this one and a 2 and 4 tanks version at the end of the post. I really like your design, lots of people cringe at the thought of aesthetics (ermah gerd parts count) lol. Nice to see someone who likes to mix looks and functionality.

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/50985-The-Hercules-9-Mk-IIa!-This-puppy-will-bring-about-9-2-orange-tanks-to-a-90KM-orbit

Minotaur Class X-Light Fuel Tanker: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/51994-The-Minotaur-class-X-Light-fuel-launcher-%28with-tank-tug%29

Tiny Titan Medium Fuel Tanker: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/51117-The-Tiny-Titan-Medium-Tanker-%284-orange-tanks-to-LKO%29-%29?p=667613#post667613

Edited October 12, 2013 by Arendey

[Neotician]

My own Superlifter II (in final testing) can put 300 mono, 14400 Lif, and 17600 oxidizer (five orange tanks, 198t) into a 100km orbit.

You're using what, 28 large tanks for that? That's almost 50% more for a 17% payload increase.

That aside, It looks nice and clean, how does it hold together during launch? i have some issue with breaking links if i go above 80% throttle during the first 2 stages.

Here is my largest design (9.5 orange tanks to orbit) The MkIIa has 969 parts, and the MkIIb and 769 parts at launch. Maybe you can use this as a template to create your own or just use it, ill include links for this one and a 2 and 4 tanks version at the end of the post. I really like your design, lots of people cringe at the thought of aesthetics (ermah gerd parts count) lol. Nice to see someone who likes to mix looks and functionality.

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/50985-The-Hercules-9-Mk-IIa!-This-puppy-will-bring-about-9-2-orange-tanks-to-a-90KM-orbit

Minotaur Class X-Light Fuel Tanker: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/51994-The-Minotaur-class-X-Light-fuel-launcher-%28with-tank-tug%29

Tiny Titan Medium Fuel Tanker: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/51117-The-Tiny-Titan-Medium-Tanker-%284-orange-tanks-to-LKO%29-%29?p=667613#post667613

Thank you also love the look of that, while it seems to keep a relatively low part count, i will deff be looking at it

[DerekL1963]

You're using what, 28 large tanks for that? That's almost 50% more for a 17% payload increase.

It's the iron tyranny of the rocket equation that determines the size of the booster. From an operational point of view it reduces the number of launches required, which was it's goal.

That aside, It looks nice and clean, how does it hold together during launch? i have some issue with breaking links if i go above 80% throttle during the first 2 stages.

100% throttle from liftoff to MECO. The small tank at the bottom of the stacks reduces overheat to a manageable level, and the inline (tall instead of wide) design turns the sheer stresses* into useful lift by strutting the strapons vertically to the payload.

* As your tanks empty, the local T/W ratio skyrockets - meaning your strapons are going to try and accelerate faster than the inner stages. I bet that the sheer stresses resulting from this are what are tearing your booster apart at high throttle settings.