STOL testbed challenge

[Scarecrow88]

The space program has seen the development of vehicles to go longer, faster and higher, but they are looking now to develop a vehicle that will allow them to get in and out of some of the tight spots here on Kerbin. To that end they want to design a STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) craft. As the design process is still in it's infancy, the first step will be to design a power train capable of both accelerating and stopping quickly. This is where you come in. You are tasked to design a test bed that will be tested on the runway. You have to reach as high a speed as possible, but still be able to stop before you go off the end of the runway.

Rules

• Stock only please. We have a budget to keep to and can't afford any of those fancy non-stock engines etc.
  
• The vehicle must remain on the ground at all times.
  
• The vehicle must stop before going off the end of the runway.
  
• The vehicle must still be in one piece when it has stopped.
  
• Screen shot of F3 mission log required to verify results.
  
• 
  

Here's my starter attempt to give you all something to beat.

Leaderboard

• Rhomphaia 651 m/s
  
• dodrian 637 m/s
  
• Virindi 288 m/s
  
• Scarecrow 262 m/s
  

Edited November 9, 2013 by Scarecrow88

[Rhomphaia]

Attempt 2

Edited November 8, 2013 by Rhomphaia

[Scarecrow88]

432 m/s it is then.

[Rhomphaia]

Quick question: you say the vehicle needs to be in one piece. Does that mean no launch clamps? 'Cause I think I can break 500m/s with them. (currently at 476)

Edit: NVM seems I can't get the wheels to start touching the runway if I use the clamp. so technically start flying

Edited November 8, 2013 by Rhomphaia

[dodrian]

508 m/s :-)

Edited November 8, 2013 by dodrian
Fixing image

[Rhomphaia]

New question, does it count if the nose is over the edge of the runway but all wheels are still on the tarmac?

'Cause if so then

Also since it's record has been beaten, I will show my 432 craft in it's post.

Edited November 8, 2013 by Rhomphaia

[dodrian]

dodrian Testbed mark 3: 587m/s

Edited November 8, 2013 by dodrian

[Rhomphaia]

dodrian Testbed mark 3: 587m/s

Back and forth... is no-one else playing?

Edit: broke 600m/s

Edited November 8, 2013 by Rhomphaia

[dodrian]

Whew, 637 :-)

I think I'm done for the evening, and don't think I could get any more speed out of this craft.

[Rhomphaia]

Whew, 637 :-)

I think I'm done for the evening, and don't think I could get any more speed out of this craft.

Can't interest you in one more?

I was hoping to hit mach 2, but I am running out of space for seperatrons and it is getting really hard to keep it straight down the runway, so I shall call it quits now

[dodrian]

Nooooo! I may try again tomorrow:-)

[Rhomphaia]

Nooooo! I may try again tomorrow:-)

I'll be waiting:D Got an idea in my head for a new design, Mach 2 I am coming for you!

[Scarecrow88]

Guys I have no idea how you keep your machines straight on the runway at those speeds. I am at work tonight so will update the leaderboard tomorrow.

p.s. All wheels on the runway at the end is what is required, position of nose is not important.

[Virindi]

Jebediah wanted something huge he could ride in with all his friends. Something refuelable...

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The main issue is that it is hard to stop the reverse engine right when you are stopped, so you start moving backwards.

[dodrian]

OK Rhomphaia, I admit defeat! I could get a few more m/s out of my designs, but couldn't beat yours. Care to share your secrets? :-)

Here's my design:

[Scarecrow88]

Rolling backwards at the end isn't a problem, as long as you are stationary when you take your screenshot. What isn't acceptable is to roll backwards back on to the runway if you overshoot the end. Leaderboard has been updated. Makes my effort look rather puny. Well done guys.

[Rhomphaia]

OK Rhomphaia, I admit defeat! I could get a few more m/s out of my designs, but couldn't beat yours. Care to share your secrets? :-)

Here is the design

The Ram-scoops are closed before launch, and set to toggle with the brakes action group, increasing the drag while braking. Also three reversed seperatrons in a later stage to assist braking.