My VTOL / SSTO collection , by viewer request !

[schneider9000]

Hi everyone !

This is my first post here on the forums, I stream on twitch.tv/schneider9000 , and I have gotten a few requests asking for my VTOL/SSTO's on download, so....

Here ya go ! =)

I have made this series of single stage/vertical take off craft. The goal was to make something that was reasonably effecient, while retaining a particular takeoff/landing characteristic that would allow it to reach remote areas without concern for changing equipment loadout. Most of these work particularly well around Jool ! Most of the -X craft are intended to operate with a support ship, for best effeciency, but all can orbit Kerbin and return safely to KSC without refueling. I have come up with this series of craft.

I grouped them by category, then did a narrative and quick rundown of each on my stream last night. Apologies for the choppy editing , it's my first time. Hope you enjoy them !

Group #1

Enigma

Enigma is my 1st SSTO and included for fun, it departs conventionally. I included it for fun, but it is by far the least advanced craft in this thread.

http://www./view/b0ddlgvhdvmmo1s/Enigma.craft

Erebus mk II

Erebus is my 1st 2 passenger VTOL/SSTO. Starting mass is 20.4 tons or so. Perfect for shuttling crew on laythe with a support ship.

http://www./view/t9b0q6tt9g4qp7b/Erebus%20mkII.craft

Icarus

Icarus is probably the best VTOL/SSTO to practice with, it handles well and is geared toward kerbin based operations very well. Due to it's large fuel supply , it is the most forgiving spaceplane here, should you make an error. Starting mass is 19.06 tons or so.

http://www./view/mu3gjkeafyjgwfg/Icarus.craft

(Erebus SL was not included in download at last moment, Icarus is superior in every way)

Veritas X SL

For the performance enthusiast, the Veritas X SL VTOL/SSTO doesn't mind being dropped on most alien planets, and fits conveniently in most overhead storage compartments. Slightly more difficult to pilot, but a very capable craft. Can easily acheive Kerbin orbit. Approved for vacuum landings of gravitational acceleration less than 3.2 m/s. Starting mass is 14.05 tons or so. About 2900 dV using LV-N rockets.

http://www./view/qq7ocvuz30u7ea7/Veritas%20XSL.craft

Group #2

Phobos mkII

Coming in around 40 tons, Phobos mkII is a heavy tonnage cargo hauler. Easier to handle than mkIII X , but the chassis isn't as stiff. Rated for 4.5 tons of cargo. Comes with bonus rover while supplies last !

http://www./view/4v494zl3e7e7n7c/Phobos%20mkII.craft

Phobos mkIII X

Phobos mkIII is bulked up from mkII , larger fuel capacity, reworked front end to shave chassis tonnage, while adding some kicker rockets to aid atmospheric exit transition. Rated for cargo up to 5 tons, however one may consider bleeding off some fuel before launch to maximize payload. Warranty void if launch tonnage exceeds 40 tons.

http://www./view/5dlc77f6av46vfz/Phobos%20mkIII%20X.craft

Group #3

Cygnus

Cygnus is a longer range (+/- 4500dV on rocket fuel!) VTOL/SSTO. It comes in around 39 tons at launch. This ship can make a trip to Minmus and back to Kerbin without refueling! It is recommended to practice getting to orbit with Cygnus standard before using Cygnus X.

http://www./view/8lsr05985zha5k7/Cygnus.craft

Cygnus X

Cygnus X is a longer range vehicle, optimized to run in alien environments, while retaining the ability to to a Kerbin landing. It has a longer range than Cygnus, and weighs around 37 tons at launch.

http://www./view/hrsubv1r6buq8jv/Cygnus%20X.craft

I will be posting more in depth instructionals as time goes on =)

Some general advice:

Less change in direction is better when in VTOL mode. To orbit, climb quickly initially until rate is 100m/s, then slowly angle down to 50m/s (usually around 20km), try not to let your vertical speed go lower than 10 m/s. The craft have plenty of jet fuel, don't be afraid to use it !

Hope you enjoy , thanks for checking out my craft either way!

Edited January 10, 2014 by schneider9000
changed title to more appropriately reflect content

[schneider9000]

A more in depth instructional/launch to 100km of Cygnus X, video starts just after Cygnus X leaves runway:

Edited January 9, 2014 by schneider9000