Some engine niches not yet filled.

[tetryds]

As most KSP parts are meant to be for more specific uses, filling niches, its noticeable that some engine niches are lacking.

At some cases, using bi or tri couplers works, but that just adds a lot more engine weight and doesn't fit on most cases (doubling power is often too much).

I know that the game cannot give all kinds of shapes for every specific use, and that it would even make things too easy.

But there are some specific uses that have no workaround.

The engine niches that are lacking are (vacuum ISPs):

0.625m:

Med ISP (230~280), med power (6~15)

1.25m:

Low ISP (250~330), high power (300~420)

2.5m:

High ISP (450~600), low power (120~180)

Very High ISP, very low power (2.5m Nerva?)

Med ISP (330~360), med power (800~1100)

Mount:

High ISP(400~480), very low power (20~50)

Parts above should have later weight balancing.

Will update as you post more ideas and opinions.

Can update with more kinds of parts.

Edited January 20, 2014 by tetryds

[Captain Sierra]

I'd like to also say that a 2.5m ~1000 thrust engine is missing. a mainsail scaled down to that thrust is still just too inefficient. Perhaps if we get this engine, the mainsail loses gimballing.

I also think the LV-T30 is underpowered given the setup of the 2.5m engines.

Also, I'd scratch the 2.5m NERVA from the list. There's one in KSPX, so it's probably a matter of time anyways before you get one.

Also, as far as how the 0.625m engines need to be set up/balanced, two words: RLA Stockalike.

[Anton P. Nym]

I don't think we're going to see many engines with ISPs over 400. IIRC the theoretical maximum ISP for a chemical engine is about 540, and that's using exotic (and extremely toxic/unstable) high-energy propellant mixes like lithium + hydrogen + fluorine tripropellant... I think the SSME's vacuum ISP of ~450 is about the practical limit.

That being said, I wouldn't mind seeing a 2.5m variant of the LV-N with a 600-800 ISP to mix things up; and I do like the idea of a "middle way" size 0 engine and a "booster" engine for size 1 parts.

-- Steve

[tetryds]

I agree about the 2.5m med power engine.

And really hope the big nerva comes.

But i have no clue about what "RLA Stockalike" is, can you provide a link or explain?

[Captain Sierra]

I agree about the 2.5m med power engine.

And really hope the big nerva comes.

But i have no clue about what "RLA Stockalike" is, can you provide a link or explain?

RLA Stockalike is a mod pack. One of it's most notable features is a whole assortment of 0.625m LFO tanks, more RCS thruster types with different special things, and more 0.625 engines that are balanced. For comparison, the 0.625 mainsail equivalent is outpowered by the already OP 48-7S.

All it's tanks are at the correct volume-fuel and dry mass-wet mass ratios, unlike the poor neglected Oscar-B. It also adds some other stuff like a 1.25m linear aerospike (stronger but less efficent than stock, great for Eve landers) and some monopropellant fed engines which are weaker and less powerful than their stock equivalents to make up for their lighter fuel. There are monopropellant equivalents for the LV909, 48-7S, 48-77, and a tiny one barely stronger than a linear RCS port, but is throttleable.

here's a link to the showcase page: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/24593-WIP-RLA-Stockalike-0-9-4-released-27th-November?

[MR4Y]

The Oscar B is the MK2 Cockpit of fuel tanks. While the Mk2 doesn't have IVA, the Oscar B won't even show a fuel bar in the stage column...Such a shame.