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BSC: Rocket-powered VTOL - We have a winner!

Xeldrak

By Xeldrak
in KSP1 Challenges & Mission ideas

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BSC: Rocket-powered VTOL - Finalists  

  1. 1. BSC: Rocket-powered VTOL - Finalists

    • Giggleplex777 - Damselfly
      24
    • Ravenchant - Pack mule
      1
    • Tarmenius - Bullfrog
      5
    • MiniMatt - Snack Wagon VTOL
      12

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ThePsuedoMonkey

ThePsuedoMonkey

Posted
Posted (edited)

Meet the Omega-16

updated to mk6: near-perfect balancing of CoM and CoT

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It has fewer parts than the stock Rocket-Powered VTOL, is easier to fly, and has a longer range. Comes with plenty of fuel, lateral drop-tanks, an emergency escape system, and some lights. It is capable of landing on the Island Runway control tower without using the escape system, and has a total range of 70km with the escape system. The rotated lander can gives a good IVA view of your landing site, while also setting the default orientation of the navball to be parallel with the center of thrust, making it easier to control than the original. It has a relatively low center of mass and wide gear-base, which helps to keep landings smooth. Attitude control is provided by RCS and reaction wheels, and there is plenty of monopropellant and electricity to keep them operational for a while. The Aerospike burns for nearly three minutes at wide open throttle with the full fuel load, and the wheels are steerable so that you can rove around using the RCS thrusters a little.

Edited by ThePsuedoMonkey
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MiniMatt

MiniMatt

Posted
Posted (edited)

Ok. Struggled a bit with this one. I feel this is one of the stock craft that's designed to be played with and be used as inspiration rather than directly used in anger, as such there's a lot of room to play around whilst not being so rigidly constricted by delta-v concerns.

Went along with the idea that the craft would be a training vehicle, used to get kerbals practiced at repeated low altitude flying and landing; also as a rescue craft for the many test pilots stranded atop the rocket hangar helipad. Flight time not critical but a bit more than the stock would be welcome (stock has 2 minutes 2 seconds at full throttle, 3-4 minutes in practice due to lower throttle settings). Also personally wanted an asymmetric design for the challenge and the aesthetic.

With that in mind, drumroll please, the Snack Wagon VTOL:

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Features

  • Fractionally longer flight time than stock! (2 minutes 12 seconds on full throttle, in practice it's the same as stock, wanted to squeeze in more but wasn't to be)
  • Autopilot or manual control! (probe core above main engine)
  • Vertical or horizontal navball orientation! (agree with PsuedoMonkey that vertical often easier in landing, vertical orientated probe core allows for switching between vertical or cockpit horizontal)
  • Balanced mass distribution regardless of fuel load (or as balanced as I can get it)
  • (almost) Full science capability! (because, err, well, SCIENCE)
  • Kerbin atmosphere tuned engines (using new thrust limiting feature precedence is given to central aerospike (55%) for low level ISP benefits with a bit (30%) going to outboards for some vectoring; total sea level ISP of 365, TWR ranges from 1.22 fully fuelled to 2.10 on fumes)
  • Full craft recovery parachute system! No expensive components dropped into the sea/runway, the whole craft lands under parachute at between 8 and 11 m/s (empty/full tanks) with no damage at either landing scenario.
  • No drop tanks! (ok so this is a bit of a negative too as drop tanks allow for greater efficiency & narrower TWR window, but often found drop tanks have that sudden effect on TWR at just the wrong time, not to mention the litter all over KSC)
  • Snack capacity! (scrub mystery goo container thoroughly before storing snacks)
  • 38 parts, 9 tons, no clipping, easily understood design

Action groups

Are as detailed in in-game description field, ie:

(1) Makes science equipment go BEEP-BOOP

(2) Makes ladder go up and down

(Abort/Backspace) Cuts engines, lowers landing legs if not already down, deploys parachutes

What it teaches new players

The only feature which may conceivably teach something new over and above that taught by other fine entrants will be a use for throttle limiting and tuning. Because it taught me something in designing it. Was quite surprised that a 1.5 ton aerospike and a couple of outboards running between a third and half capacity offered more efficiency and longer flight times than an LV909 and the outboards running at max. Giving more precedence to the central aerospike whilst maintaining the same overall TWR allows one to eek out a bit more flight time (thanks to raise in sea level ISP) at the cost of some vectoring (although to be honest, SAS can compensate adequately for any lack of vectoring).

Craft file

Is here. Can't remember if this is still relevant but it's for the spaceplane hangar folder (just like the stock craft) rather than the VAB folder.

Edits

11/02 Added abort action group, thanks to reminder from Tarmenius. Abort (backspace) cuts engines, lowers legs if not already down and deploys parachutes.

Edited by MiniMatt
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HazelPine

HazelPine

Posted
Posted

Hello 'verybody! :)

I am planning an entry to this jebfes.... I mean, challenge. I wish all kerbals that participate in the testing of entries good luck and hope that the pilot is Cupcake or they have parachutes.

BTW, imgur is not showing for me...

May Jeb be with all the kerbs!

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Kasuha

Kasuha

Posted
Posted (edited)

Morpheus

Rocket powered, vertical takeoff and landing.

Equipped with extra horizontal rear/front engine.

Equipped with rover wheels, can be combined with vertical thrust for short jumps, or for takeoffs/landings at limited speeds (expert handling required)

Equipped with landing legs for safe vertical landing.

Equipped with lights for rover function at night.

Command seat for horizontal, probe core for vertical control.

Comes with complimentary capsule for 1 Kerbal, must be decoupled before use.

Limited use on Kerbin - initial TWR is just above 1 (gets better with less fuel)

Recommended usage: Mun and other low gravity bodies.

Action Groups:

1 - toggle ladders

2 - toggle rear engine

3 - toggle vertical engines

4 - toggle front engine

(VAB) Craft File

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Edited by Kasuha
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BagelRabbit

BagelRabbit

Posted
Posted (edited)

...my entry is here! I initially designed it for good looks but it ended up being so much more.

Pavo VTOL

QqZzJg6.jpg

msNAKzn.jpg

SXR3iJK.jpg

NEW! How to Fly Tutorial!

Features!

>Parachutes to bring the entire craft down gently!

>An abort system, if you only want to bring Jeb down gently and let the rest crash!

>Toggle-able engines for faster flight!

>A Probodobodyne OKTO2 on top, for people who like their navball vertical!

>Landing gear AND landing legs, so you can land anywhere!

>RCS fuel and reaction wheels for quick turning!

>Supremely safe: Lands normally at <11m/s; Kerbal survives at <~55m/s, depending on orientation!

>Deploy landing gear, press '2,' and Wham! You've got a capable rover!

>Ladders for your Kerbal! Lights for seeing things! The list goes on and on.

These features make it a great trainer VTOL and a great way to practice landing spacecraft!

My one complaint about the craft is that it's a bit sparse on fuel. However, if you run out, you can always pop your parachutes and land safely. So, unless you want to fly far from the runway, the craft is pretty safe fuel-wise.

Action Groups:

1: Deploy all parachutes for a soft landing!

2: Toggle small engines in the back for more speed!

3: Deploy/retract landing gear! (Landing legs can be deployed by themselves by pressing G, then 3.)

Backspace: Deploys crew-capsule abort system!

.craft file! https://www.dropbox.com/s/qsmxcma36tofhky/Pavo%20VTOL.craft

If anyone has any questions about this craft, I would be happy to answer them.

Edited by UpsilonAerospace
Adding a video and action groups!
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Deathsoul097

Deathsoul097

Posted
Posted (edited)

I am working on an entry to this, and it is RAPIER powered. I am using it in Jet mode, but I plan on making it a VTOL similar to Cupcake's designs. The idea is that it could start off on rocket power, and once it reaches optimal altitude switch over to jets, and then back to rockets for circularisation and a boost to orbit. I have a design with both the nessecary thrust and DV to do this, but I havent tested it's ability to fly high altitude as well. My idea is to show where and how the RAPIER can be versatile, such as being able to mount the fuel tanks directly to it. It is loosely based on the apollo LM test rig. I know that the ability to SSTO isn't exactly a requirement, but after the VTOLs cupcake has produced, it is kind of the standard I wish my design to live up to. (I have an alternate design that probably looks better, but I dont think it will reach orbit.)

I will update this post with my work.

Edited by Deathsoul097
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Psycix

Psycix

Posted
Posted (edited)

My entry:

VTOL - VTOL Training Or Learning

A versatile VTOL craft suitable for practicing space cadets. It is easy to control and can take very rough landings.

It's main design is to allow new players to practice with a rocket-powered landing.

It's a bit simple, but that is exactly what makes it so effective; the less you have, the less can break.

Features:

-Extremely easy to control (2 reaction wheels)

-Can take extremely hard touchdowns (up to 24 m/s!)

-Contains an emergency chute

-All legs and the chute can be repaired/repacked from the ladder while hovering midflight

Craft file here.

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Edited by Psycix
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HazelPine

HazelPine

Posted
Posted

I think all the designs here so far are interesting! I will personally go for a turtle shape, because turtles are cool. it will be simple and hopefully with a low part count, so anyone can try it! I'm also going to film it for the first time ever! Good luck to all!

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HazelPine

HazelPine

Posted
Posted (edited)

Alright! I didn't expect my design phase to go this quickly, but here it is: The LeapFrog LV-I VTOL!

Ship download: http://www./view/gebqtfv5ojkx2xe/LeapFrog_LV-I_VTOL.craft

AMAZING FEATURES:

-Escape system actually works like in the ad!

-Amazing dual landing mode! Decide for a high speed landing or a soft slow one!

-Simple and easy to use! With a single action group, 1 to toggle landing legs!

- 7 reaction wheels!

- Non-extreme TWR so newbies don't end up zigzaging up and down, they fly smoothly!

- Enough fuel for a Mun Landing! (But not tested.)

-Included is a simple all vehicle parachute system, if you really want the ship to survive!

NUMBERS:

- 1,319 D/v !

- 15 tons!

- TWR of 1.17!

- All with the amazing fuel efficient Aerospike Engine, with 388 Isp!

I think it is a great ship to fly and I managed to fly it 'perfectly' even though I am horrible with VTOL building or flying. It can teach the new kerbal player how to fly a VTOL, and it teaches how to make a simple escape system that they can use on any design they want. Also shos what reaction wheels can do!

SHOWCASE:

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Even came with video! :D

Notice it looks like a turtle. Take that into consideration for voting. Everybody likes turtles. Specially baby ones. :)

Edited by SaplingPick
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Colariboo

Colariboo

Posted
Posted

@Xaldrak : Okay, so, if I get this right, we have until february 14th 12:00 (GMT -5) to complete the challenge and submit our entry, right?

Also, what do you consider most important? That it's easy to fly? That it's economical? That it has a big payload (a.k.a. place for sciency stuff)? A good equilibrum between these different criterias? I'd like to know if possible.

Oh and, can we send you screenshots of our progress, just to show we're not copying or ''inspiring'' ourselves from the other submissions?

P.S. I see you have 666 posts until now :P ...

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DisarmingBaton5

DisarmingBaton5

Posted
Posted (edited)

My entry: Ostrich VTOL

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Features:

-2 Basic Jet Engines, 270 fuel units

-6 OX-STAT photovoltaic panels

-2 lights, one forward and one downward

-2 reaction wheels for increased maneuverability

-Landing legs

-A very nice looking shadow

Instructions: Start at just below 1/3 thrust, SAS on, fine controls off. Use docking port "Control from here" options to change navball perspective if needed. Landing legs up.

Craft (SPH): http://www./view/b7yvos1uxg5ixgf/VTOL_Ostrich.craft

Edited by DisarmingBaton5
Added instructions
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Xeldrak

Xeldrak

Posted
  • Author
Posted

@Colariboo:

Well, did you check out the BSC: Challenge Guidelines Mk.II? Paragraph II "And there are a few things you should consider" basically tells you what there is to consider ;)

I believe you that you are not copying, you don't have to send me pictures - you can post them here however, so that people who are interested can see what you are doing.

Oh, 666 post, that aweso.....aaarrrgg....

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BagelRabbit

BagelRabbit

Posted
Posted
Also, what do you consider most important? That it's easy to fly? That it's economical? That it has a big payload (a.k.a. place for sciency stuff)? A good equilibrum between these different criterias? I'd like to know if possible.

Oh and, can we send you screenshots of our progress, just to show we're not copying or ''inspiring'' ourselves from the other submissions?

For your first question, the answer is that the VTOL must have appealing enough features to make people vote for your entry! Perhaps the heaviest weighted factor in this competition is how easy it is to fly your craft. Remember that the stock designs that come with the game are often used by beginners who want to gain a better understanding of KSP. Your craft, then, should be flyable by a KSP novice.

Other factors could include safety, range, SAS and/or RCS-equipped design, lowered part count, small physical size, possible reusability, science capabilities... the list goes on and on. Different people like different blends of these things, but the more of these factors you have, the more likely you are to do well in the challenge.

As for your second question, I'm the only person thus far to make an in-progress screenshot (I think it's on page 2). Everyone else's designs are so unique from one another, however, that it's doubtful that you will be accused of cheating. Don't worry about it unless your design ends up looking really similar to another person's.

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Xeldrak

Xeldrak

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

I present:

The CRPLTV

ChemRock Powered Landing Training Vehicle

The CRPLTV serves as a training vehicle for powered landings on other planets. You know, because the pilot's remains are much easier to retrieve here on Kerbin.

Please note the probe core on the backside, wedged between two of the main tanks. Activate it to orient your navball horizontally. The CRPLTV might fly more intuitively in this configuration.

Actiongroups:

"1" - Extend Ladder

"Backspace" (Abort) - Activate Escape system

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Th CRPLTV is obviously heavly influenced by the LLRV, it tried to keep it a simple as possible. It's powered by five Rockomax 48-7S, has a fully functional RCS system, a secondary probe core that allows for a horizontally oriented navball and a escape system. Just 43 parts.

Edited by Xeldrak
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MiniMatt

MiniMatt

Posted
Posted

At the risk of giving clues to the competition :) I came very close to updating my design today after testing a jet/rocket hybrid variant. As Xeldrak notes, jet engines offer great flight time in this VTOL challenge but their sluggish throttle response can make for tricky handling. Taking full advantage of 0.23 tweakables however allows one to construct a jet/rocket hybrid with tuned thrust and custom oxidiser levels to make a craft which is lifted partially by jets, partially by rockets; this approach potentially allows one to mitigate both jets' sluggish response and rocket's poor ISP. 3/5ths rocket power, 2/5ths jet power seems to offer a satisfactory balance in my testing but I'm sure others can progress this theory further.

As for why throttle response is important, it allows for enhanced manoeuvrability as demonstrated by the still purely rocket powered Snack Wagon VTOL (vote Snack Wagon!) below:

lAiXAQy.jpg

Yes, Jeb did just fly under the bridge but unfortunately couldn't find the camera button at the same time as avoiding certain death.

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