The X-21 cargo SSTO, the successor of the X-20

[Eldar158]

The X-21 cargo SSTO

Hello everyone, remember this ?

This is my X-20 cargo SSTO, which was awesome and with it I made a whole space station and a lot more.

You can see its thread here: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/65301-The-X-20-stationmaker-cargo-SSTO?p=895764#post895764

Yet, this SSTO had some stuff which I had to improve:

1) Not a lot of a cargo area for its cargo captivity, it can lift 10t but usual 10t stuff need more place.

2) When its low of fuel it become less stable, so after it finishes his mission it has problems with landing.

3) It is looking good but not good enough.

The new X-21 take care all of this 3 (actually you will tell me if it does), Now when it has less fuel it is actually more stable. (and it starts stable of course)

here is a picture of it:

It flies overall the same as the X-20 so for flight guide go for the X-20 thread.

Download link: (note: the download is fine you don't need any software for this it will give You the craft.)

http://speedy.sh/MPSNA/X-21.craft

Have fun

eldar158

Edited February 24, 2014 by Eldar158

[Jeb Cubed]

very interesting layout, but very well done.

[Justin Kerbice]

It could be good except the gap between the two docking port is not a "standard size" gap AFAIK so using clipping seems good in SPH but parts are not stuck together after that .

Another issue is the engine drink far too much fuel, it's more a one way ticket (that's why it's a probe in charge here) than a delivery mission with expected come back. I just drop some cargo to the island runway and I run out of fuel for the 4 stacked engines.

[Woopert]

How did you attach the I-beams to the back of the fuel tank? The game doesn't allow for attachment like that unless you're clever.

Very nice though!

[Eldar158]

First of all, I'm glad that you notice this so I can explain.

About that clipping problem, I used special meta that i found for this, using 2 i-beams and a cubical strut I attached the 2 body parts, I know that actually 1 side is not attached, so I used 2 struts to reinforce it.

About the fuel problem, I don't know about anything like this, I already used and tested this few times and did round trips to orbit with cargo and back to runway (actually this SSTO is for multi-use with KAS, and the probe core is for less non-cargo mass so it is more efficient.

This SSTO use turbojets so its really not effective when flying low

Maybe reading the flying guide at the X-20 thread will help you fly it more efficiently, you also may get some fuel from the middle engine to the engines on the side when in orbit because the middle engine have some spare fuel for the side engines to use.

Hope I helped you about this

Eldar158

Edited March 1, 2014 by Eldar158