Turboprop Mk.2

[VincentLaw]

The ARM update broke my old helicopters, so I decided to revisit the stock turboprop. (my last turboprop was in version 0.17) These designs use decouplers as bearings so that the rotating part is not separate from the craft (a la roller bearings).

With my experience from other projects, I was able to make this faster, smaller, and more maneuverable that my previous turboprop. The tail and wings keep it stable enough that contra-rotation is not needed. I also switched from tricycle gear to conventional gear for prop clearance and including tail wheel steering.

Notes:

*Sometimes the propeller will break on start. This is a KSP bug. Just reload the mission.

*Do not exceed 60 m/s or the prop may become unstable and can separate.

*Never reduce throttle below 15% unless parked at 0 m/s (even when landing and taxiing). Low prop RPM while moving can make the prop unstable.

*Never time warp.

*Do not press the stage button more than once or else the prop will separate.

*Be careful not to brake too much to avoid nosing over.

*Recommended cruise speed 55 m/s.

*Landing speed ~35 m/s.

*Thrust increases with speed because it is a fixed pitch propeller (The prop is stalled out at low speed).

*~200 part count.

Download link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/myxolpz322b04hz/Turboprop%20Mk_%202.craft

Swirly Exhaust:

Island Flyover:

[RocketscientistV]

Looks cool. Downloading and going to try it in a minute.

EDIT took it for a spin/Crash Test.

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Edited April 5, 2014 by RocketscientistV

[VincentLaw]

Your prop came off because you cut the throttle to 0%. You should keep it at 15% throttle or more even when coming in for a landing (until you come to a complete stop) so that the prop stays spin stabilized. I had to use a different bearing design because of the ARM patch, and the joint on this one isn't very stable.

Also, as I hinted at in the first post, it goes slowly at launch because of the fixed pitch propeller. I designed the propeller for maximum speed, so it doesn't get much thrust at low speed. If you wanted higher acceleration at low speed, then it would reduce the max speed.

Edited April 5, 2014 by VincentLaw

[RocketscientistV]

Ah! Well warp works well enough without de-stabilizing.