Do you use the launch escape system?

[khearn]

If there were random failures I might use it. Things like engines failing/exploding. That's what the LES is meant for in real life.

As things are, I'm pretty decent about making rockets that don't fall apart, so I don't really need it.

[Caelib]

It needs its own manual decoupler for the pod attachment point so it's not two parts instead of one.

[softweir]

I've been using any mod LESs that are relevant to the size of the pod I'm launching, and it's nice to have a stock part provided!

It needs its own manual decoupler for the pod attachment point so it's not two parts instead of one.

That would be nice, but I find it's largely unnecessary - I almost always use a docking port on top of capsules and use that to decouple the LES tower.

[RW-1]

I hate to say it, but when it starts going south on ascent, I revert back to:

Launch - when it was me - screwing up - hitting stage by accident, etc.

VAB - when it was me - screwing up - forgot something needed later or just not able to fly it in it's current design configuration.

If they make it into vacuum, well ... all Kerbal's for themselves at that point!

[PDCWolf]

I use the ones I made for the L.E.S. Pack. You can do more magic with them because of the included decoupler and they feel better than the stock version.

[deltalambdamu]

Ever since I learned that rockets do not generate their own abort system, immediately followed by how to set one up, I've been putting decouplers and parachutes everywhere. I've used the tower a few times before learning about this, though. I tend to use the tower when I'm building a large rocket. I've been thinking of using it in recent builds, but it's be just for fun if anything else.

[Bioman222]

I use it for nearly every manned rocket launch, as nearly every rocket launch I perform involves my KLS-Juno MPCV.

[Tortoise]

Nope, that's why I send my stupid kerbals to space, to take risks. And if they succeed, they come back with knowledge (science.)

[Othuyeg]

I have yet to attach this to any of my ships. However... I see military applications for this. Is this not just a missile?

[Osprey]

I used to design my own with the small solid fuel boosters and some octagonal pylon sections, but the all-in-one tower is much nicer to behold.

[EpicRootHairCell]

I use them to seperate my spent asparagus stages. I only do this with the new large tanks as the sepertrons are too weak. It is really quite effective.

[Felsmak]

Yes. I hardly ever need it, though; it's mostly for looks. But it's definitely a lot handier than the improvised LES I used to use.

[DarthJazno]

I use them to seperate my spent asparagus stages. I only do this with the new large tanks as the sepertrons are too weak. It is really quite effective.

I too used a couple to see what would happen if mounted on top of a couple SRB's. On separation, it was quite spectacular to see the spent solids race ahead of the rest of the rocket. Haven't incorporated the into a better working design though.

[Wooks]

Yes, I can say I have used several Launch Escape Systems... at the same time.

[Raven.]

I use the escape tower with my orbiters that use the 2.5 m pod. But, as soon as I'm above the atmosphere I ditch that thing.

[Mesons]

I use them to seperate my spent asparagus stages. I only do this with the new large tanks as the sepertrons are too weak. It is really quite effective.

That's a great idea! I answered "never" to the poll but I might need to change it in light of this!

[Aragosnat]

I use them to seperate my spent asparagus stages. I only do this with the new large tanks as the sepertrons are too weak. It is really quite effective.

Depends on how many you use, how they are placed and when they are used. I found a good rule of thumb is 2 per fuel tank with the ends pointing away from the center stack otherwise this happens:

But, yeah. I have not onced used the LES part yet. Either I restart or they go out in a blaze of glory or I have a better system anyways. Usually for me. The rockets take out anything on the nose of the pod or right below the pod or outright kills them before I get the chance to abort or the failure/destruction would make it pointless to use as the pod is safe as can be.

[thomasjkenney]

Heck no! I strap Jeb in with duct tape and a ball gag. He knows it's his duty to shut up and keep his hands away from the shiny buttons.

[Javster]

IMO the KSPX one is better, the directional thrust motor thing is not always wanted by me.

[Joonatan1998]

I don't do any safety systems because f9 exists.

If I ever try to play without saving then I may use it.

[Bioman222]

I have yet to attach this to any of my ships. However... I see military applications for this. Is this not just a missile?

Isn't everything in this game just a ICBM waiting to happen?

[check]

I do but I don't really like the stock tower. I usually make my own. The Ullage rockets from the KW pack are awesome escape motors.

[Heagar]

Well, i used escape systems for rockets and planes witch are new. Because they can be unpredictible.

Before i used for rockets my own LES, but now it's sometimes not more needed (with the stock-LES). But, to make things easyer without clipping and adding sepretons:

Please SQUAD, do not only increase the thrust for the LES, so that it can be used on bigger rockets during the first phase in a flight. Supply stackable parachutes and a second stage (an build in decoupler and small solid rocket engines) to your LES to get rid of it when it's used, or if not longer needed in flight (like in reality).

Edited April 16, 2014 by Heagar

[Fendleton]

I use the LES:

-For detaching nose-cones from fuel storage modules (I need a 2.5M node at each end for docking, but I like my aerodynamics)

-For separating radial tanks when I can't be bothered to troubleshoot seperatron issues.

-For manned missions when I don't want a shielded docking node (I always use radial parachutes anyway)

-For "special projects" where crew-escape is very useful: high speed ground vehicles, low altitude jets, ridiculous contraptions, etc. When your "rover" is travelling at over 300m/s on the ground, it's nice to have a backup when things go wrong.

Depending on how much it costs when funding comes into play it could be a very useful part indeed.

[syfyguy64]

Safety schmaftey.