Linear Aerospike SSTO test bed. (FAR, B9, Clockheed Martian)

[bludclot]

Run of the mill SSTO. Built cause I wanted to play around with the awesome engine from Clockheed Martian:

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/55985-0-23-5-20-Apr-Space-Shuttle-Engines-V1-3-New-FX-and-stackable-x0-OMS

http://details.b0rg.com/kerbs/LUCIFER%20SSTO.craft <- Have at it hoss!

http://details.b0rg.com/kerbs/LUCIFER%20SSTO%20NO%20GEAR.craft <- If you want to use a different mod for, or stock landing gear.

REQUIRED MODS: Clockheed Martian, B9 Aerospace, Modular Multiwheels(optional craft file), Coffee Industries, Procedural wings and Mechjeb.

Use Ferram Aerospace Research for a pleasant flight.

Use Deadly Reentry too if you aren't afraid of killing a few kerbals.

Quick and dirty How to orbit without problems or even having to touch the stick:

Pre flight:

Wheel brakes! B key

Open utilities window in mech jeb:

*limit to terminal velocity

*prevent overheats

*manage air intakes

*soft throttle

*prevent flameout

RCS on ASAS on.

1. Hit 1 key to engage jets and let them build some thrust. B to disable brakes. Take off: 5-10 degrees at 150-200m/s

Use smart A.S.S panel it mechjeb to lock heading and pitch after take off.

2. Climb at 20-30 degrees to 10km

3.Accelerate at 15 degrees to 1800m/s. Use TRIM and SAS to lock pitch. (alt key + W or S to adjust vertical trim)

4. When you reach 30km, you should be going at around 1800m/s and mechjeb will throttle down slowly until there is no more air.

5. When mechjeb starts throttling down to prevent jet flameout, Hit 2 key to engage engage the aerospike engine (leave jets running).

6. Hit 1 to kill the jets when you are no longer accelerating and then accelerate to needed orbital velocity (mechjeb will throttle up the aerospike again).

7. Circularize either manually or using mechjeb or coast until you re-enter.

Have fun and please post screenshots and mission logs or any other things in this thread!

***FAR NOTE This does not disintegrate unless you do something stupid

MORE PICS IN HERE!

Edited May 5, 2014 by bludclot
Added HOWTO

[Justin Kerbice]

it's really cool ! And I really have to try B9 ! The cutest plane I've seen so far , good job !

[Voculus]

That thing is sexy as all get out! Awesome plane!