The use of interstage decouplers

[J4CKAL2014]

So can someone please explain the use of interstate decouplers? This is mainly aimed at those who use KW Rocketry mods but also those who understand the uses of interstages in general (e.g. historical/real-life uses). What's the advantage on an interstage over, say, a standard decoupler?

[Tankbuster32]

Well, Interstage Decouplers drastically improve the aerodynamics of a rocket as well as giving structural support for the stage above.

[TechnicalK3rbal]

Well, Interstage Decouplers drastically improve the aerodynamics of a rocket as well as giving structural support for the stage above.

Yes, in reality, however, the games aerodynamics and structural physics are rather unreal, so, unless you use FAR, the interstage fairings are practically useless.

[Sauron]

KW has an option to use it's engines without shrouds.

Also (and more importantly), you can use interstages to cover (say) a 2.5m engine on a 3.75m stage or to cover non-KW engines.

They also make very useful structural elements for hiding other parts if you don't mind the decoupler and irritating nodes.

[KerbMav]

I think the OP ask for the specific use of the decouplers that separate on both ends?

[J4CKAL2014]

KW has an option to use it's engines without shrouds.

Also (and more importantly), you can use interstages to cover (say) a 2.5m engine on a 3.75m stage or to cover non-KW engines.

They also make very useful structural elements for hiding other parts if you don't mind the decoupler and irritating nodes.

Ah ok, didn't know you could use them without shrouds. Thanks

Yeah I'd thought about using them as a kind of interstage fairing, but the way the nodes are arranged put a stop to that and made me think they must be for something else :/ although with some docking port attachments it might work

[Sauron]

I think the OP ask for the specific use of the decouplers that separate on both ends?

No such part in KW -- the interstages decouple only on one end.

[J4CKAL2014]

No, those are stack separators, they're useful I was referring specifically to the interstage decouplers in the KW Rocketry mod, which are kind've annoying cos they only have 1 attachment node

(Forgot to quote Kerb's post in this reply)

[Vanamonde]

Seems like Add-on Affairs is the best place for this question. And so, moved.

[NathanKell]

No, those are stack separators, they're useful I was referring specifically to the interstage decouplers in the KW Rocketry mod, which are kind've annoying cos they only have 1 attachment node

(Forgot to quote Kerb's post in this reply)

No, they have at least two. But all but the bottom node are *inside* the interstage.