ARK - X: Massive cargo vehicle with added SSTO capability [.24]

[Guest Space Cowboy]

100,000 meter circular orbit up and back with extra fuel. Video of the flight is processing.

Action key 1 - change hybrid mode on all

Action key 2 - toggle 5 inboard engines on each side

(optimum profile still to be discovered)

KNOWN ISSUE: the fuselage and wing flex some but wont break. Due to the flexing of the various lifting surfaces, the shape of the vehicle sometimes warps, and lift vectors of the surfaces will alter the direction of flight. The worst problem is a nose down tendency when empty in the atmosphere, at higher speeds (above 100-150).

DOWNLOAD (Remember to select "Click here to start download from Sendspace")

[Darthzeus]

Wow, you aren't kidding about cargo space!

[Guest Space Cowboy]

I forgot to mention - activate all engines with the spacebar, and then to release all stores press it again.

Next up will be placing objects in orbit, and eliminating the fuselage flex.

I think it would make a good mothership for a piggyback too. Somebody do it

Edited August 1, 2014 by Space Cowboy

[GusTurbo]

Awesome craft, Maurice!

[Guest Space Cowboy]

Thanks, trying to get an orange tank into orbit right now. I got the airframe all stiffened, and upped all the fuel. The additional straps kills the frame rate though.

[Guest Space Cowboy]

This vid is from this morning, since then, I have fixed the wobbly fuselage. This was a good configuration for getting it into space, but I haven't gotten a useful payload up yet.

Video supposedly ready within 42 minutes of the timestamp on this message

http://youtu.be/K5ZeL1LIElM

[Motokid600]

I take it FAR wouldn't treat this vessel too well?

[montyben101]

It looks like a shark whale