Kerbodyne SSTO Division: Omnibus Thread

[Rune]

Want a spaceplane that doesn't look like everyone else's? Want to get those orbital rescue contracts done fast?

You want a Kerbodyne Tigershark. Lightning speed, remote drone ability and exceptional handling and safety. Able to fly on either engine in air-breathing mode.

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah120/craigmotbey/Kerbal/Kerbodyne%2025/Kerbodyne%20Tigershark/screenshot118_zps0ff3d550.jpg

Exceptionally sleek aerodynamic profile.

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah120/craigmotbey/Kerbal/Kerbodyne%2025/Kerbodyne%20Tigershark/screenshot119_zps7aaee58d.jpg

Enthusiastic climber.

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah120/craigmotbey/Kerbal/Kerbodyne%2025/Kerbodyne%20Tigershark/screenshot121_zpsf438b37a.jpg

Stable enough for maximum time acceleration.

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah120/craigmotbey/Kerbal/Kerbodyne%2025/Kerbodyne%20Tigershark/screenshot124_zps4b4226f3.jpg

Hits orbit with plenty of fuel in reserve.

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah120/craigmotbey/Kerbal/Kerbodyne%2025/Kerbodyne%20Tigershark/screenshot125_zpsd98a58c7.jpg

Actively stable at extreme AoA's.

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah120/craigmotbey/Kerbal/Kerbodyne%2025/Kerbodyne%20Tigershark/screenshot126_zpsd7fb5401.jpg

Craft file at https://www.dropbox.com/s/ek89dorzunmcbyt/Kerbodyne%20Tigershark.craft?dl=0

That's based on an English Electric Lightning, I assume? Also, nice class in aerodynamic stability right there. Tailplanes are important!

Rune. Your are also getting the fuselage to stabilize it in roll, too. Might be more stable than if you put the wing high and the tailplane low in fact because of that.

[Wanderfound]

That's based on an English Electric Lightning, I assume? Also, nice class in aerodynamic stability right there. Tailplanes are important!

Rune. Your are also getting the fuselage to stabilize it in roll, too. Might be more stable than if you put the wing high and the tailplane low in fact because of that.

Roughly on the Lightning, yes. I have a vague memory of something else with a really chunky rearset underslung chin intake like this, but I can't remember what it was. Probably an early MiG or Sukhoi.

High wing would create landing gear placement issues; it's sufficiently stable as is for hands-off 4x physics timewarp for virtually all of the flight anyway.

[Wanderfound]

Off to hunt down a class E asteroid and build a Kerbol observation station...

A large crew to get the job done, and plenty of windows for them to observe through.

Wouldn't want to miss the views, after all.

Edited October 30, 2014 by Wanderfound

[Wanderfound]

For all your rapid transit light cargo needs: the Kerbodyne Skua.

Takes off easy...

...and climbs steep. Extra-strength wings, able to handle large aerodynamic stresses.

Vigorous speed...

...and ample cargo capacity.

Tech Specs:

Price: √64,200

Weight: 25.825t wet, 12.925t dry

Part count: 66

Spectacular aerodynamic polish. Stable and smooth at all speeds and altitudes.

Action group key:

1: Toggle central RAPIER

2: Toggle lateral RAPIERs

3: Switch mode central RAPIER

4: Switch mode lateral RAPIERs

5: Toggle intakes

7: Toggle solar panels

9: Toggle RCS thrusters

0: Toggle Vernors

Flight Instructions:

However you like. Deliberately designed to be tolerant of inexpert handling. Easy, tailstrike proof takeoffs at anything above 100m/s, self-correcting stability and the wing strength to tolerate extreme angles of attack. Not an aerobatic specialist, but as close as you'll get to it in a serious cargo plane.

Just give it the usual pattern: get to 15,000m, level off and crank it up to Mach 5 while you climb to 30,000m, shut down the outer RAPIERs and ride the central jet for as long as you can then kick all three engines into rocket mode.

Craft file available at https://www.dropbox.com/s/4b4y3jqmkuk9s1i/Kerbodyne%20Skua.craft?dl=0

[Wanderfound]

In an updated version of the classic, Kerbodyne presents the Wedgetail XXV. A medium tanker that is as enjoyable to fly as it is useful to own. Not the largest fuel hauler in the Kerbodyne range, but unmatched for when you need a rapid top-up in orbit.

Easy takeoffs.

Performs like a much lighter craft.

Not slow.

Plenty left in the tanks after reaching orbit.

Superb aerodynamic design.

Even at extreme angles of attack.

Tech Specs:

Price: √98,847

Weight: 66.511t wet, 25.511t dry

Part count: 107

Action group key:

1: Toggle Turbojets.

2: Toggle RAPIERs.

3: Switch RAPIER mode.

5: Toggle intakes.

7: Toggle solar panels.

9: Toggle monoprop RCS.

10: Toggle Vernors.

Flight Instructions:

Just give it the usual: climb to 15,000m as rapidly as possible, then level out and crank it up to Mach 5 on the way to 30,000m. Stable enough to fly hands-off at 4x physics acceleration. Keep the Vernors off unless needed; toggle the standard RCS off while using the Vernors in order to avoid wasting monoprop.

Craft file available athttps://www.dropbox.com/s/qxhv6nl5f6xizj2/Kerbodyne%20Wedgetail%20XXV.craft?dl=0

[Wanderfound]

Thirty-four Kerbals, one flight, direct from the KSC runway to the planet of your choice. The Kerbodyne Invasion.

Also available in a paratroop version with ventral crew hatches.

Simple liftoffs.

Sufficient performance.

Level out to build speed and close the shock cones until required to minimise drag. It's a big ship; use a shallow ascent.

Gets up to speed easily if flown as required.

Kick in the nuke once the air-breathers begin to struggle. Keep the RAPIERs in jet mode for as long as possible. Engage Vernors at high altitude to aid stability.

And top it off with a pure nuclear burn. Use closed-cycle RAPIERs in short bursts if necessary to maintain ascent.

Runway to interplanetary range; refuel in orbit to extend further.

Tech Specs:

Price: √135,266

Weight: 70.623t wet, 36.823t dry

Part count:

Action group key:

1: Toggle nuke.

2: Toggle RAPIERs.

3: Toggle Turbojets.

4: Switch RAPIER modes.

5: Toggle shock cones.

6: Toggle nacelle intakes.

7: Toggle solar panels.

9: Toggle monoprop RCS.

0: Toggle Vernors.

Flight Instructions:

As described in the pictures above; use a shallow ascent, maximising the use of air-breathing and nuclear propulsion. If you're in a hurry and can afford to refuel in orbit, a steeper ascent on the RAPIERs is also possible. Add a dozen Vernors to the underside if you'd like it to have low-grav VTOL ability for Mun/Minmus colonisation purposes, or stretch the cargo bay to make room for a command chair lander shuttle.

Aerodynamically polished:

Craft file available at https://www.dropbox.com/s/2y2rv7jy6gd33d2/Kerbodyne%20Invasion.craft?dl=0

Edited November 1, 2014 by Wanderfound

[Wanderfound]

New from the Kerbodyne Suborbital Division: the Kerbodyne Scapa. Perfect from sea level to the edge of space.

Effortless takeoff and climb.

Flies with perfect stablity on either engine.

Highly maneouevrable.

Virtually immune to high dynamic pressure.

Even when combined with high-g manouevres.

Or high levels of time acceleration.

Perfect handling to the edge of space and beyond.

Self-correcting stability at Mach 5...

...Mach 3...

...and Mach 0.8.

Perfect handling from sea level...

...to the edge of space.

Craft file available at https://www.dropbox.com/s/jz5caf0nn7z84m0/Kerbodyne%20Scapa.craft?dl=0

Edited November 1, 2014 by Wanderfound

[Wanderfound]

New from Kerbodyne's "hey, we just make the planes, it's not our fault what you do with them" division: the Kerbodyne Tartaglia. For all your precision gravity research needs.

Turbofan power gives easy liftoffs even with heavy loads. Turbojet propulsion ensures that high Mach speeds remain available.

IVA cameras assist in target acquisition.

Spoilers help keep the nose on target while controlling altitude.

Substantial carrying capacity.

A substantial amount of rocketry.

And plenty of gravitationally delivered crackers.

Enough grunt for a quick getaway.

Virtually stall proof above Mach 1. Tolerates extreme AoA.

Smooth handling.

Well loaded.

Action groups:

1: Toggle turbojet.

2: Toggle basic jets.

3: Fire outer rockets.

4: Fire inner rockets.

5: Drop small bombs #1.

6: Drop small bombs #2.

7: Drop large bombs #1.

8: Drop large bombs #2.

9: Drop large bombs #3.

0: Open bomb bay.

Requires the Bombs mod (http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/95510-0-25-Bombs-v1-5-ROCKETS-RE-MODELLED). Craft file available at https://www.dropbox.com/s/1n0fzxlw027jb7z/Kerbodyne%20Tartaglia.craft?dl=0

Edited November 1, 2014 by Wanderfound

[Wanderfound]

Interesting smoke trail...

[Wanderfound]

Got some heavy stuff to lift? Want it lifted fast?

The Kerbodyne Atlas. Express elevator to the gods.

Broadwinged design makes for absurdly easy takeoffs, even when carrying heavy loads.

No shortage of power.

Supersonic within sight of home.

And no slouch at altitude either.

Easily to orbit with juice to spare.

Despite a chunky payload.

Trigger spoilers and flaps to enable airbrakes.

Superbly stable.

Craft file at https://www.dropbox.com/s/2p7uo4zteqki73d/Kerbodyne%20Atlas.craft?dl=0

[Wanderfound]

Got a nice VTOL/HOTOL spaceplane in the works. Just gotta shave a bit of weight and figure out how to stop the lift jets from overheating...

[Wingblaze]

Did Kerbpaint stop giving you issues? I saw the last plane was painted. (Haven't had a chance to fly any of them lately though)

[Wanderfound]

Not sure, experimenting. I've just stripped out a bunch of new mods due to excessive crashyness; if that doesn't fix it, Kerbpaint'll be the next to go.

[Wanderfound]

Go anywhere, do anything, do it in style. And carry a hefty cargo with you while you do it.

The Kerbodyne Dropbear. Heavy-lift VTOL capability and express spaceplane performance.

Effortless takeoff. Stable VTOL flight with tanks full or empty, with or without cargo.

Plenty of thrust.

In both directions. For a slower but longer-ranged version, swap the turbojet for an LV-N.

Easily converts from vertical to horizontal flight. Simple takeoffs and landings in either mode.

As well as an effortless climb to orbit at high time acceleration.

As usual, manage engines as the air runs thin.

And kick in the Aerospikes when the RAPIERs shift to closed cycle. Keep the turbojet on; there's a huge ram-air effect.

Circularise on Aerospikes alone for efficiency.

Plenty of amenities.

And ample cargo space.

Craft file at https://www.dropbox.com/s/mw5wd2llr38f8a9/Kerbodyne%20Dropbear.craft?dl=0

Edited November 7, 2014 by Wanderfound

[Wanderfound]

The Dropbear is a bit big for your needs? Want something a little sportier?

The Kerbodyne Cicada. VTOL doesn't have to mean utilitarian.

Conventional takeoff...

...with extreme vigour.

Vertical takeoff...

...also not a slow way to get flying.

Not bad up top, either.

Craft file at https://www.dropbox.com/s/gmve0kkmg85hnjf/Kerbodyne%20Cicada.craft?dl=0

[Wanderfound]

Dropbear too big? Cicada too small?

Rounding out the Kerbodyne VTOL range is the new Kerbodyne Locust. Small, sporty and practical, all in one.

Easy up.

That'll do.

Accelerates quickly when you start at 5,000m...

Combined nuke/jet propulsion.

Before shifting to nuke only.

Pretty...

...and practical. Refuel in orbit for nuke-powered extended range flights.

Two Fine Print satellites coming up.

Craft file at https://www.dropbox.com/s/4sktqdm7cziqzor/Kerbodyne%20Locust.craft?dl=0

[goldenpsp]

nice,

I haven't looked at your thread lately. So it may not be the best place to ask, but has FAR settled down? I know you mentioned you weren't building new planes until it did from its recent updates changing a lot about the wings etc. I'm still using NEAR but i think I need to move up to FAR.

[Wanderfound]

nice,

I haven't looked at your thread lately. So it may not be the best place to ask, but has FAR settled down? I know you mentioned you weren't building new planes until it did from its recent updates changing a lot about the wings etc. I'm still using NEAR but i think I need to move up to FAR.

Yup, FAR's all good now.

[Wanderfound]

Playing career mode, but having trouble getting to the turbojets and RAPIERs and stuff?

Who needs 'em? Not you, when you've got a Kerbodyne Alphatek to fly. Nothing beyond tech tier 5.

Self-launches at around 130m/s.

Get some speed and altitude from the jets...

...before closing your intakes, lighting the fireworks and climbing into the stratosphere.

Flatten out in the upper atmosphere to shorten the circularisation burn.

Plenty of delta-V to play with, and a probe core on board so it can be used for orbital rescues.

Beautifully behaved airframe.

Craft file available at https://www.dropbox.com/s/4va1y0wwjr2xjym/Kerbodyne%20Alphatek.craft?dl=0

[Engineer of Stuff]

I love all of these! I am horrible at building spaceplanes, and the ones you design are beautiful.

Keep on making them!

[Wanderfound]

If you'd like to hear some spaceplane piloting tips direct from Wanderfound, check out the latest Kerbal Podcast: http://kerbalpodcast.libsyn.com/

[Wanderfound]

BTW: Some of you may be aware that Wanderfound isn't in the best of health.

There is a possibility that I may disappear from these forums without notice. Hopefully, that isn't going to happen. But, just in case it does:

Thank you. The people here have been one of the few things in my life over the last year that doesn't suck. Y'all have made the last few months a lot easier than they could have been.

Edited November 12, 2014 by Wanderfound

[Red Iron Crown]

I wasn't aware of that, Wanderfound. I hope that you come through the challenges you are facing successfully. Best wishes to you and your family.

[Wingblaze]

I was vaguely aware but that won't stop me from saying thank you for sharing your passion and expertise.

[eddiew]

Great thread here, lots of inspiration for spaceplane design. Spent two evenings on it so far, and with the help of FAR's stability checks, everything gets to about 28-30km altitude and 1200 m/s without major wobbles, but then runs out of lift and the prograde heads inexorably downward. Sometimes they make space, but generally don't then have the fuel to stabilise the orbit. I fluked a twelve ton midget without any intake coolers, that actually gets to a 75km orbit, but isn't big enough to carry cargo, and doesn't have the fuel to spare to do anything except come home.

Two things I notice in your designs is that they're all longer and have smaller wings than anything I've tried... wondering if maybe I'm overcomplicating things and giving myself too much drag to contend with.

Playing career mode, but having trouble getting to the turbojets and RAPIERs and stuff?

Lol, yep, that's me! Feels like the good engines are hidden behind a massive wall of research that doesn't really have any benefit during the middle tiers Puttering around with ram-intakes and turbojets at the mo and getting a bit dispirited, so nice to see something simple that might be within reach