SSTO/Spaceplane/Airplane Design Contest II: Akademy Awards

[Wanderfound]

The Contest

Okay; due to the fun that a bunch of us had with Sirine's Better SSTO Spaceplane Challenge, (http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/86202-Better-SSTO-Spaceplane-Challenge-%280-23-5-0-24%29-Fin%21), I've decided to start another one.

This time around we'll be dividing it up into categories. This should ensure that the voters in each contest have an interest in flying all of the craft in the categories that they're voting on; it'll allow the compulsive designers amongst us to enter more than one ship; and it will avoid the difficulty of trying to make a fair comparison between craft that are designed for sharply different purposes.

However, this is still a design contest, not a showcase thread. The idea is to present your best design and see how it compares against your peers, not to spam the thread with every last thing that you've ever built. So, as previously: only one entry per contestant. If you decide to change your entry, don't make a new post; edit your previous post, delete your prior entry and replace it with your new one. However, the limit is one entry per category, not one entry overall.

The contest will run for two months (September 15 to November 15), with an extra week for voting at the end before we declare the results. As before, the way to qualify to vote is by entering a design in the category or categories in which you wish to vote on. And, as before, you're not allowed to vote for your own ship, and you will be expected to make a post explaining who you're voting for and why. Entering a ship but then not flight-testing and voting for one of your competitors would be rather unsporting; try not to do that.

Winners will be expected to make a full Oskar-style acceptance speech. Don't forget to thank your parents, your dog, your primary school teacher and the Akademy.

(BTW: if any of the graphically-minded folks out there feels like coming up with some little green Oskar statues as badges for the winners, please do)

Keep in mind that all of the other contestants will be flight-testing and publicly critiquing your craft (politely). If you don't think that you can graciously accept a review that may not be 100% positive, think carefully before entering.

How to Enter

To enter, you need to post a link to the craft file of your design so that the other contestants can take it for a spin. The entry post should be divided into two sections, with a spoiler tag hiding the second part.

In the first part, put a link to the craft file, a list of any mods required, a brief bit of "advertising" text that justifies why you think your ship should win, and one screenshot of the craft. Also list exactly which category or categories that you wish to enter the craft into. It's allowed to enter a single ship into multiple categories, but if you try to use the same ship for all parts of the contest you're likely to get stomped in the voting by the specialist designs.

In the second part, hidden by a spoiler tag, post a set of flight instructions, technical specs of the craft (including but not limited to price, part count and action group key) and as many other screenshots as you feel like. Screenshot narratives that provide a dramatic/amusing demonstration of your design's capabilities are encouraged; just make sure to keep them under the tag so that the thread remains easy to read and navigate.

Unlike Sirine, I'm not going to exclude myself from the contest. However, as the winners are judged by democratic vote, my position as challenge host shouldn't give me any advantage. I won't be attempting to disqualify any entries; if you put up something that obviously doesn't belong in a category, the only consequence is going to be that you probably won't get any votes. Whether or not a design truly meets the criteria for that category is purely up to the voters.

Any and all mods are allowed, but remember that the more mods you include, the less likely it is that other people are going to be willing to test-fly your design. Folks are likely to be unwilling to vote for anything that they haven't flown personally. So, it's a good idea to minimise your use of mod parts and strip out any superfluous gadgets that aren't essential to the design. This is also a reason to keep your part counts within sane limits; if no-one can fly your craft without melting their computer, you're not likely to get many votes.

As very few flyers are willing to stray from their preferred aerodynamic model, all categories will be divided into stock aero and FAR/NEAR sections. If you think that there should be a category that isn't already included, feel free to suggest it. We do need to keep it to a relatively sensible number of categories, though; a voting contest doesn't work unless there are a least a few entrants in each category. Any category that doesn't have at least three entrants at the end of the contest will be declared a no-prize.

NOTE TO EVERYBODY: There's a known bug (possibly related to Hot Rockets) that causes action groups to disappear (usually the #1 group) when craft files are shifted between saves. Give everything a once-over in the SPH before you fly it, and restore any action groups that have gone AWOL.

Categories & Nominees:

Stock Aero

* Best sporty pleasure craft.

O-Doc, Razorback. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1416833&viewfull=1#post1416833

FCISuperGuy, KSV Raven. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1419029&viewfull=1#post1419029

Aesthetics, Kaster Mk1. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1420314&viewfull=1#post1420314

Pecan, Bantam. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1421588&viewfull=1#post1421588

Fenya, Wasp. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1432394&viewfull=1#post1432394

Avera9eJoe, Avera9eJoe's Stunt Plane. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1440406&viewfull=1#post1440406

INTERKOSMOS, Orzel-4DSR H1HO-V3M. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1494044&viewfull=1#post1494044

Roflcopterkklol, SR-72 White Bird. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1507161&viewfull=1#post1507161

* Best light cargo spaceplane.

Fenya, Wasp. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1432394&viewfull=1#post1432394

Batz_10K, Serpens-C. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1496882&viewfull=1#post1496882 (votes: CocaDaPuf)

Roflcopterkklol, Titan Hunter Mk5 SSTO. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1506924&viewfull=1#post1506924 (Votes: INTERKOSMOS)

CocoDaPuf, The Space Goose VTOL. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1528550&viewfull=1#post1528550

* Best refuelling tanker spaceplane.

O-Doc, Erinyes. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1416833&viewfull=1#post1416833

Roflcopterkklol, White lightning Mk2. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1506909&viewfull=1#post1506909

O-Doc, Matador. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1416833&viewfull=1#post1416833

noname117, NAFA-7 Mamba Multi-role fighter. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1436759&viewfull=1#post1436759

Avera9eJoe's, Spruce Moose. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1440406&viewfull=1#post1440406

Roflcopterkklol, B-2 Spirit Bomber Mk2. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1506942&viewfull=1#post1506942

DavidParks21, Mysteriously Nameless Tanker. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1543624&viewfull=1#post1543624

* Best all stock parts spaceplane.

FCISuperGuy, KSV Globemaster. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1419029&viewfull=1#post1419029

Avera9eJoe's, Aurora II. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1440406&viewfull=1#post1440406

INTERKOSMOS, Orzel-4DSR H1HO-V3M. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1494044&viewfull=1#post1494044

Batz_10K, Serpens-C. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1496882&viewfull=1#post1496882

Space Cowboy, Generation Twenty Five Lifting Body Pilot Trainer. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1497508&viewfull=1#post1497508 (votes: CocoDaPuf)

CocoDaPuf, The Space Goose VTOL. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1528550&viewfull=1#post1528550

* Best-looking craft.

O-Doc, Robin. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1416833&viewfull=1#post1416833

Sirine, Better Aeris 3a. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1416715&viewfull=1#post1416715

Fenya, Wasp. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1432394&viewfull=1#post1432394

noname117, NAFA-7 Mamba Multi-role fighter. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1436759&viewfull=1#post1436759

INTERKOSMOS, Orzel-4DSR H1HO-V3M. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1494044&viewfull=1#post1494044 (one vote from CocoDaPuf for "Best of the Rest"; not in that category)

Batz_10K, Serpens-C. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1496882&viewfull=1#post1496882 (votes: CocoDaPuf)

CocoDaPuf, The Space Goose VTOL. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1528550&viewfull=1#post1528550 (votes: Batz_10K)

Spatzimaus, Sleazy Weasel 7E. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1532271&viewfull=1#post1532271

* Best of the rest (i.e. entries from categories with <3 entrants)

Sumrex, Cadzilla. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1424479&viewfull=1#post1424479 SP+, Firespitter

Silks, Klutterfly. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1501921&viewfull=1#post1501921

Batz_10K, SC4A Kestrel http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1530875&viewfull=1#post1530875

CocoDaPuf, The Space Goose VTOL. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1528550&viewfull=1#post1528550

O-Doc, Dragonfly. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1416833&viewfull=1#post1416833

Stratzenblitz75, Triton-14400. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1417680&viewfull=1#post1417680

O-Doc, Hawk. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1416833&viewfull=1#post1416833

O-Doc, Airwolf. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1416833&viewfull=1#post1416833

Avera9eJoe's, Spruce Moose. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1440406&viewfull=1#post1440406

FAR/NEAR

* Best sporty pleasure craft.

Wanderfound, Kerbodyne Whirlwind. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1417046&viewfull=1#post1417046

Alshain Orbiter 106 - Shrike. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1527784&viewfull=1#post1527784

KillAshley, Basilisk HUAS-IV. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1533224&viewfull=1#post1533224 B9 RT

Hodo, FA-106A Thundergod. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1541029&viewfull=1#post1541029 B9, PW, PP, RC, BD Armoury

kcs123, Sporty Mk1. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1501186&viewfull=1#post1501186

* Best light cargo spaceplane.

Wanderfound, Kerbodyne Skua. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1417046&viewfull=1#post1417046

kcs123, Space plane MK2 V8. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1501186&viewfull=1#post1501186 B9, PW, FS, TAC-LS, IR

Teutooni, DC 1.1 E. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1498349&viewfull=1#post1498349 B9, PW

Alshain Orbiter 107 - Vireo. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1523182&viewfull=1#post1523182

Rakaydos, Manticore V1. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1529338&viewfull=1#post1529338 MJ

KillAshley, Incubus HMCS-III. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1533224&viewfull=1#post1533224 B9

* Best heavy-lift cargo spaceplane.

Sonertial, SSLS4c. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1436306&viewfull=1#post1436306

Jimbimbibble, C-47 Globemaster IV. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1506865&viewfull=1#post1506865 B9, EngineerRedux

kcs123, Space plane S3 V3. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1501186&viewfull=1#post1501186 B9, PW, KWR, IR

Wanderfound, Kerbodyne Atlas. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/...=1#post1417046

KillAshley, Incubus HMCS-IV. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1533224&viewfull=1#post1533224 B9

* Best refuelling tanker spaceplane.

Sonertial, SSLS4c. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1436306&viewfull=1#post1436306

Wanderfound, Kerbodyne Wedgetail XXV. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/...=1#post1417046 (votes: Jimbimbibble, provisional)

kcs123, Space plane HL V3. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1501186&viewfull=1#post1501186 B9, PW, KWR, IR

* Best passenger transport spaceplane.

kcs123, Space plane MK2 V8. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1501186&viewfull=1#post1501186 B9, PW, FS, TAC-LS, IR

Wanderfound, Kerbodyne Invasion. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1417046&viewfull=1#post1417046

Alshain Orbiter 107 - Vireo. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1523182&viewfull=1#post152318

Rakaydos, Manticore V1. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1529338&viewfull=1#post1529338 MJ

* Best non-space aeroplane.

Wanderfound, Kerbodyne Scapa. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1417046&viewfull=1#post1417046

Alshain Atmospheric 313 - Wren. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1527784&viewfull=1#post1527784

KAXkcs123, Sporty Mk1. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1501186&viewfull=1#post1501186

* Best all stock parts spaceplane.

Sonertial, TL2a. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1436306&viewfull=1#post1436306 KIDS

Wanderfound, Kerbodyne Cicada. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1417046&viewfull=1#post1417046

Rakaydos, Manticore V1. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1529338&viewfull=1#post1529338 MJ

kcs123, Sporty Mk1. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1501186&viewfull=1#post1501186

* Best use of B9 parts.

Jimbimbibble, C-47 Globemaster IV. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1506865&viewfull=1#post1506865 B9

Alshain Orbiter 210 - Eagle. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1527784&viewfull=1#post1527784 B9

kcs123, Space plane S3 IP V3. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1501186&viewfull=1#post1501186 B9, PW, KW

KillAshley, Incubus HMCS-IV. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1533224&viewfull=1#post1533224 B9

Hodo, FA-106A Thundergod. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1541029&viewfull=1#post1541029 B9, PW, PP, RC, BD Armoury

* Best-looking craft.

kcs123, Space plane MK2 V8. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1501186&viewfull=1#post1501186 B9, PW, FS, TAC-LS, IR

Teutooni, DC 1.1 E. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1498349&viewfull=1#post1498349 B9, PW

Jimbimbibble, C-47 Globemaster IV. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1506865&viewfull=1#post1506865 B9

Wanderfound, Kerbodyne Cicada. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1417046&viewfull=1#post1417046

Rakaydos, Manticore V1. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1529338&viewfull=1#post1529338 MJ

KillAshley, Incubus HMCS-III. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1533224&viewfull=1#post1533224 B9

Hodo, FA-106A Thundergod. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1541029&viewfull=1#post1541029 B9, PW, PP, RC, BD Armoury

* Best of the rest (i.e. entries from categories that had <3 entrants)

Wanderfound, Kerbodyne Tartaglia. https://www.dropbox.com/s/1n0fzxlw027jb7z/Kerbodyne%20Tartaglia.craft?dl=0 Bombs

Sumrex, Cadzilla. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1424479&viewfull=1#post1424479 SP+, Firespitter

Alshain Atmospheric 312 - Blue Jay. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1527784&viewfull=1#post1527784 KAX, B9

Rakaydos, Manticore V1. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1529338&viewfull=1#post1529338 MJ

Wanderfound, Kerbodyne Alphatek. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1417046&viewfull=1#post1417046

Wanderfound, Kerbodyne Lancer. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1417046&viewfull=1#post1417046

Wanderfound, Kerbodyne Dropbear. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1417046&viewfull=1#post1417046

Wanderfound, Kerbodyne Endeavour. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1417046&viewfull=1#post1417046

kcs123, Space plane S3 IP V3. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/93779-SSTO-Spaceplane-Airplane-Design-Contest-II-Akademy-Awards?p=1501186&viewfull=1#post1501186 B9, PW, KW

Edited December 8, 2014 by Wanderfound

[Wanderfound]

("How to do a spoiler" post deleted on the grounds of being more confusing than helpful. See Andrew's post immediately below if you're not sure)

A list of all the formatting codes usable on the forum can be found at http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/misc.php?do=bbcode

You may find this helpful when formatting your entry post.

Aim for clarity rather than aggressive attention-grabbing, though. Using supersized brightly coloured flashing text isn't going to achieve anything except to irritate your audience.

Edited September 15, 2014 by Wanderfound

[Andrew Hansen]

<snip>

Or just use the [NOPARSE][NOPARSE] option to disable formatting options until you end it with [/NOPARSE][/NOPARSE].

So... [NOPARSE]

Oh, you found me!

[/NOPARSE]

Looks like:

Oh, you found me!

[Sirine]

Introduction:- Pilot skill test craft. If you know the principle of flying an aircraft in Kerbin, you should able to survive the flight.

Categories: Stock Aero

* Best-looking craft.

Ship: Better Aeris_3a(2).craft

Edited September 18, 2014 by Sirine

[O-Doc]

Note:

I'm going to treat this post as a WIP while I get all the info together and make catalogue entries for some of my newer craft which will go into other categories. There's going to be alot of missing information while I put some of my entries together. There's some newer craft not yet released that will be entered at a later point in time. So, this post will grow during the competition.

Some Imgur albums contain variants of the base design which can be downloaded from O-Dock Industries catalogue.

Entries:

Here's the competition entries from O-Dock Industries. Enjoy!

Razorback

Category: Stock - Best sporty pleasure craft

This is the plane I keep coming back to everytime I load up my catalogue installation of KSP to do some craft designing. It's a special SSTO that has the most perfect aerodynamic characteristics in stock. Great maneuverability and a balance you can trust for SAS-free flying. The Razorback gets wheeled out of the hanger on a regular basis for some NOE flying through the various mountain ranges of Kerbin and along its shores.

It carries my favourite engine setup of 1 basic, 1 turbo and 1 nuke attached to two FL-T400s. This combo gives an easy ascent to space with good range, both in space and at low altitude atmo flying. The docking ports allow you to add fuel tanks for extended range space travel or missiles for military applications.

DOWNLOAD

• Razorback: SSTO v1.0
  

Specification:

Parts: 76

Cost: 52 947

Wet: 11.94t

Dry: 8.32t

Action Groups:

1. Toggle Basic Engine

2. Toggle Turbojet Engine

3. Toggle LV-N Atomic Engine

4. Toggle Air Intakes

9. Toggle Antenna

10. Toggle Ladder

A. Decouple External Stores

Mod Requirements:

None. This engine setup will/may not work with Hot Rockets or any other mod that modifies engine ejection cone configurations.

Instructions:

With this powerplant setup, you can easily get at total craft weight of 24T on runway into space. However, fitting and balancing that load is not easy. The O-Dock Industires XR configuration is considerably lighter. To get into space keep air inflow into the basic jet engine until 700-750m/s prior to shutdown. Put on as much speed as you can while climbing and engage the nuke once you are throttled down to about half way on the turbo jet. Keep climbing and throttling back until you pull out into space. If you run out of air, kill the turbo, shut the intakes and push out with the nuke.

Extended range ascent differs in that the nuke should be engaged prior to the turbo jet engine running out of air at full throttle. Maintain altitude until acceleration starts to taper off then climb out of atmosphere in the same way as the regular ascent profile.

Do not use staging on craft to engage engines. Always use action groups to ensure the engines thrust properly. If you download and the action groups are not set, re-set them. Access to the front FL-T400 can be made by clicking anywhere on the top side of the air intake.

Images:

Razorback XR Mun Landing

Airwolf

Category: Stock - Best heavy-lift cargo spaceplane

The Airwolf is my most frequently used heavy lifter and for good reason. It strikes an excellent ballance between part count and payload capacity. It can carry to orbit two Jumbo 64s in it's generous open plan cargo bay without melting the unfortunate CPU that is chosen for the job. All while being a fully stock craft!

The frame is built using a very strong girder box arrangement that makes its practicaly unbreakable. It features a hitchiker can and a detachable autonomous flight cockpit to shuttle Kerbals to and from space stations under construction. Payload pickup is done using an orbital tug which can refuel monoprop from the Airwolf's internal, easy access stores. It also carries enough internal rocket fuel stores to refuel your orbital tug at lower Kerbin orbit. Basic jet engines provide significant grunt out of lower atmo, as well as, solid cross range on the return home for those lazy or inexperienced navigators.

DOWNLOAD

• Airwolf: Heavy Lifter SSTO v1.0
  

Specification:

Parts: 604

Cost: 482 103

Max: 152.31t

Wet: 78.51t

Dry: 53.76t

Action Groups:

1. Toggle Basic Engine

2. Toggle Turbojet Engine

3. Toggle LV-N Atomic Engine

4. Toggle First Outside Turbojet Pair

5. Toggle Second Outside Turbojet Pair

8. Toggle Solar Panel

9. Toggle Antennas

10. Toggle Ladders

A. Decouple Payload

Mod Requirements:

None. This engine setup will/may not work with Hot Rockets or any other mod that modifies engine ejection cone configurations.

Instructions:

Engage SAS on the runway unitl liftoff. Disengage SAS and manually pilot during the first 5km altitude. Use as much runway as possible to gather speed for a rapid climb out of the lower atmosphere. Rengage SAS when flutter dissipates.

To get into space keep air inflow into the basic jet engine until 700-750m/s prior to shutdown. Put on as much speed as you can while climbing and shut down the outer pairs of turbo jets when acceleration slows to under 1m/s/s at an atltitude where the air cannot support the equivalent full throttle setting without the engines to shut down. 3/4 for the first pair and 2/3 for the second pair. Engage the nukes upon switching off the outer pair of turbo jets. Keep climbing and throttling back until you pull out into space. When you run out of air, kill the turbos and push out with the nukes.

Do not use staging on craft to engage engines. Always use action groups to ensure the engines thrust properly. If you download and the action groups are not set, re-set them.

Images:

Ascent album forthcoming.

Erinyes

Category: Stock - Best refuelling tanker spaceplane

The Erinyes was purpose built as a tanker and is inspired by the Valkarie X-Plane and Exothermos' designs. It's the result of much experiementation with aerodynamically unstable layouts. I wanted to step up the difficulty of my gameplay therefore, it's challenging to fly on purpose with minimal yaw control. Because I do alot of station refuelling, the primary goal was to have a refueller that can be flown in IVA throughout the entirety of the mission. The docking port is right in front of the cockpit for maximum visibility when hooking up to a depot. I use the Mk2 cockpit mod to achieve this until we get this cockpit in stock.

I wanted this tanker to have a low part count to reduce physics lag when docking to my large stations but, still have a good looking craft that can pull 20 tons of fuel into orbit. So, there's not really any airhogging to speak of. The craft's efficiency comes down to a fairly unique engine setup and ascent profile. At the moment the fuel is somewhat difficult to get to depending upon your expectations of fuel tank accessibility. However, this was built on the news of SQUAD putting better fuel transfers into the stock game. It carries a good swig of monoprop and there's plenty of space inside, close to the CoM, to hang many more monoprop tanks for missions that require more RCS refuelling service.

DOWNLOAD

• Erinyes: SSTO v1.0
  

Specification:

Parts: 306

Cost: 223 653

Wet: 65.39t

Dry: 24.78t

Action Groups:

1. Toggle Outside Turbojet Engine Pair

2. Toggle Inside Turbojet Engine Pair

3. Toggle R.A.P.I.E.R Engine

4. Toggle LV-N Atomic Engine

5. Switch Mode R.A.P.I.E.R Engine

9. Toggle Antennas

10. Toggle Ladder

Mod Requirements:

None. This engine setup will/may not work with Hot Rockets or any other mod that modifies engine ejection cone configurations.

Instructions:

During atmosheric flying be gentle on the stick. It helps to tgogle on control dimming during the first 10km of altitude. Use as much of the runway as possible to maximise ascent velocity and be attentive to keep the nose pointing in the right direction. Make course corrections by banking only, sacrificing lift for a heading change. Keep roll attitude as level as possible for an efficient ascent.

When acceleration and air intake drop off engage the nukes and get as much extra speed and altitude as economically possible. When air and acceleration drops off again switch RAPIER engine mode to closed cycle and push apopapsis out of atmosphere. Switch off RAPIER engine and maintain apoapsis until you reach space, powering down and shutting off the each turbo jet pair as you go.

The most important thing to do when landing is to ensure a flat roll attitude to avoid wing tip strike. It also helps to come down with big finishing flare. Like a proud craft should.

When docking be aggressive with the RCS control and use retro RCS thrusters to slow down on approach.

Do not use staging on craft to engage engines. Always use action groups to ensure the engines thrust properly. If you download and the action groups are not set, re-set them.

Images:

Erinyes Kerbin Orbit

Hawk

Category: Stock - Best VTOL spaceplane

The Hawk's design requirement is that of short range multi-role military SSTO. The primary goal is to get munitions into space and land to and from any location in the Kerbin system. On Kerbin the VTOL capabilities are just adequate to get off the ground and more importantly, to land vetically. The main use for the vertical lift systems is for a comfortable vacuum landing on Mun and Minmus, as well as, improving battlefield loiter capabilities on Kerbin using both basic jets throttled right down.

The primary weapon mounting points are inside the wings for anti capital ship weapons with additional harpoints on the wings, shoulder and nose for missiles and drop tanks. It has been built with solid aerodynamic performance in atmo, including balance for SAS-free flying when unloaded. The O-Dock XR variant can easily make a Mun landing and return to KSC using a rolling takeoff.

DOWNLOAD

• Hawk: VTOL SSTO v1.0
  

Specification:

Parts: 128

Cost: 81 698

Wet: 15.39t

Dry: 11.86t

Action Groups:

1. Toggle VTOL Basic Jet Engine

2. Toggle VTOL LV-909 Rocket Engine

3. Toggle Basic Jet Engine

4. Toggle Turbojet Engine

5. Toggle LV-N Atomic Engine

6. Toggle Intakes

9. Toggle Antennas

10. Toggle Ladder

Mod Requirements:

None. This engine setup will/may not work with Hot Rockets or any other mod that modifies engine ejection cone configurations.

Instructions:

This ascent description is basically a copy pasta of the Razorback as they run identical forward propulsion engine setups. The minor difference being the Hawk has mode intake to offset the additional engines it carries. All loaded configurations should use either a rolling HTO or VSTO. On Kerbin, VTOL take-off weight limit is 17 tons.

To get into space keep air inflow into the basic jet engine until 700-750m/s prior to shutdown. Put on as much speed as you can while climbing and engage the nuke once you are throttled down to about half way on the turbo jet. Keep climbing and throttling back until you pull out into space. If you run out of air, kill the turbo, shut the intakes and push out with the nuke.

Extended range ascent differs in that the nuke should be engaged prior to the turbo jet engine running out of air at full throttle. Maintain altitude until acceleration starts to taper off then climb out of atmosphere in the same way as the regular ascent profile.

Do not use staging on craft to engage engines. Always use action groups to ensure the engines thrust properly. If you download and the action groups are not set, re-set them.

Images:

Hawk XR Mun Landing

Matador

Category: Stock - Best non-space aeroplane

DOWNLOAD

• Matador: Aeroplane v1.0
  

Album forthcoming.

Dragonfly

Category: Stock - Best vertical SSTO

DOWNLOAD

• Dragonfly: VTOL SSTO v1.0
  

Dragonfly Kerbin Orbit

Robin

Category: Stock - Best-looking craft

Category: Stock - Best all stock parts spaceplane

DOWNLOAD

• Robin: SSTO v1.0
  

Robin Kerbin Orbit

Edited September 16, 2014 by O-Doc

[O-Doc]

Can I make a friendly suggestion to entrants in this competition? When uploading images, please convert them into JPG format with the compression turned up. This will get you images under 300KB. If you don't own any image editing software you can download GIMP, open your image up and do an export as .jpg. Here's the hotkeys:

1. Ctrl + Alt + O: Open file
   
2. Ctrl + Shtf + E: Export file as
   

After that change the extension from .png to .jpg and choose compression. I like 95%. You can also reduce image size with the scale image command: Alt + I, S.

It would be nice not to have download 100+MB per page view in this thread. Cheers.

[Wanderfound]

Also: the way O-Doc is doing it here is probably the best way to go about it. If you're entering multiple ships, put 'em all in one post, with multiple spoiler tags dividing them up.

Be kind to your possible voters: make it easy for them to find your designs, and don't oblige them to download a squillion images without giving them the choice not to. People are much more likely to vote for you if you don't annoy them.

[Wanderfound]

Best get in before all the good spots are taken, shouldn't I?

First, some notes:

All of the ships have the cockpi t batteries locked off as emergency reserve, and deployable solar stashed away somewhere. And some have Vernors set up as landing retro thrusters.

The VTOLs should be opening the doors with the same action group as toggles the engines. If they aren't, there's an action group bug in play.

None of them are designed to use staging at any time.

The basic trick to piloting the more fragile lightweight stuff is to be very careful at low altitude. Nearly all of your blowups were around 1,000m or below, and you were usually above or close to supersonic.

Low altitude supersonic can be done (see the entry post screenshots for the Scapa), but if you're having aero failure trouble, get a few thousand metres of altitude before you try to go supersonic. You can either throttle back until you've climbed a bit, or just climb steeply enough that all of your thrust goes into fighting gravity instead of acceleration.

When you're manouevring, watch the g-meter as much as the navball. If it gets above five, back off (unless you're messing about with something like the Scapa at moderate altitude). If the g's constantly spike up and down to higher than five, you need to be less rough with the control inputs. If flying by keyboard, tap the controls, don't hold them down. In extreme situations, use fine controls or trim.

All of them except the Invasion can be pulled into a vertical climb immediately post takeoff if done gently enough. And they do need a PID tuner if SAS is going to be on at low altitude; if you haven't already got one, there's one included in this rapidly developing mod - http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/100073-0-25-Pilot-Assistant-0-6-Nov-20-Atmospheric-piloting-aids

Kerbodyne SSTO Division: Award Nominees

All entries designed for FAR/NEAR. All ships intended to be flown with SAS engaged and the use of a PID tuner to smooth out the SAS wobbles. If you don't have a PID tuner, using the FAR flight assistance toggles in place of SAS should provide adequate performance. All ships have deployable solar and cockpit power locked off as emergency reserve.

Best Stock Spaceplane/Best Looking Ship:

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

Conventional takeoff...

...with extreme vigour.

Vertical takeoff is also not a slow way to get flying.

Not bad up top, either.

Action groups:

1: Toggle RAPIER

2: Switch RAPIER mode

3: Toggle Turbojets

4: Toggle VTOL thrusters

5: Toggle intakes

9: Toggle monoprop RCS

0: Toggle Vernors

Piloting Guide:

Have fun.

If you spend too much time hovering near ground level, the VTOL engine will become alarmingly hot. However, the temperature will drop to safe levels as soon as you gain some altitude or horizontal speed. Keep the Vernors on for stability during VTOL flight, but leave them off at most other times to save fuel. Disabling monoprop RCS while the Vernors are on will also save monoprop wastage.

To transition from VTOL to conventional flight, run both VTOL and conventional engines until you've gained enough horizontal speed for level flight, then shut down the VTOL. Expect to temporarily lose a bit of altitude during transition.

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

--

Best VTOL Spaceplane:

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.

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.

Action Group Key:

1: Toggle Turbojet

2: Toggle RAPIERs

3: Toggle RAPIER mode

4: Toggle Aerospikes

5: Toggle VTOL mode

6: Toggle intakes

7: Decrease flap deflection

8: Increase flap deflection

9: Toggle monoprop RCS

10: Toggle Vernors

Flight Instructions:

As per the Cicada, just bigger. Handles quite well in VTOL mode:

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

--

Best Heavy Cargo Spaceplane:

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.

Action group key:

1: Toggle Turbojet

2: Toggle RAPIERs

3: Switch RAPIER mode

4: Toggle intakes

5: Activate spoiler (airbrake)

6: Increase flap deflection (airbrake)

7: Reduce flap deflection

8: Toggle doors, docking port and solar panels (space mode)

9: Toggle monoprop RCS

0: Toggle Vernors

Flight Instructions:

As per usual. The demonstration pics show it easily lifting the heaviest stock parts that I could fit into the bays; if it's a stock part that will fit in a Mk2 cargo bay, the Atlas can lift it. Feel free to use part-clipping or ballast mods to push the limits; it can lift a lot more than the demonstration load. The Vernors are not really required; they're just there as insurance against piloting error.

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

--

Best Vertical SSTO:

Do you really, really suck at landing spaceplanes? Does your KSC runway now resemble the Somme battlefield?

Well, Kerbodyne SSTO Division has just the ship you're after: the Kerbodyne Lancer. A shiny new VTOL SSTO with extreme performance and practical cargo lifting ability, as well as a landing protocol so simple that even Bob can manage it.

No need for launch clamps, enough grunt to take off while the engines spool up. Keep the Vernors on until the ship develops enough momentum to maintain direction aerodynamically. Start pulling the nose down towards the horizon immediately post takeoff; aim to have it flying level by 15,000m.

There's not a lot of control surface on this ship; keep the AoA below 10 degrees at all times and toggle the Vernors on if it gets squirrely. Perfectly stable and easy to fly if piloted appropriately.

Landing procedure: begin by opening the parachute bay (action group 8).

Deploy drogues first (action group 9).

After the drogues fully deploy at 500m, deploy main chutes (action group 0).

Give it a momentary puff of throttle on landing to soften the touchdown. Be careful not to completely halt your descent and begin climbing: the chutes will detach if you do.

Action Groups:

1: Toggle Turbojets

2: Toggle RAPIERs

3: Switch RAPIER mode

5: Toggle intakes

6: Toggle Vernors

7: Toggle monoprop RCS

8: Open parachute bay

9: Deploy drogue chutes

0: Deploy main chutes

Piloting guide:

​See images above.

Craft file download at https://www.dropbox.com/s/ytae5eepzzm0uqu/Kerbodyne%20Lancer.craft?dl=0

--

Best Atmospheric Plane:

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.

Action group key:

1: Toggle lower turbojet

2: Toggle upper turbojet

3: Toggle shock cone

4: Toggle structural intakes

Flight instructions:

Go nuts. Designed to be almost unkillable. Use the Vernors to get out of trouble if you overdo it. If you're flying high enough to need to shut down one engine, use the lower one: it'll give you a tiny bit of pitch-up torque that will assist in maintaining altitude.

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

--

Best Bomber:

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.

Flight Instructions:

Do I really need to tell you? Go blow something up. Be careful of launching munitions while sideslipping, however; it is possible to hit yourself if you really overdo it.

Despite appearances, the Bombs mod has no burst effect; you need a direct hit to damage something. Plenty of nice big targets around KSC, though...

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

--

Best Passenger Transport:

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

--

Best Light Cargo Spaceplane:

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

--

Best Sporty Pleasure Craft:

The first release from KSV's 25 model range!

The KSV Whirlwind. Supersonic aerobatic performance with wings tough enough to take it. Orbital capability and extreme atmospheric performance, all in one affordable and easy to fly package.

Self-launching at 120m/s.

Perfect stability at extreme angles of attack, from barely supersonic...

...all the way...

...to hypersonic.

Perfect balance.

Even at the edge of space.

Plenty of grunt when required.

Tech Specs:

Price: √42,291

Weight: 11.811t wet, 7.411t dry

Part count: 34

Action group key:

1: Toggle turbojet

2: Toggle aerospikes

3: Toggle intakes

Flight Instructions:

Go nuts. Almost stall-proof above Mach 1; use the Vernors to get out of trouble if you overdo it while subsonic. If you care about fuel efficiency, do the usual "ride the turbo until Mach 5 and 30,000m then light the rockets". If you're willing to be wasteful, you can afford to kick in the aerospikes substantially earlier while still reaching orbit.

Intended more for mid-altitude hypersonic nonsense than treetop aerobatics.

Take care to slow as much as possible prior to landing: planes with strong static pitch like this have a tendency to bounce off the runway if you try to land them above takeoff speed.

Craft file at https://www.dropbox.com/s/f5e3oredva8vhzf/Kerbodyne%20Whirlwind.craft?dl=0

--

Best Interplanetary Science Explorer:

Triple-mode propulsion.

Effortless takeoffs.

Stable enough for hands-off flight through the sound barrier at high levels of time acceleration.

Use a shallow ascent profile.

Activate the nuke once the RAPIERs start to run out of air...

...and ride the atom all the way 'round. Use the RAPIERs on closed cycle as boosters if desired, but minimising their use will enhance fuel efficiency.

Exceptional runway-to-interplanetary range can be further enhanced through orbital refuelling.

But what has it got in its pocketses?

That looks suspiciously like a munlander to me. As well as a few goo pods, an atmospheric sensor and a couple of RCS tanks.

Equipped with a full suite of scientific equipment.

170kN of well balanced low-grav VTOL.

Exceptionally stable at extreme angles of attack, even at supersonic speeds. Wings reinforced to cope with high-g manoeuvres.

Perfect high altitude dynamics.

Exceptionally easy takeoffs.

Tech Specs:

Price: √117,025

Weight: 30.272t wet, 15.372t dry

Part count: 104

Action group key:

1: Toggle nuclear rocket.

2: Toggle RAPIERs.

3: Switch RAPIER mode.

5: Toggle intakes.

6: Toggle cargo bay doors.

7: Toggle solar panels.

8: Trigger all science equipment.

9: Toggle monoprop RCS.

0: Toggle Vernors.

Flight Instructions:

Easy handling all the way. Give it the usual 10°-20° ascent slope, build speed to Mach 4.5+ before departing the oxygenated altitudes, activate the nuke as soon as the RAPIERs switch to rocket mode and deactivate the RAPIERs whenever you can while still keeping your apoapsis ahead of you.

The lander has sufficient fuel, but not a lot of slack. You can ease the fuel strain on the lander considerably by removing the bulk of orbital speed with the nuclear rocket on the main craft prior to lander deployment. Stop, drop, burn back up to speed and then switch control to the lander.

Craft file available at https://www.dropbox.com/s/8hnfunulsiswu8y/Kerbodyne%20Endeavour.craft?dl=0

--

Best Tanker:

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 at https://www.dropbox.com/s/qxhv6nl5f6xizj2/Kerbodyne%20Wedgetail%20XXV.craft?dl=0

--

Best Low-tech Spaceplane:

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.

Action Group Key:

1: Toggle rocket

2: Toggle jets

3: Toggle intakes

Flight Instructions:

See images above. As with the Whirlwind, slow as much as possible prior to landing or you'll re-launch as soon as the front wheel hits the runway.

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

Edited December 1, 2014 by Wanderfound

[Stratzenblitz75]

--- Firefly Launch System "Triton-14400" Fuel Tanker ---

Category: Stock Aero: Best vertical SSTO

Capable of lifting up to 82 tons of payload to LKO while burning less than 2000 funds of fuel, the FLS Triton-14400 is a reusable, powerful and economical solution to your heavy lifting needs. It does this without sacrificing ease of use; its extremely easy to fly thanks to its equally distributed air intakes and its simple flight profile. With only 274 parts, its also very CPU friendly: I have not personally encountered any lag while flying it.

--- VAB Download ---

--- Sub-assembly Download ---

No mods required.

Action groups:

AG 1: Toggle rocket engine

AG 2: Toggle turbo jet engines

AG 3: Deploy parachutes

AG 4: Detach payload

AG 10: Toggle RCS Tug lights

ABORT: SHUTDOWN EVERYTHING

Specs:

Parts: ---------------------------- 274

Cost: ---------------------------- 206,731.5 Funds

Payload Cost: -------------------- 26,800 Funds

Launch Vehicle Cost: ------------- 179,931.5 Funds

Launch Vehicle Fuel Cost: -------- 1854.8 Funds

Payload mass: ------------------- 82.4 Tons

Launch Vehicle Mass: ------------ 44.9 Tons

Total Mass: --------------------- 127.3 Tons

How to fly:

This Imgur Album will walk you through how to fly an FLS SSTO (All FLS SSTOs have the same flight profile)

Javascript is disabled. View full album

FLS Triton-14400 Example flight:

Javascript is disabled. View full album

[Voculus]

Stratzenblitz, your Imgur albums seem broken.

EDIT: I can see them in IE, but not Firefox, which is quite odd. Not sure what the deal is.

Edited September 15, 2014 by Voculus

[Stratzenblitz75]

Stratzenblitz, your Imgur albums seem broken.

How? They work fine for me.

[Wanderfound]

How? They work fine for me.

I'm seeing the first image in each album, but none beyond that. The captions are there, but the images seem to hang in eternal-loading state.

Welcome to the contest, BTW.

Edited September 15, 2014 by Wanderfound

[Wanderfound]

I'm open to any an all critique, no matter how much it bruises my ego! Also, please let me know if I'm being too wordy, or incorporating too many images. I want to make my future entries fun for everyone. Thanks!

All good so far.

[Stratzenblitz75]

I'm seeing the first image in each album, but none beyond that. The captions are there, but the images seem to hang in eternal-loading state.

Huh, that's strange... Of all the Imgur albums I've ever uploaded, this is the only one that has seemed to cause problems... Can you view the album from Imgur?

[Wanderfound]

Huh, that's strange... Of all the Imgur albums I've ever uploaded, this is the only one that has seemed to cause problems... Can you view the album from Imgur?

Works fine and loads instantly at that link.

I'm currently viewing via iPad; the embedded Imgur albums in these forums are often slow loading and troublesome.

[Wanderfound]

BTW: as you may notice, I'm including screenshots of FAR aerodynamic analysis panels with my entries.

Accompanying the images of the Dairyman, I'm trying to give a plain-English explanation of my (limited) understanding of what all that stuff means. I'm pretty much just attempting to translate the information at https://github.com/ferram4/Ferram-Aerospace-Research/wiki/Notes-on-stability-derivatives from Ferram's math-speak into lay language.

This may be helpful for any new-to-FAR designers, especially if you use the original plus my attempted translation in conjunction.

Keeping this image handy is also likely to make things easier:

Edited September 16, 2014 by Wanderfound

[mythic_fci]

Nice challenge! I'll be entering for both NEAR and Stock Atmos in the Sporty Pleasure category. Stand by for entries...

EDIT: I'm withdrawing from the NEAR category. Current entry stands at 53 parts and is ready to upload following qualification flight.

EDIT 2: I'd like some clarification on the categories. Firstly, are there any requirements to enter? For example:

"For Category A, your spaceplane must be able to achieve an orbit of around --km and dock with a station at about ---km."

Secondly, are there rules restricting part clipping?

And finally, can a single spaceplane be entered into 2 different categories?

Thanks!

Edited September 16, 2014 by FCISuperGuy

[Wanderfound]

Nice challenge! I'll be entering for both NEAR and Stock Atmos in the Sporty Pleasure category. Stand by for entries...

EDIT: I'm withdrawing from the NEAR category. Current entry stands at 53 parts and is ready to upload following qualification flight.

EDIT 2: I'd like some clarification on the categories. Firstly, are there any requirements to enter? For example:

"For Category A, your spaceplane must be able to achieve an orbit of around --km and dock with a station at about ---km."

Secondly, are there rules restricting part clipping?

And finally, can a single spaceplane be entered into 2 different categories?

Thanks!

Nope, no restrictions.

As described in the first post, enter whatever you want in whichever category you want. And you can enter one craft in multiple categories if you want to. The only limitation is no more than one entry per category (and a request that you don't spam the thread with excessive unspoilered images).

But you will be facing test flights and a popular vote; if you enter something that doesn't fit the category or just isn't very good, expect the voters to tell you so and to place their votes accordingly. It's up to the electorate to decide what "best heavy cargo spaceplane" means, and it's up to them whether part-clipping or mod parts or whatever is a reason not to vote for something.

However, it's probably a safe assumption that if there are two equally good ships, but one of them needs half a dozen engines clipped into each other just to get off the ground, then the other one is more likely to get the votes. Clip enough wings/intakes/tanks/engines and anyone can build something that'll do Mach 10 all the way to Moho; doing it within more realistic limitations requires a bit more skill.

Just post your best, and see how you go. As well as a fun contest, it's also a good opportunity to pick up design tips from each other, and there's nothing to stop you from refining and updating your entry over the next few weeks. Nothing is final until the voting starts.

Hopefully, by the end of it we'll all be better designers than we were at the start.

[mythic_fci]

ENTRY - Kerbal Space Vehicle Conglomeration

Please note that entry will be updated ASAP after 0.25 is released.

Name of Craft: KSV Raven

Categories: Best Sporty Pleasure Spaceplane, Best All-Stock Parts Spaceplane

Part Count: 52

Mass: 6.61t

Description

This craft is meant as a midsized craft for daily use as a relaxation vehicle to sharpen your spaceplane skills. It has the capability to perform a free-return from the Mun without refueling, but if you manage the fuel aboard well enough or refuel it in orbit, it has the range to do a basic orbit around the Mun.

Download Here

Javascript is disabled. View full album

Edited September 28, 2014 by FCISuperGuy
Updated Post

[mythic_fci]

I've just flight-tested my category competitor, the O-Doc Razorback. I have to say, it's quite a plane. Handles well in-atmo, and has a decent range. You have my vote. I have some good competition...

[Wanderfound]

I've just flight-tested my category competitor, the O-Doc Razorback. I have to say, it's quite a plane. Handles well in-atmo, and has a decent range. You have my vote. I have some good competition...

O-Doc does have form as a quality stock-aero designer.

Take Robin​ for a spin, you'll like it.

[mythic_fci]

O-Doc does have form as a quality stock-aero designer.

Agreed. Those planes, while not being the most... aesthetically pleasing compared to others I've seen, do handle quite well. I'd go so far to say that most of them are noob-friendly.

Take Robin​ for a spin, you'll like it.

I just did, it's pretty (and by pretty, I actually mean VERY) good in terms of handling. Not the best range, but it's a strong contender alright.

EDIT: Wanderfound, mind updating the OP with my entries? Thanks!

Edited September 16, 2014 by FCISuperGuy

[Wanderfound]

I just did, it's pretty (and by pretty, I actually mean VERY) good in terms of handling. Not the best range, but it's a strong contender alright.

EDIT: Wanderfound, mind updating the OP with my entries? Thanks!

Robin is one of the few stock planes that also works pretty well in FAR; see http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/86202-Better-SSTO-Spaceplane-Challenge-%280-23-5-0-24%29-Fin%21?p=1368710&viewfull=1#post1368710

OP updated. Do remember that the contest still has nearly two months to go.

[mythic_fci]

Robin is one of the few stock planes that also works pretty well in FAR; see http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/86202-Better-SSTO-Spaceplane-Challenge-%280-23-5-0-24%29-Fin%21?p=1368710&viewfull=1#post1368710

Wow, most planes that work well in stock fail miserably in FAR. Hey O-Doc, good job!

OP updated. Do remember that the contest still has nearly two months to go.

Yep, got it. I may update my craft file with flight improvements.

[O-Doc]

Thanks guys. I put heaps of time into my designs, mostly for the sheer flying pleasure.

Each individual wing or control surface tweak of 5 degrees gets a comprehensive test flight. I'm also doing more designs without hidden control surfaces, trying to future proof those designs for the eventual new aerodynamic model that I'm anticipating SQUAD to put into stock. Stay tuned more designs coming.