My first version could just do a mun fly by, but not anymore with this V2 :D

  • gmatkins
    2·
    1 year ago

    That’s awesome! An SSTO to the Mun is a serious challenge.

    Are there RCS thrusters to help with the docking? I see the tank there but the thrusters must be really well concealed.

    • PtitSerpent@kbin.socialOP
      2·
      1 year ago

      An SSTO to the Mun is a serious challenge.

      Ikr, my first version wasn’t even necessarily intended to go to the Mun, but when I saw the potential I decided to improve it.

      Are there RCS thrusters to help with the docking?

      Absolutely! You can see some big linear RCS thrusters near the intake, and small ones near the engine. In addition, there is RCS thrusters on wings (to go backward) and on the RAPIER (to go forward)

  • Meteor@vlemmy.net
    2·
    1 year ago

    What would be your general tips and tricks for a ssto? Ive always had a hard time with them.

    • PtitSerpent@kbin.socialOP
      2·
      1 year ago

      Let me start by saying that I’m no expert on the subject. I now have around 1,700 hours of play time, but I really started achieving SSTO after 600 hours lol…
      My advice for really getting started would be as follows:

      • Start small, and without any payload. It’s easier to make just a small plane capable of going into orbit.

      • If you respect the previous advice, then ONLY use R.A.P.I.E.R. They’re very powerful and will get you into orbit with just one or two engines.

      • For your first flight, avoid MK2 parts. Despite their appearance, the drag is dreadful. Use the classic MK1.

      • Don’t keep your wings all flat, try to make sure your plane can take off without any input (this isn’t the case on this ship, unfortunately, but it’s better to do so).

      • Save weight. If you find you’ve got too much LF left when you go into closed cycle, take it off in the SPH.

      • If your plane can’t get above 400m/s without problems at 2km altitude, try a new design.

      • After several tests, if you’ve reached orbit, you can save fuel by following a precise flight plan. Try to find out. For example, my current ship works very well if I stay at 10° during ascent, switch to closed cycle when the engine reaches 20kn thrust, and once my apoapsis is 71km, cut the engine and switch to prograde.