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Thunderbird 2

by logandwj

uploaded 2015-08-14

428 downloads /

points

SPH

mod aircraft

#Replica #Cargo #aircraft #mod #Jet

Description

A mod aircraft called Thunderbird 2. Built with 75 of the finest parts, its root part is mk4cockpit-1.

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.0.4.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I have created a newer version of Thunderbird 2 for KSP 1.05+. I kept this page open for archival purposes and because I don’t like to Stalinize old designs if they were at least moderately successful. The new model is capable of true VTOL instead of just STOL and is better balanced overall than the original on this page. There’s also a version of it that has Thunderbird 4 pre-loaded that you might enjoy as well! :D

Links: Thunderbird 2 (Mk 2) https://kerbalx.com/logandwj/Thunderbird-2_2

Thunderbird 4: https://kerbalx.com/logandwj/Thunderbird-4

TB2 with TB4 pre-docked and ready for transport: https://kerbalx.com/logandwj/Thunderbird-2-TB4

I am also currently working on Thunderbirds 1 and 3. Both are as of this writing (4-10-16) having some minor issues that are keeping them from full release. TB5 should be relatively simple to deal with by comparison. If you want to keep up with the development, see this thread at the official forums:

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/index.php?/topic/133734-thunderbirds-are-go

This recreation of Thunderbird 2 is capable of Mach 4 speeds at an altitude of 20,000 meters. Can carry extremely large payloads around Kerbin. And even recreates the piston jack legs of the original for unloading cargo from its ventral bay (sorry - no interchangeable pod system - YET. But Nertea, the maker of the Mark IV Spaceplane system has hinted he might try it in the future! Woot! :D

Also - just to be clear - like the original, this is NOT a spaceplane. But I’m sure with some mod work it would be possible to make it into one.

I should also note that the Yellowjacket VTOL Jets do not have enough power for this version of TB2 to be a VTOL craft. But the jets really do help it lift heavy payloads off the ground, and make Thunderbird 2 into a fine STOL vehicle. Caution when spooling up the jets with an empty payload bay, it will make TB2 start to lift and flip backwards. As soon as you see the weight come off the front gears, hit the switch for the main engines and use the throttle and control judiciously. Personally - I’ve managed to get TB2 to almost stand on its tail before cutting the lifting jets and she just takes off near vertically!

I have my own set of gear for securing a cargo inside the hold. But I’ve left the download version clean of parts so you can set up your own system. But if you’re looking to fly this craft to a remote location to pick up something like a rover or some other equipment, I highly recommend the KAS/KIS set of mods that allow Kerbals to store equipment and use add-on struts and winches for securing payloads that weren’t originally loaded in the SPH. (I also recommend an internal set of lights inside the bay for good visibility.)

The pictures you see here of the rover being winched down from the cargo bay and rolling out? That’s exactly how the vehicle was loaded into the bay in the first place, so I know it can be done! Heh.

Sadly, since most of the main structure is mods, I can’t use Kerb Paint to give it the proper color. Sorry about that!