KerbalX

Details

• Type: SPH
• Class: ship
• Part Count: 127
• Mods: 2
• KSP: 1.12.3

Mods

• Mk3 Stockalike Expansion
• Squad (stock)

Description

The Mighty Majestic Gryphon Type4. Is a drone cargo lifter. Originally designed to lift in excess of 40 tonnes to LKO, and manoeuvre to rendezvous position. With plenty of power to reach supersonic speed and ascend rapidly.
Many improvements were made over its lifespan in aerodynamics, weight distribution, fuel flow and capacity. This newest version for KSP v1.12.3 has been tested lifting 45 tonnes to an orbit of 200km but certainly could do better with more care.

Fuel loading is realistic. IE; clipped wing sections and tanks containing fuel are balanced to compensate for sharing space, taking into account structural parts which normally don’t contain fuel. If realism doesn’t matter so much to you, around 200 more units of liquid fuel can be added to the intended total before liftoff.

Operation is simple
The vessel is stable and responsive when fully loaded with fuel and empty of cargo.
More cargo generally improves stability.
Accent angle of 15 degrees recommended in most cases.
Fuel flow will drain LF tanks first from wings and nacelles, Leaving LFO tanks full later in flight for user convenience.
Rely on Aerospike stage for rocket ascent.
Use RAPIER closed cycle mode as little as possible.

Instability can occur when fuel is mostly depleted and cargo empty. Before reentry, pump excess fuel to front tanks is advised. Also the large central tank is an option but less optimal.

Airbreak flaps are linked to the breaks function. can increase stability on reentry.