KerbalX

Description

A stock aircraft called Dolphin Mk V. Built with 27 of the finest parts, its root part is fuelTankSmallFlat.

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.6.1.

Details

• Type: SPH
• Class: ship
• Part Count: 27
• Pure Stock

Dolphin Mk V

3.87t with Kerbal
3.757 m/s dV (vac)

The newest solution for space aficionados on a tight budget.
For only 22.978 Kerbucks, you can reach orbit around Kerbin and conduct a number of science experiments.

The docking port at the end allows you to carry the dolphin on larger craft as a small lander or dinghy.

Take off
Use the reaction wheel to get into an upright position under any circumstances. The strong reaction wheel allows the craft to function whithout landing gears.
Three sparks power the small craft.
Take off like a regular rocket. The margins are a bit tight, but you can reach orbit with 150 m/s dV left.

Reentry and landing
Burn retrograde until your periapsis is at around 35km.
Pitch 45 degrees up and gently reenter.
Despite having no wings, the Dolphin can glide somehow.
Try to reduce speed as much as possible and glide like an aeroplane. when you are 200 meters above ground, you should pitch up and get your speed to 80 m/s or below.
Hit retrograde, pretend that you are a Falcon rocket and do a suicide burn with the three sparks.
This maneuver safes a parachute and cost you only about 100 m/s dV, when done correctly.

Known issues
Fairings can be a bit buggy. Sometimes, the Kerbal gets stuck in the fairing upon leaving the command seat.
Did not yet happen with this craft yet, but is possible.
Just in case, try to quicksafe before leaving command seats.