ATR-3 Jerboa
by The_Black_Badger
uploaded 2020-05-17
| Version 1 of 2
138 downloads /
18
points
VAB
stock spaceplane
#Spaceplane #Dynasoar #Reusable

DISCONTINUED. CLICK HERE FOR NEW VERSION

UPDATE 5/24/2020

I apparently forgot to include fore/aft RCS thrusters in the version that got released. This has now been corrected. I apologize for the mistake!

Description

A reusable spaceplane and booster combination, inspired by an old post from Reddit user /u/alltherobots. With over 1,100 m/s dV in orbit, the Jerboa spaceplane has plenty of flexibility.

The booster plane can be deorbited and landed after reaching orbit, making the system very cost-effective.

Two strap-on boosters help get the assembly up and moving—they are discarded and are the only waste in the system.

If you keep the control inputs gentle and the ascent angle steep, the vehicle is surprisingly stable and capable. Please be aware that the booster has limited battery capacity. Manufacturer recommends deorbiting within 1-3 orbits.

Flight Instructions

Throttle to full, turn on SAS, and stage to start jet engines. After ~3-5 seconds, stage again to lift off.

Two strap-on boosters keep the unmanned booster plane fueled during ascent. Start your gravity turn gently after 100 m/s, and keep it steep.

I aim to be pointing around 60 degrees above the horizon by about 25,000m.

IMPORTANT

Use SAS, RCS, and the prograde marker button to keep vessel stable. If you keep your ascent steep until you’re above 30 km and use RCS, you should not experience any difficulties.

After about 40km, you should be burning more or less 20 degrees above the horizon until your apoapsis is around 75-80km.

From there, gently circularize, and separate the crewed spaceplane. Press (5) to open solar panels and antenna.


When flying booster plane, use action group (1) to automatically control from here in booster plane probe core. Sometimes after separation KSP decides the plane wants to fly on its side.


Notes

-Booster should have approximately 300 m/s dV after insertion into 75km x 75km orbit. Enough to deorbit.

-Booster plane also has around 400 units of liquid fuel to power the jet engines and help it return to the launch site if you over or undershoot.

-Spaceplane should have a little over 1,100 m/s dV after booster separation.

-The Jerboa spaceplane requires a steep descent angle to keep velocity up on landing.

-Utilizes a Clamp-O-Tron Jr. docking port.

AG1: Re-orient Booster Control Point
AG2: Toggle Booster Rocket Engine
AG5: Toggle Shuttle Solar Panels/Antenna

A stock rocket called ATR-3 Jerboa. Built with 193 of the finest parts, its root part is Mark1Cockpit.

Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.9.1.

Details

  • Type: VAB
  • Class: spaceplane
  • Part Count: 193
  • Pure Stock
  • KSP: 1.9.1
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