Alpha III
by _dan
uploaded 2023-08-04
(updated 2023-08-04)
56 downloads /
3
points
VAB
stock+DLC lifter
#alphaseries #launcher

New Wine into Old Flasks: The Alpha II’s Bigger Brother

Specs

  • Type: VAB
  • Class: lifter
  • Part Count: 44
  • Pure Stock
  • KSP: 1.12.5
Link to my Discord: https://discord.gg/gHQPmvzjGJ

Need to get 15 Tons to LKO? This rocket gets the job done.

At first glance, this humble launcher looks strikingly similar to its smaller counterpart. But hidden inside are some key changes that increase the range and payload capacity so YOU can get heavier things to farther places.

The Vehicle Defined

The Alpha III is an upgraded and slightly improved version of the Alpha II, being noticeably longer and having a larger fairing. It has the same core design features and utilizes the same engines on it’s two stages. It’s useful for heavier payloads and longer range missions that the Alpha II is incapable of performing.

Key Changes:

Larger Propellant tanks

Increasing the Alpha III’s fuel capacity in both stages increases range and engine burn time, and at max payload capacity will have around 1500 m/s of Δv in low Kerbin orbit (around 75km).

First Stage Vernier Engines

4 of these small Cub rockets are mounted between the fins on the bottom stage and slightly increase the TWR at launch. They also help increase maneuverability of the now longer rocket. They can be toggled with an action group.

Final Thoughts

This is a great step-up from the Alpha II with it’s increased payload capacity and range, and it gives you a little more uumph to get heavier payloads going. It still has the nice Alpha aesthetic and overall still looks attractive.

Have fun flying it!

A stock rocket called Alpha III. Built with 44 of the finest parts, its root part is fairingSize2.

Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.12.5.

The Alpha III powers through Mach 1 on it’s maiden flight.

Beautiful exhaust plumes up high in the atmosphere near the end of the first stage’s burn.

Retrorocket ignition and stage separation.

Orbit Insertion burn.

Payload release.

WARNING: I put lots of work and time into creating my craft and posting them to KerbalX with good reliability and high quality. I encourage suggestions to improve my content.

_dantherocketman

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