KerbalX

Description

A stock aircraft called Altamira MK4I. Built with 102 of the finest parts, its root part is mk2Cockpit.Standard.

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.1.3.

Introducing the Altamira MK4I (you can see how many iterations it took to get this working). Barely able to reach LKO, it can take off vertically and dock its VTOL engine to switch to horizontal mode and has just enough fuel to stay in orbit. The main feature distinguishing it from other swivel VTOL designs out there is that it can re-attach the VTOL engine in both vertical & horizontal mode to use fuel from its main fuselage. This is a fairly difficult space plane to master. I only managed to reach orbit once. However with a bit of excess oxidizer left over, it can be reduced to save weight and increase the odds of success.

Balanced by a single vector engine for VTOL, the craft chooses its own launch trajectory. Any attempt to wrestle the craft’s yaw during the critical take off stage will result in the vector engine burning up the twin tail booms behind it. Shallow ascents are to be avoided if one does not want to burn up in atmosphere (except for when maximizing the scram jet momentum). This craft ascends steeply and quickly once it’s set to horizontal mode so you can get to cruising altitude in no time.

The horizontal latch can be doubled as a docking port to attach to space stations or other craft with narrow docking arms. After refuelling in orbit, it’s ready to go on to other worlds (not tested yet).

Despite 2 small docking bays that hold the VTOL engine & fuel, this craft doesn’t do anything as it was designed for demonstration purposes only but that doesn’t mean small science experiments can’t be crammed inside.

To rotate the vector engine, switch to the hidden probe in the cargo bay, detach using staging (or press 2) then use the roll left key to turn forward and roll right key to turn backwards. Add a small amount of thrust to dock into the main fuselage. Don’t forget to close the cargo bay doors once the VTOL engine is latched on (or to re-open them if want to change VTOL mode again). Despite the cargo bay doors appearing closed, they are actually open a tiny bit initially to allow for engine rotation.

Details

• Type: SPH
• Class: spaceplane
• Part Count: 102
• Pure Stock