KerbalX

Details

• Type: SPH
• Class: aircraft
• Part Count: 59
• Pure Stock
• KSP: 1.12.1

A fast high-altitude observation plane I made for Kerbin contracts. It has a generous range and can pierce 20km for those temperature check contracts. The control surfaces pretty much stop working at 20km, but it can maintain a very efficient 700m/s cruise at 18km with afterburners going full tilt.

It’s main job in my career was to collect data from around Kerbin and store it in the science container on the belly. This way, it could be transfer to a rover upon landing at KSC and driven to a rocket on the pad bound for my orbital lab.

For a smooth and easy takeoff/landing, follow these procedures:

Takeoff
- set Pitch Trim up halfway (first large mark above neutral) using alt+pitch control
- engage RCS, which handles the flaps, floodlights, and thrust limiter to 30% for control
- if necessary, engage Action Group 1 for afterburner assistance
- roll out to 70-80m/s and rotate, gear up, throttle down and disengage RCS
- trim out and fly

Landing
- slow to about 150m/s for approach
- dump some fuel if you want, by toggling the Abort action group
- activate RCS for flaps, lights, and thrust limiter; don’t forget to gear down
- set Pitch Trim up halfway (first large mark above neutral) using alt+pitch control
- maintain 70m/s using the throttle (about 75% depending on fuel weight)
- it basically flies itself in with small corrections
- throttle down gradually at ~100m over the runway threshold, then cut it and begin flare
- should gently touch at 60-65m/s and easily brake to a stop