Delta-Clipper Add-on...?

[RocketMan_Len]

I've looked in OrbitHangar and other sites, but haven't found an add-on for a Delta-Clipper type of SSTO vehicle.

I was thinking about doing some playing with a Flyback-F1/DC-Y combination (the DC-Y was supposed to be the orbit-capable version... the DC-X was the test vehicle...)

Just a thought...

 

[sputnik]

Someday, perhaps.

 

[RocketMan_Len]

After all... since there are so many arguments going around about whether or not a spacecraft should have wings, it seems a reasonable compromise for an RLV.

A booster stage that flies back to base to be refurbished, while the upper stage goes to orbit. The capsule-shaped orbiter reenters, brakes with rocket thrust to land on a pad.

(Get more payload that way, too... )

 

[sputnik]

I would not have thought of a Flyback F-1 / DC-Y stack, but the masses work out pretty well. Interesting thought.

 

[Andy44]

Not a Delta Clipper, rather something lighter, but it has enough delta-V to make orbit off an F1:

Unfortunately, the payload is so light the F1 far exceeds any notion of a safe reentry, and has to land at Wallops Island since the Cape is so far behind.

 

[RocketMan_Len]

I would not have thought of a Flyback F-1 / DC-Y stack, but the masses work out pretty well. Interesting thought.

I thought so... :lol:

One thing I'm not so sure about... and something I don't know enough about to calculate - when would the rockets have to fire, once back into the atmosphere, to slow it down enough for landing...? That affects fuel loading, which affects payload...

 

[thegrogen]

I've been planning to do a DC-X addon at some point. Possibly even a DC-Y, that looked like an interesting vehicle. Maybe when I'm finished with my Athena III.

 

[Starshipexplorer]

Hi all. Not sure if this is what you are looking for, but this is an earlier DC-X add-on by John Hodgekiss (I think that is his correct name). It's down toward the bottom of the page.

http://www.freewebs.com/jhdgkss/orbiteraddons.htm

 

[RocketMan_Len]

Hi all. Not sure if this is what you are looking for, but this is an earlier DC-X add-on by John Hodgekiss (I think that is his correct name). It's down toward the bottom of the page.

Not *exactly* what I was looking for - I had the final, payload-and-crew-carrying version in mind. It's a good place to start, though...

 

[Starshipexplorer]

Quick update. There is a .dll version of jhdgkss' Dc-X, DC_X_beta1.zip. Not sure where it's located. Much better flight characteristics. It's mesh is practically the same, except no landing struts. If you are interested, I could send it to you.

 

[J_Aerospace]

Hi there i am john hodgkiss that version of the dc-x i rather old now but is great to have a go at manovering around just useing the hover engines. I still keep coming back to this project and iam looking at building an orbital version, just a little busy at the moment with work, but i am going to enter such a vehical in the new addon contest

 

[RocketMan_Len]

Hey, John-

How about a sub-orbital version as well...? One with a larger payload-bay, trade off fuel mass for cargo mass, and use a flyback booster to get it to orbit.

Just a thought... :thumbup: