Overview
This SSTO is primarily used to transport Jebediah to awaiting craft in Kerbin Orbit, or perform long duration flights on the edge of the air/vacuum boundary. Occasionally when Jeb isn't around, other Kerbinauts fight over the cockpit, though JX4 has built in unmanned capabilities via imbedded robotic systems. Capable of a continous non orbital flight of almost 7 months (estimated*) at an operational ceiling of 65-75km this special aircraft commissioned by Jebediah is inspired by the B2 Stealth Bomber featuring 4 supercharged high altitude turbojet engines [1][2][3][4] and a shape that echos that of the B2, though some have dubbed it "The Crab" for its unusual shell. With a starting TWR of over 4.0 under turbojets alone and with a maximum of over 5.5, the JX4 is certainly capable of pushing all boundaries. Requiring less than 250 units of fuel to reach orbit when properly configured and flown, the JX4 also features 2 small rocket engines [5] of designation 48-7S provided by Rockomax for full transfer to orbital state. Once orbital, the craft contains a rear protected docking mechanism [0] for secure transfer of people, small cargo and fuel. Featuring excessive lift values the JX4 is certainly built like an albatross capable of taking off at only 25 m/s in less distance than the length of the SPH that it was designed in! Red tactical lights [6] and a single spotlight combined with landing lights [u] are the JX4s primary illumination devices, it also contains red/green navigation lights [7] as standard. Two ladders [9], one either side at the rear of the craft provide entry onto the vehicle. Located on the rear-topside of the craft is a standard dish communications device [8] and undercarriage a scanning radar/comms device [8] is fitted. Action Groups are provided for all, including separate controls for all four engines [1][2][3][4] as indicated by [x] within this description and below. Enjoy.
General Statistics
Cost 174100 | # Parts 220 | # Struts 22 | Mass 22.55 T | Dry Mass 13.184 T | Crew Cap 1 | Thrust 900 (960) kN | Surface TWR 4.07 | Max Accel 39.91 (42.57) m/s | Drag 0.167
Brackets include 48-7S rockets
Flight Characteristics
JX4 is a very capable flyer but understanding its immense power coupled with the flying wing design is important to get the most of the craft. It is suggested to fly with MechJebs built in assistance features, Prevent Jet Flameout and Manage Air Intakes as there are no bound action groups for shutting off intakes and manual adjustment is inadvisable. Like all flying wings, even real world counterparts, computer assistance makes a difference and SAS is advised for speeds over 500m/s. At speeds under 200 m/s the craft is very controllable without SAS and will "autoland" flying forward OR backward with enough flat space without power and the craft leveled out. Be aware that you should test pilot the craft to understand its pitch characteristics, which are typical of a flying wing and that at higher speeds the craft prefers to fly in the direction it is already heading.
OPTIMAL FLIGHT DYNAMICS: under 500m/s at ANY altitude, over 25000m altitude at speeds over 500m/s
* Estimated flight based on consumption figures found at optimal flight altitudes (65-75Km), these were 4 engines consuming 0.00001/s each with 740 units of fuel remaining total. 25000s for 1 unit of fuel use from 4 engines, converted to hrs, 6.944*hrs/1 fuel unit multiplied by 740 remaining units is 214 days.
Action Groups
[1-4] LL, RL, LR, RR Turbojet engines (Toggle)
[5] 48-7S rockets (Toggle)
[6] Red Situation Lights (Toggle)
[7] Navigation Lights (Cycle)
[8] Communications (Toggle)
[9] Ladders (Toggle)
[0] Docking Port Open/Close (Toggle)
[u] Front Spotlight and Landing Lights (Toggle)
REQUIRED ADDONS:
Aviation Lights, originally made by RPGprayer, edited by BigNose, Why485, GROOV3ST3R and JDP
http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/16925-0-90-Aviation-Lights-v3-7-(16DEC14)
MechJeb, latest version whenever possible.