Difference between revisions of "LV-N "Nerv" Atomic Rocket Motor"
m (typo) |
(more about the strengths and weaknesses) |
||
| Line 4: | Line 4: | ||
== Usage == | == Usage == | ||
| − | The LV-N | + | The LV-N has a quite low thrust (the [[LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine|LV-909]] being the only engine in its size-class with less power) and with 2.25 tons a very high mass, giving it the worst Thrust-to-Weight ratio of all liquid-fuel engines. Its fuel efficiency while in the atmosphere is also rather poor. But as soon as it gets out of the atmosphere, its fuel efficiency suddenly becomes superb. It has a vacuum I<sub>sp</sub> of 800 s, the best of any liquid-fueled engine. Only the [[PB-Ion Electric Propulsion System|ion engine]] is better but with even less thrust. |
| + | |||
| + | This remarkable efficiency makes it quite popular for transfer and injection stages, where high thrust isn't needed and no atmosphere is present. | ||
| + | |||
| + | It will overheat, but it will usually stop at about 1/3 through the overheat bar. | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
Revision as of 22:16, 9 August 2013
The LV-N Atomic Rocket Motor is a low-thrust, high-efficiency rocket engine. It is modeled after the real-world nuclear thermal rocket, which uses a fission reactor to heat liquid hydrogen and propel it out of the rocket nozzle; however, as of version 0.20.2, it is still a hybrid design which is powered by liquid fuel and oxidizer. This is largely due to programming constraints, as stated in it's parts.cfg file.
Usage
The LV-N has a quite low thrust (the LV-909 being the only engine in its size-class with less power) and with 2.25 tons a very high mass, giving it the worst Thrust-to-Weight ratio of all liquid-fuel engines. Its fuel efficiency while in the atmosphere is also rather poor. But as soon as it gets out of the atmosphere, its fuel efficiency suddenly becomes superb. It has a vacuum Isp of 800 s, the best of any liquid-fueled engine. Only the ion engine is better but with even less thrust.
This remarkable efficiency makes it quite popular for transfer and injection stages, where high thrust isn't needed and no atmosphere is present.
It will overheat, but it will usually stop at about 1/3 through the overheat bar.
Description
| “ | Despite the big scary trefoil painted onto the side of this engine, its radioactive exhaust, and tendency to overheat, the LV-N Atomic Rocket Motor is harmless. Mostly. — Jebediah Kerman's Junkyard and Spaceship Parts Co. |
” |
| “ | Yes, I know this is wrong. NTRs don't actually burn fuel and oxidizer, but we don't want to jump into making separate tanks for the two yet. — Excerpt from the part.cfg |
” |
Changes
- Initial Release
