Difference between revisions of "IX-6315 "Dawn" Electric Propulsion System"
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| + | The '''PB-Ion Electric Propulsion System''' is a tiny-sized engine which runs on [[electricity]] and [[PB-X150 Xenon Container|Xenon]] propellant. It's modeled after the real-world [[w:Hall Effect Thruster|Hall effect thruster]]. | ||
== Usage == | == Usage == | ||
| − | This engine has a phenomenal fuel efficiency (4200 s I<sub>sp</sub>), but very low thrust and requires an immense amount of [[electricity]] to operate. Electricity can be obtained using [[Parts#Electricity|Solar Panels and Radioisotope Batteries]]. To keep one ion engine constantly running at full thrust, you either need one [[Gigantor XL Solar Array]] or 20 [[PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator]]s | + | This engine has a phenomenal fuel efficiency (4200 s I<sub>sp</sub>), but very low thrust and requires an immense amount of [[electricity]] to operate. Electricity can be obtained using [[Parts#Electricity|Solar Panels and Radioisotope Batteries]]. To keep one ion engine constantly running at full thrust, you either need one [[Gigantor XL Solar Array]] or 20 [[PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator]]s. |
| − | Batteries | + | Batteries can be used to store the electricity since there may be times your Solar Panels will be blocked from [[Kerbol|the Sun]] by objects or the dark side of [[Celestials|Celestial Bodies]]. |
The '''PB-Ion Electric Propulsion System''' uses xenon gas as fuel. It is stored in [[PB-X150 Xenon Container]] only, and can be directed in only one direction. | The '''PB-Ion Electric Propulsion System''' uses xenon gas as fuel. It is stored in [[PB-X150 Xenon Container]] only, and can be directed in only one direction. | ||
Revision as of 14:46, 15 April 2013
The PB-Ion Electric Propulsion System is a tiny-sized engine which runs on electricity and Xenon propellant. It's modeled after the real-world Hall effect thruster.
Contents
Usage
This engine has a phenomenal fuel efficiency (4200 s Isp), but very low thrust and requires an immense amount of electricity to operate. Electricity can be obtained using Solar Panels and Radioisotope Batteries. To keep one ion engine constantly running at full thrust, you either need one Gigantor XL Solar Array or 20 PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators.
Batteries can be used to store the electricity since there may be times your Solar Panels will be blocked from the Sun by objects or the dark side of Celestial Bodies.
The PB-Ion Electric Propulsion System uses xenon gas as fuel. It is stored in PB-X150 Xenon Container only, and can be directed in only one direction.
The Ion Engine is good for fine tuning of orbits just as the RCS system is used. It is also a popular propulsion method for planes on planets on which Jet Engines don't work. Due to its great fuel efficiency it seems like a good engine for interplanetary travel, but be warned that maneuvers take forever to complete due to its low thrust-to-weight ratio, so be prepared for a really boring flight.
Description
| “ | By emitting ionized xenon gas through a small thruster port, the PB-ION can produce incredibly efficient propulsion, but with a downside of very low thrust and high expense. The general perception of this engine as being powered by "witchcraft" has unfortunately given it a sour reputation. — Ionic Protonic Electronics |
” |
Gallery
- Screenshot59.png
A Solar Glider Ready for take-off. This ships uses ion engines.
- Screenshot51.png
The Solar glider in action.
Changes
- Initial Release
