Flamewing-400 Fuel Tank

Lore & Background

In the early days of KSC development, fuel tanks were often bulky and inefficient. Engineers at Kerbal Joint Industries sought to maximize volume while minimizing drag, leading to sleeker profiles that reduced atmospheric resistance during ascent. Lore enthusiasts note that this class of tank became synonymous with interplanetary ambition. It was these tanks that powered the first successful crewed missions beyond Munar orbit, carrying enough propellant for orbital insertion burns at distant planets. The name 'Flamewing' is sometimes attributed to its sleek, aerodynamic shape resembling a wing in flight, though official documentation often omits this moniker. Despite its utility, the tank requires careful pairing with engines of sufficient thrust-to-weight ratio. Historical mission logs suggest that improper staging with this tank type led to several gravity losses during early test flights, teaching future generations the importance of balanced delta-v calculations.

In Their Own Story

Commander Vee adjusted his visor as the countdown ticked down. 'Check the decouplers,' he radioed back to flight control. His co-pilot nodded, eyes fixed on the telemetry. As the engines roared to life, the tank's mass shifted imperceptibly against the vibration. They weren't just lifting a ship; they were lifting enough liquid fire to cross the void. With a final shudder, gravity surrendered, and the tank began its slow, steady bleed into the stars.

Reader's Guide

When building, prioritize placing this tank in upper stages where aerodynamic drag is less critical, but mass efficiency remains vital. Strategically, pair this tank with high-efficiency engines to maximize specific impulse. Avoid over-stacking without sufficient thrust, as the added mass can lead to instability during atmospheric ascent. Always ensure decouplers are placed correctly between fuel tanks to prevent structural failure during stage separation. For deep space missions, consider clustering multiple units to increase total delta-v. However, remember that each additional tank adds dry mass, so balance your payload accordingly. Use this part as the core of your transfer stages, ensuring you have enough propellant for mid-course corrections and orbital insertion burns at distant celestial bodies.

Did You Know?

• Large fuel tanks like this are essential for missions beyond the Mun due to delta-v requirements.
• Kerbal Joint Industries is the primary manufacturer cited in most KSC technical manuals.
• Fuel tank drag affects ascent performance significantly within the atmosphere.
• Stacking multiple tanks requires careful center of mass management.