LV-N "Nerv": Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox part}}
The '''LV-N "Nerv"''' is a deep space [[hydrogen]] engine. It features a long shape and a singular nozzle design suited for highly efficient deep space travel. It is unlocked from [[Nuclear Propulsion]] in Tier 2 of the [[Tech Tree]].


The '''LV-N "Nerv"''' is a deep space [[hydrogen]] engine. It is unlocked in Tier 2 of the [[Tech Tree]] in the node [[Nuclear Propulsion]] that has a long shape and a singular engine bell design suited for highly efficient deep space travel. It has a bigger sibling part, the [[LV-SW "SWERV"]].
== Usage ==
The Nerv is a hydrogen-fueled rocket engine, unlike most others which burn [[Methalox|methalox]].  


== Usage ==
In a vacuum the Nerv is greatly efficient with its I<sub>sp</sub> of 900 s, roughly three times greater than any methalox engine. This makes it a suitable choice for small-scale interplanetary transfer stages even with its modest thrust of 75 kN. In atmosphere, however, the Nerv is incredibly ineffective. Low I<sub>sp</sub>, 250 s, matched with low thrust, 20.8 kN, provide little power for moving around.
The Nerv at sea level is incredibly ineffective, with it's low thrust and I<sub>sp</sub>. However, in a vacuum, it becomes quite efficient for small scale interplanetary travel and transfer stages. Having a high I<sub>sp</sub> and relatively small thrust, it is quite good if you want to go really far really slowly (only beaten by the [[IX-6315 "Dawn"]] of course).


Unfortunately this engine does have its drawbacks. This ship has no gimbal range and, as a result, is not useful for split-second decisions (which will most likely not be happening with this engine). With its convenient{{Size|Size=SM|Add Category=1}} and lean size, this engine is generally not used as a bottom placed engine, but makes for a quite useful side placed engine for certain crafts (i.e, light landers). It is recommended you pair it with a medium [[Hydrogen tanks|hydrogen tank]], and a [[Mk1-3 "Gumball"|"Gumball"]] if you are feeling brave enough to pair Kerbals with this low-powered engine. Overall, this rocket motor would be mostly recommended for small scale interplanetary transfers, and not flying a jet through the atmosphere of Duna (poor Jeb...)
The Nerv does not have any gimbal capability. That feature paired with its lengthy shape make it a poor choice for landers in most situations. Its {{Size|Size=SM}} allows for it to be easily used with engine plates or multi-node adapters, but this is often a less efficient choice than using a single LV-SW "SWERV" engine instead which offers nearly three times the thrust-to-weight ratio.


== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==


''“The LV-N “Nerv” is the very first nuclear-powered rocket engine. It may be an insane approach to rocket propulsion, but it boasts a staggering ISP in vacuum, making it much more efficient than conventional methalox engines. Yes, it may be a little radioactive, but more glow means more go, right?”''
''“The LV-N “Nerv” is the very first nuclear-powered rocket engine. It may be an insane approach to rocket propulsion, but it boasts a staggering ISP in vacuum, making it much more efficient than conventional methalox engines. Yes, it may be a little radioactive, but more glow means more go, right?”''
== Trivia ==
* The Nerv has a bigger sibling part, the [[LV-SW "SWERV"]].
* The "Nerv" nickname is likely a reference to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NERVA NERVA], or "Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application", a NASA program to create a nuclear thermal rocket.


== Changes ==
== Changes ==
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== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Hydrogen]]


{{Navbox Parts|Part Type Category=[[Category:Engines]]}}
{{Navbox Parts|Part Type Category=[[Category:Engines]]}}

Revision as of 19:29, 30 March 2025

The LV-N "Nerv" is a deep space hydrogen engine. It features a long shape and a singular nozzle design suited for highly efficient deep space travel. It is unlocked from Nuclear Propulsion in Tier 2 of the Tech Tree.

Usage

The Nerv is a hydrogen-fueled rocket engine, unlike most others which burn methalox.

In a vacuum the Nerv is greatly efficient with its Isp of 900 s, roughly three times greater than any methalox engine. This makes it a suitable choice for small-scale interplanetary transfer stages even with its modest thrust of 75 kN. In atmosphere, however, the Nerv is incredibly ineffective. Low Isp, 250 s, matched with low thrust, 20.8 kN, provide little power for moving around.

The Nerv does not have any gimbal capability. That feature paired with its lengthy shape make it a poor choice for landers in most situations. Its SM allows for it to be easily used with engine plates or multi-node adapters, but this is often a less efficient choice than using a single LV-SW "SWERV" engine instead which offers nearly three times the thrust-to-weight ratio.

Synopsis

“The LV-N “Nerv” is the very first nuclear-powered rocket engine. It may be an insane approach to rocket propulsion, but it boasts a staggering ISP in vacuum, making it much more efficient than conventional methalox engines. Yes, it may be a little radioactive, but more glow means more go, right?”

Trivia

  • The Nerv has a bigger sibling part, the LV-SW "SWERV".
  • The "Nerv" nickname is likely a reference to NERVA, or "Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application", a NASA program to create a nuclear thermal rocket.

Changes

0.1.0.0

  • Initial release

See also