Eagle 5 PLFs

All three different PLFs(Payload Fairings) used in the Eagle 5 Program. The fairings are carbon composite structures, with the NFO being reusable via a parafoil. Each one offered greater efficiency and modulation to the Eagle 5 launch vehicle. In order of size and from left to right: the TFO(Tall Fairing Option), NFO(Normal Fairing Option), and SFO(Short Fairing Option).

NFO

The NFO is the most commonly used fairing size, launched on almost every Eagle 5 mission. It is scaled to accurately fit the right payload size for Eagle 5’s payload capacity. The fairing measures 18ft in diameter by 50ft tall. It is composed of two separating halves. Each halve is reusable(not in the game) via a small set of RCS thrusters and a parafoil, which allows them to land gently in the ocean and be retrieved by a boat.

TFO

The TFO are extended Eagle 5 NFO fairing halves. They are made of the same carbon composite materials, however, are not reusable. The fairing measures 18ft by 70ft, being extended from the NFO by 20ft. They are most commonly used on Eagle Heavy launches, in which the payload capacity is greatly increased, and therefore, the ability to launch more voluminous payloads. Still though, the TFO is rarely used, as most Eagle Heavy launches would be to an orbit higher than LEO, where it would benefit a payload most. It is possible to use on an Eagle 5 Full Expend Block 2.

SFO

The SFO are thinned and shortened versions of the NFO. They measure 14ft in diameter(the rocket’s diameter) by 30ft tall. They are carbon composite, just as the rest, and are not reusable(not used very often, and they wont float). They are most commonly used on Eagle 5 Partial Reuse Block 2, but can also be used for Eagle 5 Full Expend Block 2 and Eagle Heavy. In such cases when an interplanetary or GEO payload’s size is so much smaller than the massive NFO, using the SFO decreases PLF mass by about 5500lbs. If an Eagle Heavy is launching a small probe to a distant planet or into interstellar space, the use of the SFO helps to decrease unused, and therefore wasted space and mass.

TO USE

Just grab the silver disk at the bottom of the PLF you want, make it a subassembly, and then get the Eagle 5 variant you want. Take off its PLF, pull out the subassembly, take of its silver disk, and attach the new PLF! It’s that easy!