Learn how to build a rubber band catapult to launch your Whitewings gliders high into the sky. In addition to the catapult, you will need to attach a hook to your Whitewings glider for the rubber band to attach to.
Here are the instructions for making a double looped, rubber band catapult. Each loop will be about 9” long. You can use a single loop for low powered testing and the double loop for full powered launches.
1) You will need a small dowel around 3/8" in diameter and 6" long. You will also need a long piece of rubber band around 36" long and 1/16" thick. If you cannot find this, you can use several regular rubber bands linked together (see below).
2) Using a saw or small file, carefully make a groove at one end of the wooden dowel.
3) Fold the rubber band in half twice to make a double loop and tie it to the dowel, in the groove.
The "Simple Catapult" is easy to make, but sometimes the knot can slip off the end of the stick. If you want a nicer catapult where that won't happen, follow these directions.
1) You will need a slightly thicker dowel around 3/4" to 1" in diameter and 6" long. You will also need the same long piece of rubber band around 36" long and 1/16" thick. If you cannot find this, you can use several regular rubber bands linked together (see below).
2) Clamp the dowel in a vise and carefully drill a hole through one end of the dowel. A 3/16" drill bit is a good size.
3) Use some sandpaper to round off the edges and make it smooth. You can roll up a tiny strip of sandpaper to smooth out the inside of the hole.
4) Tie the rubber band into a big loop and then fold it in half to make a double loop. Thread both loops through the hole, then stretch the loops all the way around the bottom of the stick and pull it tight. Make sure both loops are the same length.
Each loop should be about 9” long. You can use a single loop for low powered testing and the double loop for full powered launches.
If you cannot find a 36" long rubber band, don't worry. You can link together several smaller rubber bands to make a long one and it will work just the same. Link as many as you want to make it longer.
To link the rubber bands into a square knot as in the above photo, pull loop 1 through the front of loop 2 at the same time that you pull loop 2 through the back of loop 1.
Here are the instructions for making the metal hook that attaches to the paper airplane. It provides a place for the rubber band catapult to connect.
1) Take a paper clip.
2) Using a wire cutter, cut the paper clip in half at the end with the single loop.
3) Using needle nose pliers, bend the paper clip into the hook shape printed on the paper airplane templates.
4) Trim away any excess metal.
5) Insert the hook into your Whiewings glider and glue it on.
